1 Corinthians 7:5

Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church, addressing married couples regarding mutual bodily authority and marital relations. He issues this instruction during a broader discussion on marriage and celibacy, explicitly framing it as a concession rather than a binding command.

The words — The Greek verb ἀποστερεῖτε (apostereite) literally means "do not deprive," operating alongside συμφώνου (sumphōnou) for "mutual agreement." The text explicitly commands spouses not to withhold intimacy except by shared consent for a limited duration.

The thread — Temporary abstention for spiritual focus appears in Exodus 19:15, where Israel prepares for divine encounter by refraining from marital relations, and Joel 2:16, which commands the congregation to sanctify themselves through gathered assembly. The passage also parallels 1 Samuel 21:4, where consecrated bread is supplied for young men who have kept themselves from women.

Why it lands — The verse requires married couples to practice deliberate, consensual restraint for prayer while preventing sexual immorality through timely reconciliation. It demands practical accountability in marital intimacy rather than prolonged or unilateral abstinence.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Defraud 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.

Cross-references

Exodus 19:15 “Be prepared for the third day,” he said to the people. “Do not draw near to a woman.”
Joel 2:16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the aged, gather the children, even those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber.
1 Samuel 21:4 “There is no common bread on hand,” the priest replied, “but there is some consecrated bread—provided that the young men have kept themselves from women.”
Zechariah 12:12 The land will mourn, each clan on its own: the clan of the house of David and their wives, the clan of the house of Nathan and their wives,
Zechariah 7:3 by asking the priests of the house of the LORD of Hosts, as well as the prophets, “Should I weep and fast in the fifth month, as I have done these many years?”
Matthew 4:10 “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
Matthew 19:11 “Not everyone can accept this word,” He replied, “but only those to whom it has been given.
1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter had somehow tempted you and that our labor might have been in vain.