1 Corinthians 7:3-4

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 7:1-11

Views concerning marriage: the institution in itself and in relation to circumstances, obligations, and duties. We have seen what a meeting place Corinth was for the schools of philosophy and Judaism—a sort of metropolitan Coliseum, in which the gladiators of intellect were in unceasing combat. Neither Rome, nor Athens, nor Jerusalem, afforded such a field of contention as this proud and sensual city, where worldly culture and elegance existed side by side with commercial wealth and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 7:1-35

Celibacy and marriage. The Corinthian Christians had written to the apostle for direction respecting the relative desirability and recumbency of single and wedded life. Probably some of them regarded marriage as obligatory, and others perhaps looked upon it as an evil. Amongst Gentiles there was at this period strong tendency towards celibacy. The reputation of Corinth was, moreover, an unenviable for wantonness and uncleanness. There was therefore great need for full and explicit... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 7:1-40

Answers to the inquiries of the Corinthians respecting marriage. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 7:1-40

Paul's conception of marriage. "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me," etc. All that Paul here says of marriage is in answer to some communication which the Church had addressed to him On the subject, and what he says he declares is not "of commandment," that is, not by Divine authority, but by "permission." All Scripture is therefore not inspired, even all the counsels of St. Paul do not seem to have been so. So desirous did he seem to be that all he says on this subject... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 7:2-17

Marriage: its nature and duties. I. NATURE . 1. It is the union of one man and one woman. ( 1 Corinthians 7:2 .) Polygamy and polyandry are rigorously excluded from the sanction of the Christian faith. The former was tolerated by God in early times, but never enjoined or commended. The first union, in Eden, was of the Christian order. The wisdom of the dictum of Christianity has been exemplified by universal experience. All other arrangements are prolific of evils. 2. It is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 7:3

Due benevolence. An euphemistic and needless modification by the copyists of the pure and simple expression of St. Paul, which, as shown by the best manuscripts, is "her due"— debitum tori. St. Paul is evidently entering on these subjects, not out of any love for them; but because all kinds of extreme views—immoral indifference and over scrupulous asceticism—had claimed dominance among the Corinthians. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 7:4

The wife hath not power, Marriage is not a capricious union, but a holy bond. "They two" become "one flesh." read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:3

Let the husband ... - “Let them not imagine that there is any virtue in bring separate from each other, as if they were in a state of celibacy” - “Doddridge.” They are bound to each other; in every way they are to evince kindness, and to seek to promote the happiness and purity of each other. There is a great deal of delicacy used here by Paul, and his expression is removed as far as possible from the grossness of pagan writers. His meaning is plain; but instead of using a word to express it... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Corinthians 7:4

The wife hath not power ... - By the marriage covenant that power, in this respect, is transferred to the husband,And likewise, also, the husband - The equal rights of husband and wife, in the Scriptures, are everywhere maintained. They are to regard themselves as united in most intimate union, and in most tender ties. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Corinthians 7:3-4

1 Corinthians 7:3-4. Let the husband Where this relation is commenced; render unto the wife, Την οφειλομενην ευνοιαν , the due benevolence That is, the conjugal duty, the duty resulting from the nature of the marriage- covenant. Or, let not married persons fancy that there is any perfection in living with each other as if they were unmarried. The wife hath not power over her own body Namely, in this respect, but by the marriage- covenant hath transferred it to her husband. And... read more

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