What does 1 Corinthians 7:6 mean?

But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment. 1 Corinthians 7:6

Explanation

The verse 1 Corinthians 7:6 states, “But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.” This passage is coming from the Apostle Paul as he addresses the church in Corinth in regards to marriage and sexual relations within marriage. Literal interpretation here indicates Paul is acknowledging that he is offering advice or guidance on the matter rather than delivering a direct command from the Lord. He seems to be giving his own opinion, or permission, which implies a degree of flexibility rather than a strict directive that Christians must follow. The deeper meaning may reflect an understanding that certain aspects of Christian teaching can be subject to personal discernment and that not every detail of life is prescribed by divine commandment.

Historical Context

The city of Corinth was a bustling trade center in Greece and known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth was a diverse community facing several issues, including sexual immorality, misunderstandings about Christian freedom, and questions about marriage and celibacy. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians is written to address these problems and to offer guidance on living a Christian life in such an environment. This particular verse falls within a passage where Paul is discussing marriage and the concerns of the unmarried and widowed, offering counsel on how to live in a way that is holy and pleasing to God.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse emphasizes the distinction between divinely inspired commandments and apostolic advice or counsel. While both are important, they carry different levels of authority and obligation. Some theologians argue that Paul demonstrates the discretion given to church leaders to guide their congregations according to prevailing circumstances when explicit scriptural directives are not available. This notion supports the idea that individual conscience and wisdom are valid under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, a concept that has implications for personal decision-making within the Christian life.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse can encourage believers to seek wisdom and spiritual guidance when making decisions about nuanced or personal matters not specifically covered by Scripture. It also suggests that while the Bible is the ultimate authority for Christian conduct, it does not mean that every life decision is rigidly dictated. Believers can apply this understanding by seeking counsel from church leadership and weighing their advice with prayer and consideration of biblical principles.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 7:25: “Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.”
• 2 Corinthians 8:8: “I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.”
• Romans 14:5: “One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key phrase is “λέγω δὲ τοῦτο κατὰ συγγνώμην, οὐ κατ’ ἐπιταγήν” (lego de touto kata syngnomen, ou kat’ epitagen). The term “συγγνώμην” (syngnomen) can be translated as “concession,” “permission,” or “tolerance.” It is distinguished from “ἐπιταγήν” (epitagen), which refers to a command or order. This distinction emphasizes that Paul is conscious of the difference between personal advice and authoritative command.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various other ancient religions and cultures, religious leaders often issued edicts that were regarded as commands from the gods. In contrast, the Jewish tradition, from which Christianity emerged, valued the role of individual conscience and wisdom, which echoes through Paul’s letter as he distinguishes between different types of spiritual guidance. This reflects an embrace of personal responsibility in discernment, which is notable in this context.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific understanding may not directly correlate with this particular verse since it deals more with personal counsel and the nature of spiritual guidance rather than empirical claims. However, psychological studies on decision-making and the influence of authority could provide insight into the human inclination to seek direction from respected leaders and the role of personal autonomy in decision-making processes, which are indirectly relevant to the interpretation of Paul’s words.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and commentators have taken note of this verse:

• John Gill’s Commentary highlights that the Apostle Paul distinguishes what he had from the Lord as a command and what he delivered upon his own authority, as advice.
• Matthew Henry’s Commentary outlines that Paul did not impose a strict law but gave permission as a concession, recognizing the complex situations the Corinthians faced.
• The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges observes that Paul is making it clear that his previous statements were not absolute commands from the Lord but rather counsel shaped by the current distresses experienced by the Corinthians.

These commentaries commonly suggest that Paul was sensitive to the conditions and needs of the Corinthians and sought to guide them with practical wisdom that did not overstep the bounds of his apostolic authority.