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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 7:37 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 7:37 speaks to the subject of personal commitment to celibacy.

In this verse, the Apostle Paul acknowledges that a man who firmly decides in his heart to remain celibate does well, as long as he is not compelled by external circumstances, but is making this decision from his own volition and control ("power over his own will").

The phrase "standeth stedfast in his heart" reflects a determination and a deliberate choice made without external pressure.

"Having no necessity" suggests that this person is not under any compulsion to marry or engage in sexual relations. The decision to "keep his virgin" is understood to mean maintaining a state of celibacy. Paul considers such a commitment commendable if it stems from a personal and voluntary choice.

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Historical Context

The verse is part of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, a community of early Christians in the city of Corinth around 54-55 A.D.

Corinth was a major Greek city known for its wealth, diversity, and moral laxity at the time.

In this letter, Paul addresses various issues, including questions about marriage and celibacy.

In the Greco-Roman world, celibacy was not a common practice as marriage and procreation were highly valued.

Paul's discussion suggests that within the Corinthian church, there were differing views on the matter and that some members might have been advocating for celibacy as a superior spiritual state.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse offers several insights:

Christian Liberty: It highlights the idea of Christian freedom where individuals are free to choose celibacy, not out of compulsion but as an act of worship and personal commitment to God.
Celibacy as a Gift: Some theologians view celibacy as a special gift from God (1 Corinthians 7:7), given to some but not to all.
Singleness and Service: Celibacy is sometimes seen as enabling greater focus on spiritual matters and service in God's kingdom, as discussed in the context of 1 Corinthians 7.
Personal Conscience: The verse reflects the importance of following one’s own conscience in making life decisions, provided that the choices honor God.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in several practical ways:

Personal Decisions: It encourages individuals to make thoughtful decisions regarding lifestyle choices such as marriage or celibacy based on personal conviction.
Respecting Choices: It suggests that the community should respect each person's God-given freedom to choose their state of life.
Focus on Service: For those who choose celibacy, it emphasizes the opportunity to serve God and others with undivided attention.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 7:7 - "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."

1 Corinthians 7:8 - "I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I."
1 Corinthians 7:34 - "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."

Language Study

"Standeth stedfast" (ἕστηκεν ἑδραῖος - hestēken hedraios) denotes someone who is firm or immovable in their decision.
"Necessity" (ἀνάγκην - anankēn) could be interpreted as a compulsion or external pressure to act contrary to one's desire.
"Power over his own will" (ἐξουσίαν ἔχων ἐπὶ τοῦ ἰδίου θελήματος - exousian echon epi tou idiou thelēmatos) refers to having control or authority over one’s personal desires and decisions.
"Keep his virgin" (τηρῆσαι τὴν ἑαυτοῦ παρθενίαν - tērēsai tēn heautou parthenian) in this context is understood to mean maintaining virginity or remaining celibate.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient beliefs, celibacy was not commonly celebrated in Greco-Roman culture, where procreation and family were highly valued.

In contrast, some mystery religions and philosophical schools (like the Stoics) did value self-control, which could include sexual abstinence. In Judaism, marriage and procreation were generally considered a duty, although there were some sects, like the Essenes, where celibacy was more common.

Scientific Perspectives

The decision for celibacy, as discussed in 1 Corinthians 7:37, does not directly intersect with scientific perspectives.

However, modern psychology may explore the motivations behind such decisions and their impact on mental and emotional health.

The concepts of personal autonomy and the positive effects of living in accordance with one's values and beliefs could be relevant here.

Commentaries

John Calvin notes that Paul gives permission rather than laying down a necessity, and he observes that all things are lawful but all things are not expedient.
The Matthew Henry Commentary emphasizes that in matters indifferent, the choice should be conducted by judgment, not by passion.
The Expositor's Greek Testament highlights the ideal of the person who has deliberated and decided to remain celibate for religious reasons, and it acknowledges the value of such a choice in Paul's eyes.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges mentions that Paul allows for personal preference as long as the choice is made rationally and under no external compulsion.

1 Corinthians 7

1 Corinthians 7

What does 1 Corinthians 7:37 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 7:37 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?