1 Corinthians 7:4
New International Version
The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.

New Living Translation
The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife.

English Standard Version
For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.

Berean Standard Bible
The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife.

Berean Literal Bible
The wife does not have authority over the own body, but the husband; and likewise also, the husband does not have authority over the own body, but the wife.

King James Bible
The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

New King James Version
The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.

New American Standard Bible
The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise the husband also does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.

NASB 1995
The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.

NASB 1977
The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.

Legacy Standard Bible
The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.

Amplified Bible
The wife does not have [exclusive] authority over her own body, but the husband shares with her; and likewise the husband does not have [exclusive] authority over his body, but the wife shares with him.

Christian Standard Bible
A wife does not have the right over her own body, but her husband does. In the same way, a husband does not have the right over his own body, but his wife does.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A wife does not have the right over her own body, but her husband does. In the same way, a husband does not have the right over his own body, but his wife does.

American Standard Version
The wife hath not power over her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power over his own body, but the wife.

Contemporary English Version
A wife belongs to her husband instead of to herself, and a husband belongs to his wife instead of to himself.

English Revised Version
The wife hath not power over her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power over his own body, but the wife.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A wife doesn't have authority over her own body, but her husband does. In the same way, a husband doesn't have authority over his own body, but his wife does.

Good News Translation
A wife is not the master of her own body, but her husband is; in the same way a husband is not the master of his own body, but his wife is.

International Standard Version
A wife does not have authority over her own body, but her husband does. In the same way, a husband doesn't have authority over his own body, but his wife does.

Majority Standard Bible
The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife.

NET Bible
It is not the wife who has the rights to her own body, but the husband. In the same way, it is not the husband who has the rights to his own body, but the wife.

New Heart English Bible
The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife.

Webster's Bible Translation
The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

Weymouth New Testament
A married woman is not mistress of her own person: her husband has certain rights. In the same way a married man is not master of his own person: his wife has certain rights.

World English Bible
The wife doesn’t have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise also the husband doesn’t have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband; and in like manner also, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife.

Berean Literal Bible
The wife does not have authority over the own body, but the husband; and likewise also, the husband does not have authority over the own body, but the wife.

Young's Literal Translation
the wife over her own body hath not authority, but the husband; and, in like manner also, the husband over his own body hath not authority, but the wife.

Smith's Literal Translation
The wife of her own body has not power, but the husband: and likewise also the husband of his own body has not power, but the wife.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband. And in like manner the husband also hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

Catholic Public Domain Version
It is not the wife, but the husband, who has power over her body. But, similarly also, it is not the husband, but the wife, who has power over his body.

New American Bible
A wife does not have authority over her own body, but rather her husband, and similarly a husband does not have authority over his own body, but rather his wife.

New Revised Standard Version
For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The wife has no authority over her own body, but her husband; and likewise also the husband has no authority over his own body, but his wife.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
A wife is not authorized over her body, but her husband is. In this way also a man is not authorized over his body, but his wife is.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
The wife has not power over her own body, but the husband; likewise, also, the husband has not power over his own body, but the wife.

Godbey New Testament
The wife has not the authority over her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband has not the authority over his own body, but the wife.

Haweis New Testament
The wife hath not power over her own body, but the husband: in like manner also the husband has not power over his own body, but the wife.

Mace New Testament
the wife has not the right of her own person, but the husband: and so likewise the husband has not the right of his own person, but the wife.

Weymouth New Testament
A married woman is not mistress of her own person: her husband has certain rights. In the same way a married man is not master of his own person: his wife has certain rights.

Worrell New Testament
The wife has not authority over her own body, but the husband; and, in like manner also, the husband has not authority over his own body, but the wife.

Worsley New Testament
The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband; and in like manner also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Principles of Marriage
3The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife. 5Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control.…

Cross References
Ephesians 5:22-33
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. / For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. / Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. ...

Colossians 3:18-19
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. / Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

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 19:4-6
Jesus answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ / 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’? / So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

1 Peter 3:1-7
Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives / when they see your pure and reverent demeanor. / Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, ...

Proverbs 31:10-12
A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.

Song of Solomon 7:10
I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me.

Genesis 3:16
To the woman He said: “I will sharply increase your pain in childbirth; in pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”

1 Timothy 2:11-15
A woman must learn in quietness and full submissiveness. / I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet. / For Adam was formed first, and then Eve. ...

Ephesians 5:21
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Romans 7:2-3
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. / So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

Mark 10:6-9
However, from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ / ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, / and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. ...

Malachi 2:14-16
Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. / 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. / “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
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, / not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God;

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


Treasury of Scripture

The wife has not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband has not power of his own body, but the wife.

Hosea 3:3
And I said unto her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for another man: so will I also be for thee.

Matthew 19:9
And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

Mark 10:11,12
And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her…

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1 Corinthians 7
1. He discusses marriage;
4. showing it to be a remedy against sinful desires,
10. and that the bond thereof ought not lightly to be dissolved.
20. Every man must be content with his vocation.
25. Virginity wherefore to be embraced;
35. and for what respects we may either marry, or abstain from marrying.














The wife does not have authority over her own body
In this phrase, the Greek word for "authority" is "ἐξουσία" (exousia), which implies a sense of control or right. In the context of marriage, Paul is emphasizing mutual submission and the relinquishing of personal rights for the sake of the marital union. Historically, this was a radical departure from the prevailing Greco-Roman norms where the husband had predominant control. Paul is advocating for a partnership where both spouses honor and respect each other's needs and desires, reflecting the unity and selflessness that should characterize a Christian marriage.

but the husband
Here, Paul is not suggesting a domineering control by the husband but rather a mutual giving of oneself. The historical context of this passage is crucial; in a patriarchal society, this statement would have been countercultural, as it places the wife in a position of shared authority. The husband's role is to love and cherish his wife, as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25), which involves a sacrificial and servant-hearted leadership.

Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body
The repetition of the concept of "authority" (ἐξουσία) underscores the reciprocal nature of marital relations. Paul is advocating for a balance where both husband and wife are equally committed to each other's well-being. This mutual submission is a reflection of the Christian principle of love, where each partner seeks to serve the other. In the historical context, this would have been a call to husbands to view their wives as equals, deserving of the same respect and consideration.

but the wife
This phrase completes the symmetry of Paul's teaching on mutual authority in marriage. The wife's authority over her husband's body is a call to mutual respect and care. In a conservative Christian perspective, this mutual authority is not about control but about love and service. It reflects the biblical ideal of two becoming one flesh (Genesis 2:24), where both partners are committed to each other's spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. This teaching encourages a marriage that mirrors the self-giving love of Christ, fostering a relationship built on trust, respect, and mutual submission.

(4) Of her own body.--Bengel notices that these words, "She has not power of her own body," form an elegant paradox, bringing out the equal rights of both.

Verse 4. - The wife hath not power, Marriage is not a capricious union, but a holy bond. "They two" become "one flesh."

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

wife
γυνὴ (gynē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1135: A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.

[does] not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

have authority over
ἐξουσιάζει (exousiazei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1850: To exercise (wield) power (authority), pass: To be ruled, be held under authority. From exousia; to control.

[her]
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

own
ἰδίου (idiou)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2398: Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.

body,
σώματος (sōmatos)
Noun - Genitive 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.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

the
(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.

husband.
ἀνήρ (anēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

Likewise
ὁμοίως (homoiōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3668: In like manner, similarly, in the same way, equally. Adverb from homoios; similarly.

the
(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.

husband
ἀνὴρ (anēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

[does] not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

have authority over
ἐξουσιάζει (exousiazei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1850: To exercise (wield) power (authority), pass: To be ruled, be held under authority. From exousia; to control.

[his]
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

own
ἰδίου (idiou)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2398: Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.

body,
σώματος (sōmatos)
Noun - Genitive 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.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

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

wife.
γυνή (gynē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1135: A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 7:4 The wife doesn't have authority over her (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 7:3
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