1 Corinthians 7:5
What does 1 Corinthians 7:5 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 7:5 means
Paul warns spouses not to deprive each other except by mutual agreement, for a limited time, and for a spiritual purpose—devoting themselves to prayer. Even then, they should come together again so that Satan does not gain an advantage through their lack of self-control. Paul recognizes both the goodness of marital intimacy and the reality of spiritual warfare. Extended abstinence can create vulnerability to temptation. Therefore, discipline and devotion should be balanced with marital duty and affection. The counsel is realistic: agree together, set a season, seek God, and then reunite. This guards love, fosters unity in prayer, and denies the enemy footholds that arise from neglect or pride.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Defraud ye not one the other, except it be by consent for a season, that ye may give yourselves unto prayer, and may be together again, that Satan tempt you not because of your incontinency.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Defraud 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Defraud ye not one the other, except it be by consent for a season, that ye may give yourselves unto prayer, and may be together again, that Satan tempt you not because of your incontinency.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do not keep back from one another what is right, but only for a short time, and by agreement, so that you may give yourselves to prayer, and come together again; so that Satan may not get the better of you through your loss of self-control.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Defraud not one another, except by consent for a time, that ye may be free for fasting and prayer, and again may come together, that the Adversary may not tempt you because of your incontinence;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Defraud not one another, except, perhaps, by consent, for a time, that you may give yourselves to prayer: and return together again, lest Satan tempt you for your incontinency.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Defraud not one another, unless, it may be, by consent for a time, that ye may devote yourselves to prayer, and again be together, that Satan tempt you not because of your incontinency.
Context
This verse concludes Paul’s initial instructions on marital mutuality (verses 2–5). It refines the practice introduced in verses 3–4 by adding the spiritual dimension of agreed fasting and prayer, without neglecting the reunion that preserves purity. Immediately in verse 6, Paul will clarify the nature of his counsel—as a concession, not a rigid command. Then in verses 7–9, he will commend singleness where gifted, but recommend marriage where self-control is lacking. Understanding verse 5’s balance prepares the reader for Paul’s overall theme: undistracted devotion to the Lord alongside faithfulness in one’s marital responsibilities.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 4:10
Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:5
For this cause I also, when I could no longer forbear, sent that I might know your faith, lest by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor should be in vain.
- Joel 2:16
gather the people, sanctify the assembly, assemble the old men, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts; let the bridegroom go forth from his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
- Zechariah 7:3
and to speak unto the priests of the house of Jehovah of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years?
- Exodus 19:15
And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not near a woman.
- Matthew 19:11
But he said unto them, Not all men can receive this saying, but they to whom it is given.
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