1 corinthians 6:18 - Flee sexual immorality! “Every sin that a man does is outside the body,” but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.

Generated Verse: 1 corinthians 6:18

What does "1 corinthians 6:18" mean?


This verse from 1 Corinthians 6:18 is a powerful call to avoid sexual immorality and highlights its unique consequences. Let's break it down:

"Flee sexual immorality!" This is a direct and urgent command. It's not just "avoid" or "be careful," but actively flee, like running away from danger. The implication is that sexual immorality is a significant threat to one's spiritual and physical well-being.

"Every sin that a man does is outside the body..." This part is a bit trickier and has been interpreted in different ways. The general understanding is that most sins, while affecting others and damaging our relationship with God, don't directly involve the physical body in the same way that sexual sin does. For example, lying, stealing, or being envious primarily involve the mind, will, and actions, but not necessarily the intimate use of the body.

"...but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body." This is the key point. This phrase emphasizes that sexual sin is unique because it directly involves and violates one's own physical body. When someone engages in sexual activity outside the boundaries of marriage (as understood in a biblical context), they are misusing a part of themselves that is meant for a sacred and committed union. The verse suggests that sexual sin can damage the individual physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Different Interpretations and Nuances:

Holistic View: Some interpret "body" here as encompassing the entire person - physical, emotional, and spiritual. Sexual sin wounds the whole person in a particularly deep way.

Temple of the Holy Spirit: In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul goes on to say that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, purchased with a price (the blood of Christ). Sexual sin defiles this temple.

Consequences: Sexual immorality can lead to physical consequences like sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, and emotional consequences like guilt, shame, broken relationships, and a distorted view of sex.

In summary, the verse is saying:

Sexual immorality is a serious sin that should be avoided at all costs. It is unique because it directly involves and harms one's own body (and by extension, the entire person) in a way that other sins typically do not. It defiles the temple of the Holy Spirit and can have devastating physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences. Therefore, we are to actively "flee" from it.

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