I say this as a concessionIn 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
1 Corinthians 7, 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
Romans 14:1-4, where believers are encouraged to make personal decisions in areas not explicitly commanded by Scripture.
not as a command
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 inMatthew 5:17-48.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth. Paul is providing guidance on marriage and singleness.
2.
CorinthA 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.
3.
The Corinthian ChurchThe recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with issues of morality, unity, and understanding Christian freedom.
Teaching Points
Understanding Concession vs. CommandPaul distinguishes between his personal advice and divine commandments. This distinction helps believers discern areas of personal freedom and responsibility in their spiritual walk.
The Gift of SinglenessSingleness 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.
Marriage as a CallingMarriage 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.
Freedom in ChristBelievers 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.
Balancing Personal Desires and God's WillChristians are encouraged to balance their personal desires with God's will, seeking His guidance in making life decisions that honor Him.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 7:6?
2.How does 1 Corinthians 7:6 distinguish between command and personal advice from Paul?
3.What implications does Paul's "concession, not a command" have for Christian living?
4.How can Paul's guidance in 1 Corinthians 7:6 apply to modern relationships?
5.What other scriptures emphasize the difference between divine command and apostolic advice?
6.How should believers discern personal guidance versus commands in their spiritual walk?
7.What does "I say this as a concession, not as a command" mean in 1 Corinthians 7:6?
8.How does 1 Corinthians 7:6 influence Christian views on marriage and celibacy?
9.Why does Paul differentiate between concession and command in 1 Corinthians 7:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 7?
11.Will you heed the warnings and remain faithful?
12.What will happen to the righteous and the wicked?
13.In 1 Corinthians 7:7-8, is Paul's preference for celibacy contradictory to the Genesis command to 'be fruitful and multiply'?
14.What defines someone as a fake Christian?What Does 1 Corinthians 7:6 Mean
I say this• Paul’s voice in1 Corinthians 7:6 is personal, yet Spirit–guided. He has just advised married couples that “Do not deprive one another, except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control” (7:5).
• The “this” points back to everything from verse 2 (“because of sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife…”) through verse 5.
• Though phrased personally, Paul speaks with apostolic authority—“For you welcomed the word… not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). See also2 Peter 1:21 and1 Corinthians 14:37.
as a concession• A concession is permission, not obligation. Paul allows marriage and allows temporary marital abstinence for prayer. Neither is forced; both are gracious options.
• Verse 35 clarifies his heart: “I am saying this for your own benefit, not to place a restriction on you, but to promote proper order and secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.”
• Similar permissions appear elsewhere: “But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion” (1 Corinthians 7:9); Jesus acknowledges some are “eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom” while others marry (Matthew 19:11-12).
• Scripture never treats marriage as spiritually inferior, nor celibacy as mandatory. Paul counters teachers who would “forbid marriage” (1 Timothy 4:3).
• This concession respects individual gifting (7:7) and conscience (Romans 14:5-6).
not as a command• Commands are binding on every believer; concessions are situational. Paul later distinguishes: “To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord)…” (1 Corinthians 7:10), and again, “To the rest I say (I, not the Lord)…” (7:12).
• By labeling verse 6 a non-command, Paul guards against legalism—no one may demand lifelong singleness or compulsory prayer-fasting separations from spouses.
• Yet inspired concession still carries weight; “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful” (2 Timothy 3:16). Wise believers heed the counsel even when it is not a universal mandate.
• Paul uses the same approach in another setting: “I am not giving you an order, but testing the sincerity of your love” (2 Corinthians 8:8). True obedience springs from willing hearts (John 14:15;1 John 5:3).
summaryPaul, under the Spirit, offers practical, pastoral permission regarding marriage and temporary abstinence for prayer. He makes clear these instructions are optional, not compulsory, protecting Christian liberty while guiding believers toward purity and undistracted devotion.
(6)
But I speak this by permission.--Better,
Now I say this as a permission, and not as a command. 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.
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 in1Corinthians 7:2.
Verse 6. -
I speak this. 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
St. Paul was permitted 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
details 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
2 Corinthians 8:10;
2 Corinthians 11:17.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
I sayλέγω(legō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.thisτοῦτο(touto)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.asκατὰ(kata)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).a concession,συνγνώμην(syngnōmēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4774:Permission, indulgence, concession. From a compound of sun and ginosko; fellow knowledge, i.e. Concession.notοὐ(ou)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.asκατ’(kat’)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).a command.ἐπιταγήν(epitagēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2003:Instruction, command, order, authority. From epitasso; an injunction or decree; by implication, authoritativeness.
Links
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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 7:6 But this I say by way (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) 
