1 Corinthians 7:6 Meaning: Concession or Commandment?
But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.
But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.
and this I say by way of concurrence--not of command,
But this I say, as consenting [to], not as commanding [it].
Meaning in one sentence
Paul explains that his advice on marriage is a concession, not a command, showing his pastoral wisdom and careful distinction.
Context
Paul is writing to a church in Corinth that has written him with questions about marriage. In the verses just before this one, he told husbands and wives not to deprive each other of intimacy, except by mutual agreement for a limited time of prayer (verse 5). Then in verse 6 he adds this clarifying line. He wants the Corinthians to understand the weight of what he is saying: this is a permission he grants, not a divine rule he imposes. The surrounding verses show Paul balancing the goodness of marriage with the freedom to remain single. He is not setting down a law, but offering guidance for people facing real pressures in a culture full of sexual temptation.
Key Words
Two Greek words stand opposite each other here. The word translated 'concession' is suggnōmē. It literally means 'knowledge with', agreeing together, granting permission. It is a gentler word than the one Paul uses for a divine order. The word for 'commandment' is epitagē, an injunction that carries authority. Paul is choosing his terms carefully. He is not claiming that God gave him a specific rule on this point. He is giving his judgment as an apostle, adapted to their situation. That matters for how we read the passage. It tells us that not every sentence in Scripture carries the same force. Some are direct commands; others are wise accommodations for human weakness. Both come from a heart that wants what is best for us, but they ask for different kinds of obedience.
How Christians Read This Verse
Commentators have long discussed what 'this' refers to in verse 6. Some, like Calvin and Barnes, connect it to the instruction that comes before, the permission for married couples to separate briefly for prayer. Others, like Gill, think it points ahead to Paul’s wish that all were single like him. Both readings agree that Paul is being careful not to place a burden where God has not placed one. Catholics and Orthodox readers often see here an example of apostolic discernment: Paul applies general principles to specific situations without making new laws. Protestant readers often find a model for how to distinguish biblical commands from biblical counsels. Across traditions, the verse is treasured for showing Paul’s pastoral sensitivity.
A common misunderstanding
Some read this verse and think Paul is saying marriage itself is only a concession, something for people who cannot handle being holy. In fact, he already called marriage good and commanded it in certain situations (verse 2). The concession is about the specific instruction he just gave, not about the institution of marriage. He is not demoting marriage; he is clarifying that this one piece of advice is a permission, not a law.
Living This Out
This week, you might find yourself in a situation where you are not sure if God requires something or simply allows it. Paul shows you how to handle that: be honest about the difference. When you are advising others, do not turn your preferences into divine commands. When you are receiving counsel, ask whether this is a rule from God or a wise suggestion for your good. Both have value, but they ask different things of your conscience. You can receive Paul’s permission here as a gift, room to breathe where God has not bound.
Main takeaway: Paul models honest discernment: some instructions are divine commands, and others are wise permissions for our weakness.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Paul told married people something that was okay but not a rule from God. Sometimes God gives rules, and sometimes He lets us choose. Both are good.
For ages 9, 12
Paul was careful to say when he was giving his own advice versus a direct command from God. This teaches us that not every instruction in the Bible is an absolute rule. Some are wise suggestions for living well. We should still listen to them, but we do not have to treat them as law. Paul showed honesty and humility.
Questions People Ask
Does this verse mean marriage is only a concession for people who cannot control themselves?
No. Paul already called marriage good in verse 2 and said it is a protection against sexual sin. The concession here refers to the specific instruction he gave about temporary separation for prayer, not to the whole of marriage.
Was Paul not inspired by the Holy Spirit when he wrote this?
Christians affirm that all Scripture is breathed by God, but that does not mean every verse carries the same kind of authority. Here Paul distinguishes between what the Lord directly commanded and what he himself permits as an apostle. Both are part of inspired Scripture, but they apply differently.
What does the Greek word for 'concession' really mean?
The word is suggnōmē, which means 'permission' or 'indulgence.' It carries the sense of agreeing with someone out of consideration for their situation, not imposing a strict rule.
To which instruction is Paul referring when he says 'this'?
There are two main views. Some say it refers to what comes before (the instruction on not depriving each other). Others say it refers to what follows (his wish that all were single like him). Either way, Paul is making a careful distinction between command and permission.
Is it wrong to treat Paul's concessions as commands today?
It is possible to misuse them. Paul's example teaches us to respect the difference. We should not turn a pastoral permission into a hard rule that burdens consciences. At the same time, we should not ignore wise counsel just because it is not a direct command.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study