Now as a concession, not a command, I say this.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Corinthians 7:6
What does 1 Corinthians 7:6 mean?
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1 Corinthians 7:6
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Paul is making a point that he could have commanded, but instead, he's offering it as wise counsel given the realities of life. This "concession" means he's recognizing that not everyone has the same level of self-control or the same circumstances, so he's giving a guideline rather than a strict rule for those who might need it.
Now as a concession, not a command, I say this.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is responding to questions the Corinthian church has sent him about marriage and relationships, particularly in their complex cultural context. He's just addressed the general principle that it's good for a man not to touch a woman, meaning, to remain unmarried, but he immediately clarifies that this isn't a universal rule or a new commandment. This verse serves as a preamble to his advice on how married couples should navigate their relationship, especially when one spouse is a believer and the other is not.
Ever feel pressured to live a certain way, even if it doesn't quite fit? Paul gives us freedom here.
A Concession, Not a Command
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church, a group that clearly had a lot of questions about how to live as Christians, especially regarding marriage and relationships. In this specific context (verse 5), he's talking about married couples not depriving each other of intimacy, except by mutual consent and for a limited time, so they can devote themselves to prayer.
But here in verse 6, he clarifies his statement: "Now as a concession, not a command, I say this." This is HUGE. He's not laying down a new law or a strict rule that everyone must follow rigidly. Instead, he's offering a practical guideline, a way to navigate a complex situation with grace. It’s like a seasoned friend giving advice – helpful, wise, but not a mandate from heaven.
Christian living isn't always black and white. Paul shows us how to think through the murky bits.
The Freedom of the Spirit
This verse reminds us that the Christian life is guided by the Holy Spirit, not just by a list of rigid rules. While the Bible is full of commands, there are also many areas where believers are called to exercise wisdom, discernment, and mutual love. Paul's "concession" here is a perfect example. He understands the practical realities of life and relationships, and he offers guidance that respects those realities while still pointing towards godly living.
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It's about living under grace, where we are freed from the burden of perfect law-keeping and empowered to live by love. This allows for flexibility and personal conviction in areas not explicitly forbidden or commanded.
Understand the original words
syngnōmē · Greek Noun
A permission or allowance granted rather than an absolute divine mandate; a concession signifies an accommodation to human weakness or circumstances.
epitagē · Greek Noun
A divinely appointed instruction or order that carries the authority of God, requiring obedience.
Paul's instruction here isn't a universal command but a specific allowance, a pastoral response to the complex marital situations and potential pressures within the Corinthian church he knew so well.
c. AD 50-52
Paul Founds Church in Corinth
Paul spends about 18 months in Corinth, establishing a diverse Christian community that faces unique social and religious challenges.
c. AD 53-57
Paul Writes from Ephesus
While in Ephesus, Paul receives reports about the Corinthian church, including issues concerning marriage and Christian conduct, prompting him to write.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul Addresses Marriage Questions
Paul responds to specific questions and divisions within the Corinthian church regarding marriage, singleness, and remarriage, offering guidance and direction.
c. AD 57
Paul's Second Letter to Corinth
Paul writes a more severe letter (which we don't have today) to address ongoing problems and divisions, followed by a conciliatory letter (2 Corinthians).
Paul also offers guidance regarding virgins, presenting it as his own opinion rather than a direct command from the Lord, similar to his approach in verse 6.
2 Corinthians 8:8This passage speaks of sincerity and the 'genuineness' of love, which can be seen as a parallel to Paul offering a concession based on genuine understanding rather than a rigid rule.
1 Corinthians 7:1This verse sets the stage for the 'concessions' in chapter 7, directly addressing the Corinthians' questions about marriage, indicating Paul's practical, pastoral approach.
Galatians 5:13Paul reminds believers that they were called to freedom, but not to use their freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; this relates to the careful way he navigates concessions and commands.
Paul is making a point that he could have commanded, but instead, he's offering it as wise counsel given the realities of life. This "concession" means he's recognizing that not everyone has the same level of self-control or the same circumstances, so he's giving a guideline rather than a strict rule for those who might need it.
Paul is responding to questions the Corinthian church has sent him about marriage and relationships, particularly in their complex cultural context. He's just addressed the general principle that it's good for a man not to touch a woman, meaning, to remain unmarried, but he immediately clarifies that this isn't a universal rule or a new commandment. This verse serves as a preamble to his advice on how married couples should navigate their relationship, especially when one spouse is a believer and the other is not.
Paul is responding to questions the Corinthian church has sent him about marriage and relationships, particularly in their complex cultural context. He's just addressed the general principle that it's good for a man not to touch a woman, meaning, to remain unmarried, but he immediately clarifies that this isn't a universal rule or a new commandment. This verse serves as a preamble to his advice on how married couples should navigate their relationship, especially when one spouse is a believer and the other is not.
"Now as a concession, not a command, I say this." — Paul is making a point that he could have commanded, but instead, he's offering it as wise counsel given the realities of life. This "concession" means he's recognizing that not everyone has the sa…
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Last reviewed October 2026