1 Corinthians 7:5 — English NIRV 1996 - Copyrighted only for Website
You shouldn't stop giving yourselves to each other except when you both agree to do so. And that should be only to give yourselves time to pray for a while. Then you should come together again. In that way, Satan will not tempt you when you can't control yourselves.
What Does This Mean?
This verse is from Paul to the Corinthians, advising them not to deny each other physical intimacy without mutual agreement for a set time to focus on spiritual activities like prayer and fasting. The key message is about balancing marital duties with spiritual growth.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a special friend at school. Sometimes, you both agree to take a break from playing together so you can study really hard for an important test. This verse says married people should sometimes do the same thing but for praying and fasting.
Historical Background
Paul wrote this letter around 53-54 AD to the church in Corinth, addressing various issues among believers, including questions about marriage and sexual relationships. The Corinthians lived in a culture with diverse views on sexuality.
Living It Out Today
A modern application could be a married couple deciding to take a break from physical intimacy for a month to focus on spiritual growth through fasting and prayer during a particularly challenging time at work or school.
Topics
marriagespiritual growthfasting and prayerintimacyself-controltemptation
'Defraud' here means to deny or deprive unfairly. Paul is advising against one spouse withholding intimacy without mutual agreement.
Why mention fasting and prayer specifically?
Fasting and prayer are spiritual disciplines that can enhance a couple's faith journey and help them stay focused on God during times of abstinence from physical intimacy.
Does this verse apply to non-married couples as well?
The context is specifically about married couples, but the principles of mutual agreement and spiritual focus can be applied broadly to any committed relationship.
How long should the agreed time for abstinence be?
The verse doesn't specify a duration; it emphasizes that both partners must agree on the length of time, which could vary based on their personal and spiritual needs.
