Prev1 Corinthians 7:38Next

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 7:38 mean?

Explanation

In the given verse of 1 Corinthians 7:38, the apostle Paul is addressing the question of marriage within the Christian community at Corinth.

He acknowledges that marriage is good and right ("he that giveth her in marriage doeth well"), yet suggests that choosing not to marry, and therefore being free from marital responsibilities, enables a person to better serve the Lord ("but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better").

The verse reflects Paul's view that the unmarried state enables greater devotion to God, considering the imminent expectation of Christ's return and the challenges faced by early Christians.

It is important to note that Paul is not disparaging marriage; rather, he is expressing a preference for singleness in light of particular circumstances.

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

1 Corinthians was written by Paul to the church at Corinth around A.D. 54-55.

Corinth was a cosmopolitan city with diverse religious beliefs and practices.

Paul was addressing queries from the Corinthians and challenges within the community, including issues of immorality, doctrinal misunderstandings, and disputes within the church.

The topic of marriage would have been pertinent given the social fabric and pressures wherein Christians were determining how to live out their faith amid a culture with different values.

The eschatological belief, or the doctrine concerning the end of the world, was also a pressing concern, guiding Paul’s advice on life decisions such as marriage.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints have evolved out of interpreting this verse.

One perspective known as asceticism views celibacy as an ideal state for its potential for complete devotion to God.

On the other hand, traditional views affirm the sanctity of marriage and the goodness of marital relations designed by God for companionship and procreation.

Reformist thinking also interprets Paul's counsel as pragmatic for his time and not as an absolute, universal command for all Christians.

The common thread is that Paul is highlighting a life of commitment to God, regardless of one's marital status.

Practical Applications

This verse can influence individual choices about pursuing marriage or singleness.

For those considering marriage, it is a reminder of the weightiness of marital commitments and the responsibility to have their priorities aligned with their faith.

For those who choose singleness, the verse is an encouragement that their state is not just acceptable but commendable if it leads to a dedicated life of service to God.

It is applicable in discussions about lifestyle choices and how these impact one's spiritual obligations and service.

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 7:32-34 - "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 [...]"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrases used have significant meanings:

"giveth her in marriage" (gameizō): This verb refers to the act of marrying someone off, perhaps reflecting the parental decision in arranging a marriage.
"doeth well" (kalōs poiei): Literally meaning "does well," it implies a morally good or commendable action.
"doeth better" (kreisson poiei): This suggests a preferable, superior decision.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

During Paul's time, marriage was often an expectation in both Jewish and Greco-Roman societies, while celibacy was generally uncommon.

Some sects like the Essenes practiced celibacy, as did certain philosophical schools that extolled the virtues of self-control.

In later Christianity, celibacy became an ideal for the clergy, partly influenced by texts like this one.

Other religious traditions like Hinduism and Buddhism also have monastic traditions that consider singleness and celibacy as means to reach higher spiritual states.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology and sociology study the impacts of marriage and singleness on individual well-being.

Research shows that both states can have their advantages and challenges, and personal satisfaction in either state can vary greatly based on individual disposition and social context.

Paul's advice can be seen as an early recognition that a person's state of life can affect their focus, stress, and available energies for various activities, including religious commitments.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this passage.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes that Paul provides advice that is suited to the circumstances of the time and believes Paul indicates an unmarried state as advantageous for the "present distress." The Geneva Study Bible suggests that marriage is good and lawful but that celibacy may present greater convenience to serve God without distraction.

John Wesley's Explanatory Notes remark on how singleness allows for a simpler life exclusively dedicated to God, while the Pulpit Commentary emphasizes that Paul is not imposing a command but offering guidance.

There is a consensus that Paul is not diminishing the importance of marriage, but he raises the possibility that, particularly in times of persecution or distress, undivided devotion to God may be more readily practiced by the unmarried.

1 Corinthians 7

1 Corinthians 7

What does 1 Corinthians 7:38 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 7:38 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?