1 Corinthians 7:2
Verse
Context
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To avoid fornication - Δια τας πορνειας· verto, propter exercendam libidinem, vel ut libidinem licite exercere liceat. Probo hanc notionem ex Hebraeo, ibi זנה, zanah, est libidinem exercere, Hos 4:10 : For they shall eat and not have enough; they shall commit whoredom, תזנו, libidinem exercebunt, and shall not increase. Here the prophet certainly does not speak of whoredom in our sense of the word; for the persons he mentions expected to have children, which cannot be said of those who are addicted to improper connections: the prophet speaks concerning married persons, whom he threatens with a privation of children, notwithstanding libidinem exercebant in order to have numerous families. See Schoettgen. The following verse shows that this is the apostle's meaning. Let every man have his own wife - Let every man have one woman, his own; and every woman one man, her own. Here, plurality of wives and husbands is most strictly forbidden; and they are commanded to marry for the purpose of procreating children. In the Jewish constitutions there are some things not only curious, but useful, respecting marriage. "There are four causes which induce men to marry: 1. Impure desire; 2. To get riches; 3. To become honorable; 4. For the glory of God. Those who marry through the first motive beget wicked and rebellious children. Those who marry for the sake of riches have the curse of leaving them to others. Those who marry for the sake of aggrandizing their family, their families shall be diminished. Those who marry to promote the glory of God, their children shall be holy, and by them shall the true Church be increased."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Here the general rule is given to avoid fornication--More literally, "on account of fornications," to which as being very prevalent at Corinth, and not even counted sins among the heathen, unmarried persons might be tempted. The plural, "fornications," marks irregular lusts, as contrasted with the unity of the marriage relation [BENGEL]. let every man have--a positive command to all who have not the gift of continency, in fact to the great majority of the world (Co1 7:5). The dignity of marriage is set forth by Paul (Eph 5:25-32), in the fact that it signifies the mystical union between Christ and the Church.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Nevertheless, to avoid fornication,.... Or "fornications"; meaning either the frequent commission of that sin; or all sorts of uncleanness and pollution, which may be avoided by wedlock, and the proper use of the marriage bed, where the gift of continency is not bestowed: wherefore to prevent unlawful copulations, as of single persons with one another, or of a married person with a single one, the apostle advises, as being what is right and proper, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband; that is, let every man that has a wife enjoy her, and make use of her, and let every woman that has an husband, receive him into her embraces; for these words are not to be understood of unmarried persons entering into a marriage state, for the words suppose them in such a state, but of the proper use of the marriage bed; and teach us that marriage, and the use of it, are proper remedies against fornication; and that carnal copulation of a man with a woman ought only to be of husband and wife, or of persons in a married state; and that all other copulations are sinful; and that polygamy is unlawful; and that one man is to have but one wife, and to keep to her; and that one woman is to have but one husband, and to keep to him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:2 Because of widespread sexual immorality, Paul encourages most Christians to get married (7:9). He tempers the ideal of the celibate life with awareness of physical realities.
1 Corinthians 7:2
Principles of Marriage
1Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good to abstain from sexual relations.2But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Heart to Heart Talk on Marriage
By Jim Cymbala8.5K39:36MarriageMAT 19:61CO 7:21CO 7:5EPH 5:21EPH 6:11JAS 4:61PE 5:8In this sermon, the speaker starts by sharing a personal anecdote about watching a nature channel and being disturbed by the aggressive behavior of wild dogs in South Africa. He then transitions to discussing the dangers of bitterness and isolation in our spiritual lives, emphasizing the importance of acting in a Christian way and avoiding conflicts that can lead to negative consequences. The speaker also highlights the significance of humility and self-control in relationships, particularly in marriage. They emphasize that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, and encourages single individuals to avoid being self-centered in order to receive God's blessings. The sermon references biblical passages such as 1 Peter 5:5-7 to support these teachings.
Freedom From Masterbation and Sensuality
By Tim Conway3.7K33:54PRO 6:27PRO 7:21MAT 5:28JHN 8:36ROM 6:13ROM 13:131CO 7:2EPH 5:51TH 4:3This sermon emphasizes the need to flee from sin, particularly addressing the issue of justifying masturbation as not a sin. It highlights the importance of seeking biblical guidance and examining one's conscience, pointing out that sexual immorality and lack of self-control are condemned in the Bible. The speaker shares personal testimony of finding freedom from lust, pornography, and masturbation through genuine repentance, faith in Christ, and reliance on God's grace.
(Through the Bible) 1 Corinthians - Part 2
By Zac Poonen53757:231CO 6:181CO 7:21CO 9:241CO 12:121CO 13:41CO 14:51CO 14:271CO 14:311CO 15:421CO 16:14This sermon delves into the importance of understanding and applying the teachings from 1 Corinthians, emphasizing the need to overcome temptations, maintain purity in relationships, and operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit within the context of love and unity in the body of Christ. It highlights the significance of running away from immorality, the purpose of marriage as a protection, the need for self-control and faithfulness, the value of surrendering individual gifts for the benefit of the church, and the essential role of love in all aspects of Christian life and ministry.
Homily 13
By Clement of Rome0PRO 31:10ACT 2:381CO 6:181CO 7:21CO 7:51CO 10:13EPH 5:251TH 4:3HEB 13:41PE 3:8Clement of Rome shares the journey to Laodicea, where a family is reunited after many years of separation. The family's history is revealed, leading to emotional recognitions and a desire for baptism. Peter emphasizes the importance of true piety, chastity, and the significance of baptism in one's faith journey. He instructs on the virtues of chastity, the dangers of adultery, and the blessings that come from living a chaste life. The sermon concludes with reflections on the value of chastity, the joy of reuniting with loved ones, and the importance of following God's laws.
Discipleship and Marriage
By William MacDonald0MarriageDiscipleshipGEN 1:28GEN 2:18PRO 18:22ECC 4:9MAT 5:13MAT 19:12LUK 14:281CO 7:21CO 7:32HEB 13:4William MacDonald addresses the complex relationship between discipleship and marriage, emphasizing that while marriage is a divine institution meant for companionship, procreation, and purity, it is not a universal calling for every disciple. He highlights that some may choose celibacy to serve Christ more fully, underscoring the importance of individual guidance from God in this decision. MacDonald warns against the distractions that marriage can bring, urging believers to prioritize their commitment to Christ above all else. He encourages counting the cost of discipleship, reminding that true followers must be willing to forsake everything for the sake of the Gospel. Ultimately, he calls for a life dedicated to glorifying God, free from the entanglements of worldly desires.
(Sex, Love & Marriage) 5. Two Shall Become One
By Zac Poonen0GEN 2:18PSA 78:5ECC 4:9MAT 19:31CO 7:2EPH 5:221TI 4:1HEB 13:4REV 19:7Zac Poonen preaches on the beauty of unity in marriage, contrasting harmonious Christian couples with those who lack understanding and oneness, leading to misery. He emphasizes the importance of obeying God's Word in marriage to ensure success and happiness. Poonen delves into God's design for marriage, highlighting companionship, the establishment of a home, and sexual fulfillment as key purposes ordained by God. He also discusses the symbolism of marriage, drawing parallels between the husband-wife relationship and Christ-Church relationship, stressing the need for mutual love, respect, and self-sacrifice.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To avoid fornication - Δια τας πορνειας· verto, propter exercendam libidinem, vel ut libidinem licite exercere liceat. Probo hanc notionem ex Hebraeo, ibi זנה, zanah, est libidinem exercere, Hos 4:10 : For they shall eat and not have enough; they shall commit whoredom, תזנו, libidinem exercebunt, and shall not increase. Here the prophet certainly does not speak of whoredom in our sense of the word; for the persons he mentions expected to have children, which cannot be said of those who are addicted to improper connections: the prophet speaks concerning married persons, whom he threatens with a privation of children, notwithstanding libidinem exercebant in order to have numerous families. See Schoettgen. The following verse shows that this is the apostle's meaning. Let every man have his own wife - Let every man have one woman, his own; and every woman one man, her own. Here, plurality of wives and husbands is most strictly forbidden; and they are commanded to marry for the purpose of procreating children. In the Jewish constitutions there are some things not only curious, but useful, respecting marriage. "There are four causes which induce men to marry: 1. Impure desire; 2. To get riches; 3. To become honorable; 4. For the glory of God. Those who marry through the first motive beget wicked and rebellious children. Those who marry for the sake of riches have the curse of leaving them to others. Those who marry for the sake of aggrandizing their family, their families shall be diminished. Those who marry to promote the glory of God, their children shall be holy, and by them shall the true Church be increased."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Here the general rule is given to avoid fornication--More literally, "on account of fornications," to which as being very prevalent at Corinth, and not even counted sins among the heathen, unmarried persons might be tempted. The plural, "fornications," marks irregular lusts, as contrasted with the unity of the marriage relation [BENGEL]. let every man have--a positive command to all who have not the gift of continency, in fact to the great majority of the world (Co1 7:5). The dignity of marriage is set forth by Paul (Eph 5:25-32), in the fact that it signifies the mystical union between Christ and the Church.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Nevertheless, to avoid fornication,.... Or "fornications"; meaning either the frequent commission of that sin; or all sorts of uncleanness and pollution, which may be avoided by wedlock, and the proper use of the marriage bed, where the gift of continency is not bestowed: wherefore to prevent unlawful copulations, as of single persons with one another, or of a married person with a single one, the apostle advises, as being what is right and proper, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband; that is, let every man that has a wife enjoy her, and make use of her, and let every woman that has an husband, receive him into her embraces; for these words are not to be understood of unmarried persons entering into a marriage state, for the words suppose them in such a state, but of the proper use of the marriage bed; and teach us that marriage, and the use of it, are proper remedies against fornication; and that carnal copulation of a man with a woman ought only to be of husband and wife, or of persons in a married state; and that all other copulations are sinful; and that polygamy is unlawful; and that one man is to have but one wife, and to keep to her; and that one woman is to have but one husband, and to keep to him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:2 Because of widespread sexual immorality, Paul encourages most Christians to get married (7:9). He tempers the ideal of the celibate life with awareness of physical realities.