1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12:3

1 tn Grk “It is good for a man not to touch a woman,” a euphemism for sexual relations. This idiom occurs ten times in Greek literature, and all of the references except one appear to refer to sexual relations (cf., e.g., Josephus, Ant. 1.8.1 [1.163]; Genesis 20:6 [LXX]; Proverbs 6:29 [LXX]). For discussion see G. D. Fee, First Corinthians (NICNT), 275. Many recent interpreters believe that here again (as in 6:12-13) Paul cites a slogan the Corinthians apparently used to justify their actions. If this is so, Paul agrees with the slogan in part, but corrects it in the following verses to show how the Corinthians misused the idea to justify abstinence within marriage (cf. 8:1, 4; 10:23). See also G. D. Fee, “1 Corinthians 7:1 in the NIV,” JETS 23 (1980): 307-14.

1 Corinthians 12:4

2 tn Grk “each man should have his own wife.” “Have” in this context means “have marital relations with” (see the following verse). The verb ἐχέτω (ecetw, “have”) occurs twice in the Greek text, but has not been repeated in the translation for stylistic reasons. This verb occurs 8 times in the LXX (Exodus 2:1; Deuteronomy 28:30; 2 Chronicles 11:21; 1 Esd 9:12, 18; Tob 3:8; Isaiah 13:16; 54:1) with the meaning “have sexual relations with,” and 9 times elsewhere in the NT with the same meaning (Matthew 20:23; 22:28; Mark 6:18; 12:33; Luke 20:28; John 4:18 [twice]; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 7:29).

3 tn Grk “should have.” For explanation of the translation, see the note on “have relations with” earlier in this verse.

1 Corinthians 12:5

4 tn Grk “fulfill the obligation” or “pay the debt,” referring to the fulfillment of sexual needs within marriage.

1 Corinthians 12:7

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1 Corinthians 12:11

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1 Corinthians 12:12

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1 Corinthians 12:14

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1 Corinthians 12:16

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1 Corinthians 12:17

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1 Corinthians 12:18

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1 Corinthians 12:19

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1 Corinthians 12:20

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1 Corinthians 12:22

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1 Corinthians 12:23

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1 Corinthians 12:26

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1 Corinthians 12:27

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1 Corinthians 12:29

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1 Corinthians 12:30

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1 Corinthians 12:31

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