What does 1 Corinthians 7:5 mean?

Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. 1 Corinthians 7:5

Explanation

1 Corinthians 7:5 advises married couples to maintain regular sexual relations, but acknowledges that there may be times when they mutually decide to refrain from intimacy for a period, in order to focus on prayer and fasting. The key points here are the mutual consent, the specific purpose for prayer and fasting, and the temporary nature of this abstention. The return to normal marital relations is encouraged to prevent Satan from tempting either spouse due to lack of self-control.

Historical Context

The passage is from a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, a very diverse and cosmopolitan city in ancient Greece. The letter, commonly dated to the mid-50s AD, addressed various issues faced by the early Christian community, including questions regarding marriage, celibacy, and sexual morality. Paul’s teachings on marriage come in response to a community living in a sexually permissive society, where both Jewish and Greco-Roman customs coexisted.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives have interpreted this verse in various ways. From a traditional viewpoint, it stresses the sanctity of marriage and the importance of sexual intimacy as a bond between husband and wife. It also suggests a degree of discipline and sacrifice in a marriage in order to grow spiritually. Some non-traditional viewpoints might focus on the aspect of mutual consent, suggesting an early emphasis on egalitarian decision-making within a marriage.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, this verse could be applied to emphasize the importance of communication and collaboration between spouses in making decisions about their relationship. It also may encourage couples to prioritize their spiritual development, sometimes even above physical intimacy. Furthermore, it highlights the value of temporary sacrifice to achieve a greater good, and the need to guard against temptations that could harm the marital relationship.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 7:2-4 “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.”
• Matthew 19:5-6 “And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?”
• Ephesians 5:22-33 – Passages discussing the relationship of husband and wife, likening it to the relationship between Christ and the church.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text:

• “Defraud ye not” (μὴ ἀποστερεῖτε – me aposterete): Also means ‘do not deprive’ or ‘do not cheat’.
• “Consent” (συμφώνου – symphonou): Implies agreement or harmony between partners.
• “Fasting and prayer” (νηστείᾳ καὶ προσευχῇ – nesteia kai proseuche): Implies a deliberate abstention from food and a committed focus on prayer.
• “Incontinency” (ἀκρασίᾳ – akrasia): Can refer to a lack of self-control or self-restraint, especially with regard to sexual impulses.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In some ancient religions and cultures, temporary sexual abstinence was practiced for various reasons, including purification before participating in religious rituals. In this context, Paul is introducing a Christian perspective where the purpose of abstinence is directed toward enhancing spiritual focus.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific perspective on prayer and fasting as they relate to avoiding temptation, modern psychology recognizes sexual health as an important aspect of a person’s well-being. This is consistent with the idea of returning to marital relations to prevent temptation and maintain a healthy marriage.

Commentaries

Various commentators have interpreted this passage throughout history:

• Early Church Fathers like John Chrysostom emphasized the mutuality and consent in marriage.
• Reformation leaders such as John Calvin underscored the duty to avoid temptations through self-discipline.
• Contemporary scholars might focus on the psychological insights of maintaining a healthy balance between physical intimacy and spiritual well-being.