1 corinthians 6:16 - Or don’t you know that he who is joined to a prostitute is one body? For, “The two”, he says, “will become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24

Generated Verse: 1 corinthians 6:16

What does "1 corinthians 6:16" mean?


This verse, 1 Corinthians 6:16, is part of a larger argument by the Apostle Paul against sexual immorality. To understand it, we need to consider the surrounding context:

Paul's Argument: Paul is arguing that Christians should flee sexual immorality (fornication). He emphasizes that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and therefore should not be defiled.

The Problem of Prostitution: Specifically, Paul addresses the issue of Christians visiting prostitutes.

The "One Body" Concept: Paul uses the concept of becoming "one flesh" with a prostitute as a powerful illustration of the spiritual implications of sexual sin. He quotes Genesis 2:24, originally referring to the union of marriage.

Meaning of the Verse:

The verse means that:

1. Physical Union Creates a Bond: When someone has sexual relations with a prostitute, they are physically joined to that person, becoming "one body." This union, though temporary and transactional, still creates a physical and spiritual bond.

2. Profaning Your Body: Because Christians are united with Christ, their bodies are members of Christ. Therefore, joining oneself to a prostitute defiles that union with Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit within them. It's taking a part of Christ and joining it to something unholy.

3. Misuse of Sexuality: Sex is intended for a committed, covenant relationship within marriage, where two become one flesh in a holy and permanent union. Using it outside of that context distorts its purpose and has negative spiritual consequences.

In essence, Paul is warning against sexual immorality by highlighting that:

Sexual union creates a bond, whether within marriage or with a prostitute.
Christians are united with Christ and their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, sexual immorality profanes the body, desecrates the temple, and dishonors Christ.

Paul is not saying that a single act of sex with a prostitute makes someone permanently "married" in the traditional sense. Rather, he's emphasizing the spiritual and moral gravity of sexual sin and its potential consequences for the believer's relationship with Christ.

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