Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 7:6

What does 1 Corinthians 7:6 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 7:6 means

Paul notes that what he has just said is by way of concession, not command. He is not imposing a legalistic requirement about temporary abstinence or insisting on a particular schedule for intimacy. Instead, he offers wise, pastorally sensitive guidance suitable to varying circumstances. This language shows Paul’s flexibility within the bounds of holiness: the gospel sets people free to apply godly principles in different conditions. By distinguishing concession from command, Paul honors conscience, mutual agreement, and situational wisdom. He refuses to turn practical counsel into binding law. The heart of his guidance remains clear—mutual love and spiritual devotion—while the particulars are left to the couple’s Spirit-led discretion.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But this I say as my opinion, and not as an order of the Lord.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and this I say by way of concurrence--not of command,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But I speak this by indulgence, not by commandment.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But this I say, as consenting [to], not as commanding [it].

Context

After urging spouses to avoid depriving one another (verse 5), Paul ensures they do not take his words as an inflexible rule. Verse 6 functions as a hinge: it closes the first section on marital duty with a clarifying tone before he elevates the value of singleness in verses 7–9. This contrast between concession and command recurs in the chapter, as Paul sometimes cites the Lord’s explicit teaching and at other times gives his apostolic judgment. Grasping this distinction helps the reader interpret later statements about divorce, mixed marriages, and virginity with appropriate weight and nuance.

v.5Defraud 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.

v.6This passage

v.7Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:12

    But to the rest say I, not the Lord: If any brother hath an unbelieving wife, and she is content to dwell with him, let him not leave her.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:17

    That which I speak, I speak not after the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of glorying.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:8

    I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:25

    Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.

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