1 Corinthians 7:38
36 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.
37 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.
39 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.
40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.
This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better.
- KJV
- So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.
- WEB
- So then both he who gives his own virgin in marriage does well, and he who doesn’t give her in marriage does better.
- ASV
- So then both he that giveth his own virgin [daughter] in marriage doeth well; and he that giveth her not in marriage shall do better.
- DARBY
- So that he that marries himself does well; and he that does not marry does better.
- BLB
- So then also, the one marrying [his] own virgin does well, and the one not marrying will do better.
- ÅB
- Så gjør da den vel som bortgifter, og den gjør bedre som ikke bortgifter.
- OTB
- Så da, den som gir sin forlovede i ekteskap gjør godt, og den som ikke gir henne i ekteskap vil gjøre enda bedre.
- B1930
- Så gjør da den vel som bortgifter, og den gjør bedre som ikke bortgifter.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Read in context1 Corinthians 7:1–2
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
Read in context1 Corinthians 7:37
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.
Read in context1 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:
Read in context1 Corinthians 7:8
I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
Read in context1 Corinthians 7:26
I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.
Read in context