What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 7:3? The husband Paul begins with the man. Scripture says, “The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife” (1 Corinthians 7:3). - A husband is called to active responsibility, not passive permission. - Ephesians 5:25–28 tells husbands to “love your wives, just as Christ loved the church,” a self-giving model that guards against neglect. - Colossians 3:19 echoes it: “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” The thrust is clear: a man’s leadership in marriage never exempts him from serving his wife’s needs—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. should fulfill his marital duty “Marital duty” speaks of the debt of love spouses owe one another. - Romans 13:8 applies broadly—“Owe no one anything, except to love each other”—and in marriage that debt includes physical intimacy. - Proverbs 5:18 urges husbands to “rejoice in the wife of your youth,” highlighting delight, not drudgery. - 1 Corinthians 7:5 warns spouses not to deprive each other, underscoring that intimacy is protection “so that Satan will not tempt you.” This duty is not a grim obligation; it is a covenant privilege meant to be offered freely, regularly, and joyfully. to his wife Paul stresses direction. The husband’s duty is aimed “to his wife,” not toward self-gratification. - 1 Peter 3:7 commands husbands to “live with your wives in an understanding way… so that your prayers will not be hindered.” - Song of Solomon presents an entire book on mutual delight, reminding us that intimacy is a two-way gift. A wife is not an accessory to a man’s desires; she is the honored recipient of his affection and care. and likewise The phrase shifts the spotlight to mutuality. What applies to one partner applies to the other. - Galatians 3:28 reminds us we are “all one in Christ Jesus,” so marital roles never erase spiritual equality. - Ephesians 5:21 calls for “submitting to one another in the fear of Christ,” framing service as reciprocal, not one-sided. Paul’s “likewise” kills any notion that only one spouse must give while the other only receives. the wife to her husband A wife’s duty mirrors her husband’s, expressing loving devotion in every dimension. - Proverbs 31:11 notes that a virtuous wife lets her husband “have full confidence in her,” a trust built on consistent faithfulness. - In 1 Corinthians 7:4 Paul explains, “The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.” Authority is mutual stewardship, never tyranny. A wife honors Christ when she generously gives herself to her husband, just as he is commanded to give himself to her. summary 1 Corinthians 7:3 calls husband and wife to a life of mutual, joyful, and sacrificial intimacy. The passage dismantles selfishness by turning marital rights into acts of loving service. Each spouse owes the other the gift of compassion, tenderness, and physical affection, guarding the marriage bond and reflecting Christ’s self-giving love to the world. |
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