1 Corinthians 7:6

Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding temporary abstinence from marital relations. He frames his preceding instruction within a broader discussion of spiritual gifts and self-control.

The words — κατὰ συγγνώμην (kata sungnōmēn) literally means "by way of concession," while κατ᾽ ἐπιταγὴν (kat' epitagēn) translates as "by way of command." Paul places these phrases in direct contrast to mark the boundary between his advice and divine mandate.

The thread — This distinction between apostolic counsel and direct divine instruction appears in 1 Corinthians 7:12 and 1 Corinthians 7:25, where Paul explicitly separates his own judgment from the Lord's word. A parallel use of non-commanded guidance occurs in 2 Corinthians 8:8.

Why it lands — The text explicitly states that the preceding instruction carries advisory weight rather than obligatory force. Readers must distinguish between binding divine law and contextual apostolic counsel when applying the passage.

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.