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1 Corinthians 7

Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

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.

Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.

Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

What does 1 Corinthians 7:28 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 7:28 addresses the subject of marriage and singleness as part of a broader discussion by the Apostle Paul on Christian life and marital status.

In this verse, Paul states that marriage is not sinful; both the act of marrying and being a virgin who marries are not matters for condemnation.

Nevertheless, he warns that those who marry will face difficulties ("trouble in the flesh"), which can be understood as the everyday challenges and responsibilities that come with married life.

Paul's addendum, "but I spare you," suggests that he is offering guidance to help believers avoid the additional burdens that might distract them from their devotion to God.

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

The verse is part of a letter written by Paul to the Corinthian church around A.D. 53-54.

Corinth was a cosmopolitan city known for its wealth, diverse population, and, somewhat, for its moral laxity.

In writing to the Corinthian Christians, Paul addressed various issues, including questions they had about marriage and celibacy.

At the time, there were societal pressures and possibly imminent persecution, which might have made single life more practical for those devoted to Christian ministry.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is significant for several reasons. It recognizes the sanctity of marriage while acknowledging the challenges inherent in a marital relationship.

In contrast to some philosophical or religious traditions that denigrated marriage, Paul affirms its legitimacy.

However, his warning about the troubles associated with marriage may imply a preference for singleness in specific circumstances, especially in the context of Christian service where undivided attention to God is valued.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can serve as a reminder to those considering marriage to weigh their decision carefully, recognizing both the joys and challenges that marriage brings.

For those called to a life of ministry or service, it offers a perspective on the importance of considering one's capacity to balance family responsibilities with spiritual commitments.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 7:1 - Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
1 Corinthians 7:34 - There is a difference also between a wife and a virgin.

The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

Matthew 19:10-12 - His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

1 Timothy 4:3 - Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

Language Study

The phrase "trouble in the flesh" comes from the Greek words "θλῖψις" (thlipsis) and "σάρξ" (sarx). "Θλῖψις" (thlipsis) often refers to affliction, distress, or tribulation. "Σάρξ" (sarx) translates to flesh, and within this context, it likely refers to the physical and earthly aspects of life.

The study of these words suggests that Paul is acknowledging the very real and tangible difficulties that accompany marriage.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Marriage in ancient times was often viewed differently from modern perspectives.

For instance, in ancient Greece and Rome, marriage was largely about producing legitimate heirs and managing household wealth.

By contrast, the Christian view, as presented by Paul, recognizes the legitimacy and goodness of marriage but also points out that it is not free from worldly challenges, a nuance that was less appreciated in other ancient perspectives.

Scientific Perspectives

Today, scientific studies often focus on the psychological and social benefits of marriage, including increased life satisfaction, social support, and economic benefits.

However, these studies also recognize the stressors and pressures of marital life, which can corroborate Paul's assertion about facing "trouble in the flesh."

Commentaries

Biblical scholars have diverse views on this passage.

Some argue that Paul's message reflects a pastoral concern for his congregants' well-being amidst potential persecution.

Others suggest it reflects a personal preference for celibacy that allows for undivided devotion to God.

Still, others see it as an acknowledgment of the practical challenges of marriage without disparaging the institution itself.

Commentators agree that Paul's teaching here is nuanced, affirming marriage while also validating singleness for those wholly devoted to God's work.

1 Corinthians 7

1 Corinthians 7

What does 1 Corinthians 7:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does 1 Corinthians 7:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?