I Corinthians 7:38
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So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
her--The oldest manuscripts have "his own virgin daughter." but--The oldest manuscripts have "and."
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle answers some cases proposed to him by the Corinthians about marriage. He, I. Shows them that marriage was appointed as a remedy against fornication, and therefore that persons had better marry than burn (Co1 7:1-9). II. He gives direction to those who are married to continue together, though they might have an unbelieving relative, unless the unbeliever would part, in which case a Christian would not be in bondage (Co1 7:10-16). III. He shows them that becoming Christians does not change their external state; and therefore advises every one to continue, in the general, in that state in which he was called (Co1 7:17-24). IV. He advises them, by reason of the present distress, to keep themselves unmarried; hints the shortness of time, and how they should improve it, so as to grow dead and indifferent to the comforts of the world; and shows them how worldly cares hinder their devotions, and distract them in the service of God (Co1 7:25-35). V. He directs them in the disposal of their virgins (Co1 7:36-38). VI. And closes the chapter with advice to widows how to dispose of themselves in that state (Co1 7:39, Co1 7:40).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.
But the man who is firmly established in his heart and under no constraint, with control over his will and resolve in his heart not to marry the virgin, he will do well.
Now to the unmarried and widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am.
Because of the present crisis, I think it is good for a man to remain as he is.