1 Corinthians 6:16 Or don't you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh."

Bible > 1 Corinthians > Chapter 6 > Verse 16

◄ 1 Corinthians 6:16 ►

New International Version
Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”

New Living Translation
And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.”

English Standard Version
Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.”

Berean Standard Bible
Or don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”

Berean Literal Bible
Or do you not know that the one being joined to the prostitute is one body? For it says, "The two will become into one flesh."

King James Bible
What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

New King James Version
Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.”

New American Standard Bible
Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, “THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.”

NASB 1995
Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, “THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.”

NASB 1977
Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a harlot is one body with her? For He says, “THE TWO WILL BECOME ONE FLESH.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, “THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.”

Amplified Bible
Do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, “THE TWO SHALL BE ONE FLESH.”

Christian Standard Bible
Don’t you know that anyone joined to a prostitute is one body with her? For Scripture says, The two will become one flesh.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Don’t you know that anyone joined to a prostitute is one body with her? For Scripture says, The two will become one flesh.

American Standard Version
Or know ye not that he that is joined to a harlot is one body? for, The twain, saith he, shall become one flesh.

Contemporary English Version
Don't you know that a man who does that becomes part of her body? The Scriptures say, "The two of them will be like one person."

English Revised Version
Or know ye not that he that is joined to a harlot is one body? for, The twain, saith he, shall become one flesh.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't you realize that the person who unites himself with a prostitute becomes one body with her? God says, "The two will be one."

Good News Translation
Or perhaps you don't know that the man who joins his body to a prostitute becomes physically one with her? The scripture says quite plainly, "The two will become one body."

International Standard Version
You know that the person who unites himself with a prostitute becomes one body with her, don't you? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh."

Majority Standard Bible
Don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”

NET Bible
Or do you not know that anyone who is united with a prostitute is one body with her? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh."

New Heart English Bible
Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute is one body? For he says, "The two will become one flesh."

Webster's Bible Translation
What? know ye not that he who is joined to a harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

Weymouth New Testament
Or do you not know that a man who has to do with a prostitute is one with her in body? For God says, "The two shall become one."

World English Bible
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.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Have you not known that he who is joined to the prostitute is one body? For it says, “The two will be into one flesh.”

Berean Literal Bible
Or do you not know that the one being joined to the prostitute is one body? For it says, "The two will become into one flesh."

Young's Literal Translation
have ye not known that he who is joined to the harlot is one body? 'for they shall be -- saith He -- the two for one flesh.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Or know ye not that he joined to a harlot is one body? for they shall be, he says, they two into one flesh.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Or know you not, that he who is joined to a harlot, is made one body ? For they shall be, saith he, two in one flesh.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And do you not know that whoever is joined to a harlot becomes one body? “For the two,” he said, “shall be as one flesh.”

New American Bible
[Or] do you not know that anyone who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For “the two,” it says, “will become one flesh.”

New Revised Standard Version
Do you not know that whoever is united to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For it is said, “The two shall be one flesh.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Or do you not know that he who joins his body to a harlot is one body with her? For it is said, The two shall become one body.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Do you not know that whoever cleaves to a harlot is one body, for it is said, “They will both be one body.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
Know you not that he that is joined to a harlot, is one body? For the two, says the scripture, shall be one flesh.

Godbey New Testament
Do you not know that he who is joined to the harlot is one body? for it says, They two shall be one flesh.

Haweis New Testament
Do you not know that he that is joined to an harlot is one body with her? For they two, saith he, shall be “one flesh.”

Mace New Testament
it cannot be, why, don't you perceive, that where there is such an attachment, they are but as one person? for the scripture says, "they two shall be as one."

Weymouth New Testament
Or do you not know that a man who has to do with a prostitute is one with her in body? For God says, "The two shall become one."

Worrell New Testament
Or know ye not that he who is united to the harlot is one body? For, "the two", He saith, "shall be one flesh";

Worsley New Testament
God forbid! What! know ye not that he who is joined to an harlot is one body with her? for these two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Members of Christ
…15Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16Or don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” 17But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Matthew 19:5
and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?

Ephesians 5:31
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”

Mark 10:8
and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh.

Genesis 34:2-3
When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the region, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force. / And his soul was drawn to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young girl and spoke to her tenderly.

Proverbs 6:32
He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.

Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

Romans 7:2
For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage.

Malachi 2:15
Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.

Matthew 5:32
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Deuteronomy 22:28-29
If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered, / then the man who lay with her must pay the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she must become his wife because he has violated her. He must not divorce her as long as he lives.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; / each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,

Leviticus 18:20
You must not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife and thus defile yourself with her.

Exodus 22:16
If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and sleeps with her, he must pay the full dowry for her to be his wife.

1 Corinthians 7:2
But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.

Treasury of Scripture

What? know you not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, said he, shall be one flesh.

an harlot.

Genesis 34:31
And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?

Genesis 38:15,24
When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face…

Judges 16:1
Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her.

for.

Genesis 2:24
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Matthew 19:5,6
And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? …

Mark 10:8
And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.

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1 Corinthians 6

1. The Corinthians must take their brothers to court;
6. especially under infidels.
9. The wicked shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
15. Our bodies are the members of Christ, and temples of the Holy Spirit:
19. they must not therefore be defiled.

Berean Study Bible

Or don’t you know
This phrase serves as a rhetorical question, a common technique used by Paul to engage the Corinthian believers. The Greek word for "know" is "οἴδατε" (oidate), which implies an understanding or awareness that should be evident to the audience. Paul is reminding the Corinthians of a fundamental truth they should already grasp, emphasizing the importance of spiritual and moral awareness in their lives.

he who unites himself
The Greek word for "unites" is "κολλώμενος" (kollomenos), which means to glue or cement together. This term indicates a deep, intimate connection that goes beyond a mere physical act. In the context of the Corinthian church, which was situated in a city known for its sexual immorality, Paul is highlighting the spiritual implications of such unions, urging believers to consider the sanctity of their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.

with a prostitute
The term "prostitute" in Greek is "πόρνη" (porne), which refers to a woman who sells her body for sexual purposes. In the historical context of Corinth, prostitution was not only prevalent but also culturally accepted, often linked to pagan worship practices. Paul’s admonition is a call to holiness, urging the Corinthians to separate themselves from practices that defile their bodies and dishonor God.

is one with her in body
The phrase "one with her in body" underscores the profound unity that occurs in sexual relations. The Greek word for "one" is "ἓν" (hen), signifying a complete and indivisible union. Paul is drawing from the creation narrative, where the physical union of man and woman is designed to reflect a deeper, spiritual truth. This serves as a warning against trivializing sexual intimacy, which is meant to be a sacred bond within the covenant of marriage.

For it is said
This phrase introduces a scriptural reference, indicating that Paul is grounding his argument in the authority of Scripture. The use of "it is said" points to the enduring truth of God’s Word, which transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. Paul is reminding the Corinthians that their conduct should align with the eternal principles found in Scripture.

'The two will become one flesh.'
This quotation is from Genesis 2:24, a foundational text for understanding God’s design for marriage. The Hebrew root for "flesh" is "בָּשָׂר" (basar), which encompasses the whole person, not just the physical body. By invoking this passage, Paul is affirming the sanctity and exclusivity of the marital relationship, where two individuals are united in a covenantal bond that mirrors the unity and fidelity of Christ and His Church. This serves as a powerful reminder of the sacredness of sexual intimacy and the call to live in purity and holiness.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) What?--As if some one might question and resent the strength of the previous words, and wish them "watered down." "Do you not know that my strong assertion is true? It is not merely my statement; it is to be found in the Old Testament, 'Two shall be one flesh.'" This was originally (Genesis 2:24) applied to marriage, as showing the intimacy of that sacred union, but here St. Paul applies it to one aspect of a union which, in one respect, was identical with marriage. Of course the other parts of the Apostle's argument do not apply to marriage, the union being a sacred one; two becoming one flesh in marriage is no degradation of a member of Christ--nay, it is a sacred illustration of the complete unity of Christ and His body the Church. (Comp. 1Corinthians 11:29, and Notes there.)

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. - What, know ye not, etc.? The clause is used to explain and justify the strong expression which he had used in the previous verse. It involves an argument against the sin which is the most original and impressive which could have been used. To this passage especially is due the tone taken by Christians as to these sins, which differed so totally from that taken by heathen. They two. The words do not occur in Genesis 2:24, but are always so quoted in the New Testament (Matthew 19:5; Mark 10:8; Ephesians 5:31). Saith he. This is a vague Jewish formula of quotation, adopted to avoid the needless introduction of the sacred Name. "He" is "God" in Scripture. Shall be one flesh; rather, shall become. This appeal to Genesis 2:24 (Matthew 19:5) is equivalent to the rule that no intercourse between the sexes is free from sin except under the sanction of marriage.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

Or
ἢ (ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

don’t you know
οἴδατε (oidate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

he who
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

unites himself
κολλώμενος (kollōmenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2853: From kolla; to glue, i.e. to stick.

with a prostitute
πόρνῃ (pornē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4204: A prostitute; met: an idolatrous community. Feminine of pornos; a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

one [with her]
ἓν (hen)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

in body?
σῶμά (sōma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4983: Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.

For
γάρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

it is said,
φησίν (phēsin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5346: To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.

“The
Οἱ (Hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

two
δύο (dyo)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1417: Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.

will become
Ἔσονται (Esontai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

one
μίαν (mian)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

flesh.”
σάρκα (sarka)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4561: Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred.

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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 6:16 Or don't you know that he who (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)