What does 1 Corinthians 6:18 mean?

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that commiteth fornication sinneth against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18

Explanation

This verse, found in the New Testament, is directed at the Christian community in Corinth by the apostle Paul. He is warning against sexual immorality, specifically fornication, which refers to sexual intercourse between individuals who are not married to each other. Paul emphasizes that sexual sin is uniquely serious because it is a sin against one’s own body, contrasting it with other sins that he suggests are outside the body. The phrase “flee fornication” is an urgent call to avoid and run away from sexual immorality. The implication is that sexual sin has a profound impact not just spiritually, but also physically and emotionally.

Historical Context

The letter to the Corinthians was written by Paul around A.D. 55 when he was in Ephesus. Corinth was a major port city in Greece and a cultural melting pot, known for its wealth and also for its immorality. Sexual immorality was common, and some of the Corinthians may have felt that their freedom in Christ allowed for such behavior. Indeed, pagan religious practices of the time often involved temple prostitution and sexual rites. Thus, this instruction from Paul would be counter-cultural and challenging for the Corinthian believers.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse supports the Christian viewpoint that sex is intended by God to be enjoyed within the bounds of marriage. In the theological context, the body is seen as a temple of the Holy Spirit (as referenced just two verses later in 1 Corinthians 6:19), and therefore should not be desecrated by sexual immorality. This also aligns with the biblical teaching that marriage is a holy union, and sexual relations are a sacred part of that union.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse suggests that Christians should avoid any behavior that could lead to sexual immorality. This could be interpreted to include not only physical acts but also consumption of explicit materials, lustful thoughts, and situations that may tempt one to fornication. The call to “flee” indicates an active effort to avoid situations that could compromise one’s sexual integrity.

Cross-References

• 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5: “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.”
• Ephesians 5:3: “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.”
• Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for ‘fornication’ is πορνεία (porneia), which encompasses a range of sexual sins including intercourse outside of marriage. The phrase “sinneth against his own body” in Greek is “ἁμαρτάνει τὸ σῶμα αὐτοῦ” (hamartanei to sōma autou), where “hamartanei” implies missing the mark or erring, and “sōma” means body, stressing the physical aspect of the wrongdoing.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Other ancient religions and cultures often had different views on sexuality, with many embracing ritualistic sexual practices. For example, the worship of the goddess Aphrodite in Corinth may have included temple prostitution as part of her cult. In contrast, the Judeo-Christian ethic presented in the Bible made a clear demarcation against sexual relations outside of a monogamous, heterosexual marriage.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science has added a dimension of understanding to the potential consequences of sexual activity outside of a committed relationship, including sexually transmitted diseases and psychological effects. The imperative to “flee fornication” can be seen as practical advice, acknowledging the real risks to physical health and mental well-being associated with promiscuous sexual behavior.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have long discussed this verse, with many agreeing on its straightforward prohibition of sexual immorality. Matthew Henry’s Commentary, for instance, reflects on the sanctity of the body and the gravity of sins of the flesh. John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible emphasizes the dishonor brought upon the body through fornication, and the unique nature of this sin compared to others. Many agree that Paul is advocating for sexual purity in light of the believer’s identity in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.