What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 7:5? Do not deprive each other Paul begins with a clear, loving command: “Do not deprive each other…” (1 Corinthians 7:5). Marriage is designed for mutual giving, not withholding. • Genesis 2:24 shows God joining husband and wife as “one flesh,” highlighting ongoing physical union. • 1 Corinthians 7:3-4 just prior affirms each spouse “fulfills his duty” to the other; their bodies belong to one another in covenant love. • Ephesians 5:28 urges husbands to cherish wives as their own bodies. Deprivation cracks the unity God intends, creating space for resentment and distance. except by mutual consent Any temporary abstinence must be jointly agreed: “except by mutual consent…” • Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together without agreeing?” Unity governs even the pauses. • Matthew 18:19 shows the power of two believers agreeing in prayer—a pattern for marital decisions. • 1 Peter 3:7 calls husbands to live considerately so “your prayers will not be hindered.” Cooperation honors both partners and the Lord. and for a time The pause is “for a time,” clearly limited. • Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us every purpose has its season; abstinence is a brief tool, not a lifestyle. • Mark 6:31 shows Jesus inviting rest, yet only temporarily before returning to ministry. • Healthy boundaries keep intentions pure and prevent drifting apart. Setting an end point guards hearts. so you may devote yourselves to prayer Purpose drives the pause: “…so that you may devote yourselves to prayer.” • Matthew 6:6 pictures focused, private communion with the Father. • Colossians 4:2 urges believers to be “devoted to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” • Acts 6:4 illustrates early leaders prioritizing “prayer and the ministry of the word.” By stepping back from physical intimacy briefly, couples unite spiritually, seeking God’s guidance, strength, or breakthrough together. Then come together again After prayer, Paul insists, “Then come together again.” • Hebrews 13:4 honors marriage and keeps the marriage bed undefiled. • Proverbs 5:18 says, “Rejoice in the wife of your youth.” • Song of Songs 7:10 celebrates mutual desire. Resuming intimacy re-seals the bond, expressing renewed affection and commitment. so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control The enemy exploits prolonged distance: “…so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control.” • Matthew 26:41 warns, “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” • 1 Peter 5:8 pictures the devil prowling for someone to devour. • 1 Corinthians 10:13 comforts that God provides escape from temptation, yet practical obedience (here, timely reunion) is part of that escape. Regular marital intimacy is a God-given shield against immoral allurements. summary 1 Corinthians 7:5 balances physical and spiritual priorities in marriage. Husbands and wives give themselves freely, withholding only by shared agreement, briefly, and for focused prayer. Afterward they reunite, safeguarding their union from Satan’s schemes and fostering God-honoring self-control. |
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