Interpretation of 1 Corinthians 7 and Physical Contact
In 1 Corinthians 7:1, the Apostle Paul addresses questions from the Corinthian church, stating, "Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me: it is good for a man not to touch a woman" (1 Corinthians 7:1, ESV). This verse introduces Paul's extensive discussion on marriage, celibacy, and sexual ethics within the Christian community [1, 2, 4].
The phrase "it is good for a man not to touch a woman" has been subject to various interpretations. The Greek word translated as "touch" (ἅπτεσθαι, haptesthai) can mean physical contact in a general sense, but in this context, many commentators understand it to refer to sexual intimacy or marital relations [1]. John Gill, for instance, notes that Paul is responding to inquiries about marriage, suggesting that "abstinence from marriage was most advisable" at that particular time [1]. Matthew Henry similarly frames this verse as Paul providing guidance on marriage as a remedy for fornication, implying that "not to touch a woman" refers to abstaining from sexual relations [2, 4].
The broader context of 1 Corinthians 7 indicates that Paul is not issuing a universal prohibition against marriage or physical contact between men and women. Instead, he is offering counsel regarding the advantages of a single state, particularly in light of "the present distress" (1 Corinthians 7:26) [5]. He acknowledges that not everyone has "the gift of continence" and that marriage is a legitimate and necessary option for many [5].
The concept of "touch" in a broader sense, beyond explicit sexual acts, also appears in other religious traditions. For example, Maimonides' Mishneh Torah discusses the prohibition of "physical intimacy" and "embraces and kisses" with certain forbidden relatives, indicating that even non-sexual physical contact can be regulated within a religious framework [3]. However, Paul's primary concern in 1 Corinthians 7 is clearly related to marital and sexual conduct, as he immediately proceeds to discuss the duties of married persons and advice for the unmarried [1, 4].
Sources
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 7 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO 1 CORINTHIANS 7 In this, chapter, various cases concerning marriage being proposed to the apostle, are answered by him; and he discourses of the nature, use, and end of marriage, and of the duties of married persons to one another; and gives advice to such as were unmarried, and points at the advantages of a single state, where it can be continued in without danger. Some of the Corinthians having written to him upon these heads, he returns for answer in general, that abstinence from marriage was most advisable; that is, at that tim”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 7:1: The apostle comes now, as a faithful and skilful casuist, to answer some cases of conscience which the Corinthians had proposed to him. Those were things whereof they wrote to him, Co1 7:1. As the lips of ministers should keep knowledge, so the people should ask the law at their mouths. The apostle was as ready to resolve as they were to propose their doubts. In the former chapter, he warns them to avoid fornication; here he gives some directions about marriage, the remedy God had appointed for it. He tells them in general, I. That it was good, in that junct”
- Mishneh Torah (Maimonides) (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Mishneh Torah (Maimonides), Mishneh Torah%2C Forbidden Intercourse 21:1: Whoever shares physical intimacy with one of the ariyot without actually becoming involved in sexual relations or embraces and kisses [one of them] out of desire 1 Compare to Halachah 6. and derives pleasure from the physical contact should be lashed 2 As evident from Halachah 3, although such acts are forbidden whenever sexual relations are prohibited, lashes are given only when the woman is one of the ariyot ( Maggid Mishneh ). according to Scriptural Law. [This is derived from Leviticus 18:30 which] states: "To refrain”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 7 (introduction): In this chapter the apostle answers some cases proposed to him by the Corinthians about marriage. He, I. Shows them that marriage was appointed as a remedy against fornication, and therefore that persons had better marry than burn (Co1 7:1-9). II. He gives direction to those who are married to continue together, though they might have an unbelieving relative, unless the unbeliever would part, in which case a Christian would not be in bondage (Co1 7:10-16). III. He shows them that becoming Christians does not change their external state; and ther”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 7:7: even as I--having tile gift of continence (Mat 19:11-12). This wish does not hold good absolutely, else the extension of mankind and of the Church would cease; but relatively to "the present distress" (Co1 7:26).”