Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

In the context cited in the question, incontinency refers to the inability of an individual to exercise self-control over his or her actions.

Paul is saying that, although a married couple may mutually agree to abstain from sexual activity for a period of time in order to devote themselves to spiritual pursuits such as fasting and prayer, if that period of abstention goes on too long (and especially if it reaches a point where it is no longer by mutual consent), it can present a problem from the standpoint of the possibility of a spouse becoming tempted to look outside the marriage to satisfy his or her sexual needs or desires.

July 01 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is incontinency (1 Corinthians 7:5)?

In 1 Corinthians 7:5, "incontinency" refers to a lack of self-control or inability to manage one's sexual desires, arising from prolonged sexual abstinence between spouses. Paul advises against long, non-mutual withholding of intimacy to prevent temptation and temptation-driven sexual sin (immorality). 

Details about incontinency in 1 Corinthians 7:5 include:

Definition: The term is derived from the Greek word akrasia, meaning "without control" or lack of moderation, particularly regarding sexual desires.

Context: It is used in the context of married couples abstaining from sexual relations for special periods of fasting and prayer.

Synonyms: Similar concepts include lack of self-restraint, intemperance, unchastity, and failure to control passions.

The Risk: Paul warns that if couples abstain for too long, they risk "Satan" tempting them to sin due to their inability to control their sexual impulses.

It refers to the danger of sexual temptation that arises when married couples fail to manage their physical needs through regular, mutual intimacy.

Paul shows that even a couple who ‘set their minds on the things of the spirit’ must consider the sexual needs of each other. He advised Christians in Corinth: “Let the husband render to his wife her due; but let the wife also do likewise to her husband. Do not be depriving each other of it, except by mutual consent for an appointed time, that you may devote time to prayer and may come together again, that Satan may not keep tempting you for your lack of self-regulation.” Romans 8:5; 1 Corinthians 7:3, 5 

Sadly, there have been cases of adultery when this advice was not followed.

This being so, a married Christian should weigh matters carefully before accepting a work assignment that will separate him from his wife over an extended period. He no longer has the same freedom of movement as he had when he was single.

Where there is mutual respect, neither partner would use sexual needs as a psychological weapon. Each should render the marriage due to the other, and any temporary abstinence should be by mutual consent. 1 Corinthians 7:1-5.

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