1 corinthians 6:13 - “Foods for the belly, and the belly for foods,” but God will bring to nothing both it and them. But the body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
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What does "1 corinthians 6:13" mean?
This verse from 1 Corinthians 6:13 is part of Paul's argument against engaging in sexual immorality. Let's break it down piece by piece:
"“Foods for the belly, and the belly for foods,” but God will bring to nothing both it and them." This part refers to the temporary nature of physical needs and desires. Paul is likely quoting a common saying of the time. The stomach is meant to digest food, and food is meant to nourish the stomach. This seems like a natural and justifiable relationship. However, Paul points out that these physical aspects are ultimately temporary. Food and digestion are tied to our physical bodies, which are destined to decay and pass away. God will "bring to nothing" both food and the belly because they are part of this temporary earthly realm.
"But the body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body." This is the crucial point. While food and the stomach have a functional, temporary purpose, Paul argues that the purpose of the body is not simply to fulfill physical desires like sexual gratification outside of God's will. Instead, the body is meant to be used "for the Lord," meaning dedicated to serving God, honoring Him, and reflecting His character.
"and the Lord for the body": This often overlooked part suggests a reciprocal relationship. Just as our body is meant to be used for the Lord, the Lord cares for, sanctifies, and ultimately redeems our body. He provides for its needs and has a plan for its future resurrection.
In essence, the verse means:
Don't equate transient, bodily needs like food with the deeper purpose of your body.
Sexual immorality is a misuse of the body, treating it as merely an instrument for satisfying physical desires.
Our bodies are meant to be dedicated to serving the Lord, reflecting His character, and fulfilling His purposes.
The Lord, in turn, cares for our bodies and has plans for their redemption.
Context within 1 Corinthians:
This verse is part of a larger argument where Paul is addressing problems within the Corinthian church, including sexual immorality. He's emphasizing that Christians are united with Christ, and therefore their bodies are not their own to use as they please. To engage in sexual immorality is to unite oneself with a prostitute and, in a sense, to dishonor Christ.
Paul uses the analogy of food to show the Corinthians that it is a temporary need compared to our devotion to the Lord.
In summary, the verse urges Christians to view their bodies as sacred vessels meant for God's glory, not simply instruments for satisfying fleeting physical desires like sexual immorality.
1 corinthians 6:13 - “Foods for the belly, and the belly for foods,” but God will bring to nothing both it and them. But the body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
What does "1 corinthians 6:13" mean?
This verse from 1 Corinthians 6:13 is part of Paul's argument against engaging in sexual immorality. Let's break it down piece by piece:
"“Foods for the belly, and the belly for foods,” but God will bring to nothing both it and them." This part refers to the temporary nature of physical needs and desires. Paul is likely quoting a common saying of the time. The stomach is meant to digest food, and food is meant to nourish the stomach. This seems like a natural and justifiable relationship. However, Paul points out that these physical aspects are ultimately temporary. Food and digestion are tied to our physical bodies, which are destined to decay and pass away. God will "bring to nothing" both food and the belly because they are part of this temporary earthly realm.
"But the body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body." This is the crucial point. While food and the stomach have a functional, temporary purpose, Paul argues that the purpose of the body is not simply to fulfill physical desires like sexual gratification outside of God's will. Instead, the body is meant to be used "for the Lord," meaning dedicated to serving God, honoring Him, and reflecting His character.
"and the Lord for the body": This often overlooked part suggests a reciprocal relationship. Just as our body is meant to be used for the Lord, the Lord cares for, sanctifies, and ultimately redeems our body. He provides for its needs and has a plan for its future resurrection.
In essence, the verse means:
Don't equate transient, bodily needs like food with the deeper purpose of your body.
Sexual immorality is a misuse of the body, treating it as merely an instrument for satisfying physical desires.
Our bodies are meant to be dedicated to serving the Lord, reflecting His character, and fulfilling His purposes.
The Lord, in turn, cares for our bodies and has plans for their redemption.
Context within 1 Corinthians:
This verse is part of a larger argument where Paul is addressing problems within the Corinthian church, including sexual immorality. He's emphasizing that Christians are united with Christ, and therefore their bodies are not their own to use as they please. To engage in sexual immorality is to unite oneself with a prostitute and, in a sense, to dishonor Christ.
Paul uses the analogy of food to show the Corinthians that it is a temporary need compared to our devotion to the Lord.
In summary, the verse urges Christians to view their bodies as sacred vessels meant for God's glory, not simply instruments for satisfying fleeting physical desires like sexual immorality.