1 Corinthians 7:3
Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
1 Corinthians 7:3 (KJV)
Context
Paul writes to a church in Corinth, a city known for its immorality and pagan worship. The believers there faced the challenge of living faithfully in marriage amid surrounding cultural pressures. In 1 Corinthians 7, the apostle answers questions the Corinthians raised about marriage and singleness, and verse 3 addresses the mutual obligation of husband and wife.
Meaning
The phrase “due benevolence” in the King James Version refers to the affection and duty owed to a spouse. Other translations render it as “conjugal rights” or “marital duty.” The underlying idea is a debt or obligation, as seen in the Latin Vulgate’s “debitum” and the Wycliffe translation’s “debt.” Paul instructs husbands to render this to their wives, and wives to do the same for their husbands. This is not merely a physical duty but encompasses the legitimate physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of one’s spouse.
Biblical connections
The concept of a marriage duty appears in Exodus 21:10, where a husband’s obligations include food, clothing, and “her marriage duty.” Paul applies this principle to both partners, making the obligation mutual and reciprocal. This teaching counters the cultural norms of the first-century Greco-Roman world, where women were often regarded as inferior and their needs neglected. By addressing both spouses equally, Paul affirms the dignity and value of each partner within the marriage covenant.
Application
This verse calls couples to a spirit of giving rather than selfishness. Each spouse is to consider the other’s well-being, prioritizing their needs within the bounds of a godly marriage. This selfless love reflects the character of Christ and honors the sacred covenant of marriage. Although written in a specific historical setting, the principle remains relevant today, reminding couples of their mutual obligations and the call to care for one another.
Reflection
Marriage is a sacred covenant, not merely a legal contract. Both partners commit to a lifelong, God-ordained union, fulfilling responsibilities and meeting each other’s needs. As believers, we are urged to demonstrate love, selflessness, and care, reflecting Christ’s love to one another within the marriage relationship.
