4 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.

Other Translations of 1 Corinthians 7:4

New International Version

4 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.

English Standard Version

4 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.

The Message

4 Marriage is not a place to "stand up for your rights." Marriage is a decision to serve the other, whether in bed or out.

New King James Version

4 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 Living Translation

4 The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:4

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:1-9

(Read 1 Corinthians 7:1-9)

The apostle tells the Corinthians that it was good, in that juncture of time, for Christians to keep themselves single. Yet he says that marriage, and the comforts of that state, are settled by Divine wisdom. Though none may break the law of God, yet that perfect rule leaves men at liberty to serve him in the way most suited to their powers and circumstances, of which others often are very unfit judges. All must determine for themselves, seeking counsel from God how they ought to act.