1 Corinthians 7:2

2 But because there is so much fornication every man should have a wife of his own, and every woman should have a husband.

1 Corinthians 7:2 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 7:2

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication
Or "fornications"; meaning either the frequent commission of that sin; or all sorts of uncleanness and pollution, which may be avoided by wedlock, and the proper use of the marriage bed, where the gift of continency is not bestowed: wherefore to prevent unlawful copulations, as of single persons with one another, or of a married person with a single one, the apostle advises, as being what is right and proper,

let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own
husband;
that is, let every man that has a wife enjoy her, and make use of her, and let every woman that has an husband, receive him into her embraces; for these words are not to be understood of unmarried persons entering into a marriage state, for the words suppose them in such a state, but of the proper use of the marriage bed; and teach us that marriage, and the use of it, are proper remedies against fornication; and that carnal copulation of a man with a woman ought only to be of husband and wife, or of persons in a married state; and that all other copulations are sinful; and that polygamy is unlawful; and that one man is to have but one wife, and to keep to her; and that one woman is to have but one husband, and to keep to him.

1 Corinthians 7:2 In-Context

1 I now deal with the subjects mentioned in your letter. It is well for a man to abstain altogether from marriage.

2 But because there is so much fornication every man should have a wife of his own, and every woman should have a husband.

3 Let a man pay his wife her due, and let a woman also pay her husband his.

4 A married woman is not mistress of her own person: her husband has certain rights. In the same way a married man is not master of his own person: his wife has certain rights.

5 Do not refuse one another, unless perhaps it is just for a time and by mutual consent, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer and may then associate again; lest the Adversary begin to tempt you because of your deficiency in self-control.