New English Translation
1 Corinthians 7:38
38So then, the one who marries his own virgin does well, but the one who does not, does better.
1 Corinthians 7:38 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.
- New International Version (NIV)So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better.
- English Standard Version (ESV)So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.
- New King James Version (NKJV)So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.
Context of 1 Corinthians 7:38
36If anyone thinks he is acting inappropriately toward his virgin, if she is past the bloom of youth and it seems necessary, he should do what he wishes; he does not sin. Let them marry. 37But the man who is firm in his commitment, and is under no necessity but has control over his will, and has decided in his own mind to keep his own virgin, does well. So then, the one who marries his own virgin does well, but the one who does not, does better. 39A wife is bound as long as her husband is living. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes (only someone in the Lord). 40But in my opinion, she will be happier if she remains as she is – and I think that I too have the Spirit of God!
Read all of 1 Corinthians 71 Corinthians 7:38 word by word
ὥστε καὶ ὁ γαμίζων τὴν ἑαυτοῦ παρθένον καλῶς ποιεῖ, καὶ ὁ μὴ γαμίζων κρεῖσσον ποιήσει.¶Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for 1 Corinthians 7:38
- 1 Corinthians 7:28But if you marry, you have not sinned. And if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face difficult circumstances, and I am trying to spare you such problems.
- 1 Corinthians 7:2But because of immoralities, each man should have relations with his own wife and each woman with her own husband.
- Hebrews 13:4Marriage must be honored among all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers.
- 1 Corinthians 7:1Now with regard to the issues you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”
Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 7:38
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 38Doeth well - Does right; violates no law in it, and is not to be blamed for it. Doeth better - Does that which is on the whole to be preferred, if it can be done. He more certainly, in the present circumstances, consults her happiness by withholding her from the marriage connection than he could by allowing her to enter it.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 36-40Verses 36-40 The apostle is thought to give advice here about the disposal of children in marriage. In this view, the general meaning is plain. Children should seek and follow the directions of their parents as to marriage. And parents should consult their children's wishes; and not reckon they have power to do with them, and dictate just as they please, without reason. The whole is closed with advice to widows. Second marriages are not unlawful, so that…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 36-38Paul suggests choosing a celibate life over marriage. However, he permits marriage if sexual desires become too tempting. Those who can control their desires well should consider celibacy.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 3838. her--The oldest manuscripts have "his own virgin daughter." but--The oldest manuscripts have "and."Read the comment
Topics related to 1 Corinthians 7:38
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 7
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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