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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 7:6 I say this as a concession, not as a command.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/7-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/46_1Co_07_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 7:6 - Principles of Marriage" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I say this as a concession, not as a command." /><script type="application/javascript" 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id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/7-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-5.htm" title="1 Corinthians 7:5">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 7:6 <a href="/1_corinthians/7-7.htm" title="1 Corinthians 7:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/7.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I say this as a concession, not as a command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I say this as a concession, not as a command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now as a concession, not a command, I say this.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I say this as a concession, not as a command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Now I say this by way of concession, not by way of command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But I speak this by permission, <i>and</i> not of commandment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But this I say by way of concession, not of command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But this I say by way of concession, not of command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But this I say by way of concession, not of command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But this I say as a concession, not as a command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But I am saying this as a concession, not as a command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I say this as a concession, not as a command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I say the following as a concession, not as a command. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />In my opinion that is what should be done, though I don't know of anything the Lord said about this matter. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But this I say by way of permission, not of commandment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />What I have just said is not meant as a command but as a suggestion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I tell you this not as an order, but simply as a permission. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But I say this as a concession, not as a command. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I say this as a concession, not as a command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I say this as a concession, not as a command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But I speak this by permission, and not as a commandment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Thus much in the way of concession, not of command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and this I say by way of concurrence—not of command,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Now I say this by way of concession, not by way of command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and this I say by way of concurrence -- not of command,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And this I say according to indulgence, not according to order.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But I speak this by indulgence, not by commandment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But I am saying this, neither as an indulgence, nor as a commandment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />This I say by way of concession, however, not as a command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />This I say by way of concession, not of command.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But I say this only to weak persons, for it is not part of the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />I say this as to the weak, not by commandment.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But this I say by permission, not by commandment:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But I speak this according to knowledge, not according to commandment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But in this I speak my opinion only, not authoritatively.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but as for the rest, I speak it by way of counsel, and not of command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Thus much in the way of concession, not of command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />But this I say by way of permission, not of command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />But I say this by way of permission, not of command:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=1206" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Principles of Marriage</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I say</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">as</a> <a href="/greek/4774.htm" title="4774: syngnōmēn (N-AFS) -- Permission, indulgence, concession. From a compound of sun and ginosko; fellow knowledge, i.e. Concession.">a concession,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kat’ (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">as</a> <a href="/greek/2003.htm" title="2003: epitagēn (N-AFS) -- Instruction, command, order, authority. From epitasso; an injunction or decree; by implication, authoritativeness.">a command.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">7</span>I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:8</a></span><br />I am not giving a command, but I am testing the sincerity of your love through the earnestness of others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-15.htm">1 Corinthians 9:15</a></span><br />But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">2 Corinthians 11:17</a></span><br />In this confident boasting of mine, I am not speaking as the Lord would, but as a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-12.htm">1 Corinthians 7:12</a></span><br />To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If a brother has an unbelieving wife and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-25.htm">1 Corinthians 7:25</a></span><br />Now about virgins, I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-40.htm">1 Corinthians 7:40</a></span><br />In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-6.htm">1 Corinthians 9:6</a></span><br />Or are Barnabas and I the only apostles who must work for a living?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-35.htm">1 Corinthians 7:35</a></span><br />I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but in order to promote proper decorum and undivided devotion to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">1 Corinthians 7:10</a></span><br />To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-17.htm">1 Corinthians 7:17</a></span><br />Regardless, each one should lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is what I prescribe in all the churches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-28.htm">1 Corinthians 7:28</a></span><br />But if you do marry, you have not sinned. And if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-32.htm">1 Corinthians 7:32</a></span><br />I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39</a></span><br />A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-2.htm">1 Corinthians 7:2</a></span><br />But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-5.htm">1 Corinthians 7:5</a></span><br />Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.</p><p class="hdg">by.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/7-12.htm">1 Corinthians 7:12,25</a></b></br> But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:8</a></b></br> I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">2 Corinthians 11:17</a></b></br> That which I speak, I speak <i>it</i> not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/16-26.htm">Command</a> <a href="/acts/25-23.htm">Commanding</a> <a href="/romans/16-26.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/acts/25-3.htm">Concession</a> <a href="/acts/22-20.htm">Consenting</a> <a href="/romans/14-3.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-2.htm">Order</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Permission</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-5.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-4.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">Command</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">Commanding</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-25.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/acts/25-3.htm">Concession</a> <a href="/luke/23-51.htm">Consenting</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-25.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-35.htm">Order</a> <a href="/revelation/13-7.htm">Permission</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-12.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-7.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-1.htm">He discusses marriage;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-4.htm">showing it to be a remedy against sinful desires,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">and that the bond thereof ought not lightly to be dissolved.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-20.htm">Every man must be content with his vocation.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-25.htm">Virginity wherefore to be embraced;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-35.htm">and for what respects we may either marry, or abstain from marrying.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I say this as a concession</b><br>In this phrase, Paul is addressing the Corinthian church regarding marriage and celibacy. The term "concession" indicates that Paul is offering advice rather than issuing a divine mandate. This reflects the flexibility in Christian living, allowing for personal circumstances and individual callings. In the broader context of <a href="/1_corinthians/7.htm">1 Corinthians 7</a>, Paul discusses marriage, singleness, and sexual relations, emphasizing that his guidance is meant to accommodate different life situations. This approach aligns with the principle of Christian liberty found in other parts of the New Testament, such as <a href="/romans/14.htm">Romans 14:1-4</a>, where believers are encouraged to make personal decisions in areas not explicitly commanded by Scripture.<p><b>not as a command</b><br>Here, Paul clarifies that his advice is not a binding command from the Lord. This distinction is crucial in understanding the nature of apostolic authority and the role of personal discernment in the Christian life. While Paul is an apostle with authority to teach and guide the church, he recognizes that not all situations require a direct command from God. This reflects the early church's understanding of the difference between apostolic guidance and divine commandments. It also highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in applying biblical principles to everyday life. This approach is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, who often emphasized the spirit of the law over the letter, as seen in <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17-48</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth. Paul is providing guidance on marriage and singleness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>A major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and moral challenges. The church in Corinth faced various issues, including questions about marriage and celibacy.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with issues of morality, unity, and understanding Christian freedom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_concession_vs._command.htm">Understanding Concession vs. Command</a></b><br>Paul distinguishes between his personal advice and divine commandments. This distinction helps believers discern areas of personal freedom and responsibility in their spiritual walk.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_gift_of_singleness.htm">The Gift of Singleness</a></b><br>Singleness is presented as a gift, not a burden. Believers are encouraged to view their current state—whether single or married—as an opportunity to serve God fully.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/marriage_as_a_calling.htm">Marriage as a Calling</a></b><br>Marriage is not mandated for all; it is a calling for some. Christians should seek God's guidance in discerning their path, whether it leads to marriage or singleness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/freedom_in_christ.htm">Freedom in Christ</a></b><br>Believers have freedom in Christ to make personal decisions regarding marriage and singleness. This freedom should be exercised with wisdom and a focus on serving God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_personal_desires_and_god's_will.htm">Balancing Personal Desires and God's Will</a></b><br>Christians are encouraged to balance their personal desires with God's will, seeking His guidance in making life decisions that honor Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_free_will_justify_evil.htm">Will you heed the warnings and remain faithful?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_angel_amenadiel.htm">What will happen to the righteous and the wicked?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_paul's_celibacy_view_against_genesis.htm">In 1 Corinthians 7:7-8, is Paul's preference for celibacy contradictory to the Genesis command to 'be fruitful and multiply'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_makes_someone_a_fake_christian.htm">What defines someone as a fake Christian?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">But I speak this by permission.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">Now I say this as a permission, and not as a command.</span> As the passage is given in our English version, it might seem as if the Apostle implied that he had no actual command, but only a permission to write this, which is not at all his meaning. What he does say is, that the foregoing instructions are not to be considered as absolute commands from him, but as general permissive instruction, to be applied by each individual according to circumstances.<p>It has been much discussed as to what part of the previous passage the word "this" refers. It is perhaps best to take it as referring to the leading thought of the whole passage, which is that marriage is allowable, expressed especially in <a href="/1_corinthians/7-2.htm" title="Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.">1Corinthians 7:2</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I speak this.</span> The "this" applies to his advice in general, but especially to the last verse. By permission. This phrase is generally misunderstood. It does not mean that <span class="accented">St. Paul was permitted</span> though not commanded to give this advice, but that his gentle advice was given "by way of permission" to Christians, not "by way of injunction." He means to say that he leaves the <span class="accented">details</span> of their lives, whether celibate or married, to their individual consciences, though with large hearted wisdom and charity he would emancipate them from human and unauthorized restrictions. The clause is not, therefore, a parallel to the restrictions on the authority of his utterances, such as we find in vers. 12, 29, 40, and in <a href="/2_corinthians/8-10.htm">2 Corinthians 8:10</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">2 Corinthians 11:17</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">I say</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγω</span> <span class="translit">(legō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦτο</span> <span class="translit">(touto)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="grk">κατὰ</span> <span class="translit">(kata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a concession,</span><br /><span class="grk">συνγνώμην</span> <span class="translit">(syngnōmēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4774.htm">Strong's 4774: </a> </span><span class="str2">Permission, indulgence, concession. From a compound of sun and ginosko; fellow knowledge, i.e. Concession.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐ</span> <span class="translit">(ou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="grk">κατ’</span> <span class="translit">(kat’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a command.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπιταγήν</span> <span class="translit">(epitagēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2003.htm">Strong's 2003: </a> </span><span class="str2">Instruction, command, order, authority. From epitasso; an injunction or decree; by implication, authoritativeness.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">1 Corinthians 7:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">1 Corinthians 7:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">1 Corinthians 7:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">1 Corinthians 7:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">1 Corinthians 7:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">1 Corinthians 7:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">1 Corinthians 7:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">1 Corinthians 7:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">1 Corinthians 7:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">1 Corinthians 7:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/7-6.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 7:6 But this I say by way (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 7:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 7:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 7:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 7:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>