1 Corinthians 7:26 kjv
I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.
1 Corinthians 7:26 nkjv
I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress? that it is good for a man to remain as he is:
1 Corinthians 7:26 niv
Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is.
1 Corinthians 7:26 esv
I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.
1 Corinthians 7:26 nlt
Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain as you are.
1 Corinthians 7 26 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Corinthians 7:1 | "Now concerning the matters of which you wrote: It is good for a man not to touch a woman." | Celibacy as a benefit (New Testament) |
| 1 Corinthians 7:8 | "To the unmarried and to the widows I say that it is good for them to remain as I am." | Paul's preference for singleness |
| 1 Corinthians 7:27 | "Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek marriage." | Practical advice on marriage |
| Romans 8:18 | "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." | Present suffering vs. future glory |
| 1 Corinthians 7:29 | "This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none," | Urgency and focus on the Lord |
| Matthew 24:19 | "Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days!" | Difficulties during tribulation |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:3 | "while people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape!" | Suddenness of future events |
| Revelation 7:14 | "I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”" | Endurance through trials |
| Genesis 2:18 | "Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”" | Original design for companionship |
| Proverbs 18:22 | "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." | Blessing of marriage |
| Ecclesiastes 9:9 | "Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because all your days are vanity; she is your portion and the fruit of your toil under the sun." | Enjoyment in marriage |
| Matthew 19:6 | "So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." | The indissolubility of marriage |
| 1 Corinthians 7:2 | "But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband." | Reasons for marriage |
| 1 Corinthians 7:33-34 | "and his concern is for the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. but his concern is for the things of the world, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord." | Focus on serving the Lord |
| Romans 12:1 | "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." | Spiritual devotion |
| Philippians 4:13 | "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." | Strength through Christ |
| 2 Timothy 2:3 | "Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." | Enduring hardship for Christ |
| 1 Peter 4:12 | "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that is to come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you." | Trials are not unusual |
| John 16:33 | "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." | Peace amidst tribulation |
| 1 Corinthians 9:19 | "For though I am free from all all people, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more people." | Flexibility for the Gospel |
1 Corinthians 7 verses
1 Corinthians 7 26 Meaning
This verse suggests that in view of the present distress, it is good for a person to remain in their current marital state, whether married or unmarried. It implies that remaining in one's present state offers a certain advantage or benefit during difficult times.
1 Corinthians 7 26 Context
This verse is part of a larger discussion in 1 Corinthians chapter 7 concerning marriage, singleness, and various life circumstances. Paul is responding to questions raised by the Corinthian church. The immediate context leading up to verse 26 deals with specific advice regarding marriage, particularly for virgins (unmarried women) and those already married. Paul generally advises in favor of remaining in one's present state. He states that for the unmarried, it is good not to be with a woman (verse 1) and later that the unmarried and widows should remain as he is (verse 8). He then addresses the married, saying they should not seek divorce and should not divorce their wives (verses 10-11). Verse 26 then offers a rationale for this general counsel, connecting it to the "present distress." The "present distress" likely refers to the various social and economic difficulties, potential persecution, and the general turmoil of the age that Christians were experiencing, possibly exacerbated by their new faith in a pagan world. This context shapes the meaning of "good" not as an absolute prohibition against marriage, but as a pragmatic recommendation for prioritizing spiritual focus and avoiding added complications during troubled times.
1 Corinthians 7 26 Word Analysis
- νυνὶ (nyni): "now." This adverb points to the present time, emphasizing the immediate circumstances being considered. It marks a transition in Paul's reasoning, highlighting the relevance of the current situation.
- δὲ (de): "but," "and," "now." This is a common conjunction used for transition or contrast. Here, it connects the previous points about marriage and singleness to the rationale provided in this verse.
- διὰ (dia): "through," "because of," "on account of." This preposition indicates the cause or reason for the following statement. It establishes a cause-and-effect relationship.
- τὴν (tēn): "the." The definite article precedes "present distress."
- ἐνεστῶσαν (enestōsan): "present," "standing by," "existing." This participle, from the verb eimi (to be), describes the distress as ongoing and currently happening.
- ἀνάγκην (anankēn): "necessity," "distress," "hardship," "trouble," "persecution." This noun refers to a situation of difficulty, pressure, or tribulation that demands attention or consideration.
- ὅτι (hoti): "that," "because." This conjunction introduces a subordinate clause explaining why it is good to remain in the current state.
- καλὸν (kalon): "good," "beautiful," "fine," "advantageous." This adjective conveys that remaining in one's present state is beneficial or opportune, particularly in light of the circumstances. It is a commendation, not a strict commandment.
- ἀνθρώπῳ (anthrōpō): "a man," "a person," "mankind." This is the dative singular of anthrōpos. It refers to any individual.
- οὕτως (houtōs): "thus," "so," "in this way." This adverb signifies manner or degree, indicating that in this specific way (remaining as one is) it is good.
- ἔχειν (echein): "to have," "to hold," "to be." This infinitive, used with kalon, expresses what is good or beneficial. It implies continuing to possess one's present condition.
Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:
- "νυνὶ δὲ διὰ τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν ἀνάγκην" (nyni de dia tēn enestōsan anankēn): This entire phrase translates to "but now on account of the present distress." It sets the crucial temporal and situational backdrop for Paul's counsel. The "present distress" is the operative reason for his recommendation regarding marriage.
- "καλὸν ἀνθρώπῳ οὕτως ἔχειν" (kalon anthrōpō houtōs echein): This phrase means "it is good for a person to have it thus" or "it is good for a person to be in this way." It presents the practical advantage of maintaining one's current marital status during times of hardship, implying it simplifies focus and commitment to spiritual matters.
1 Corinthians 7 26 Bonus Section
The concept of "present distress" is pivotal. Scholars debate its precise nature, with possibilities including: general societal upheaval, economic hardship, potential for persecution specific to Christians, or the impending eschatological events and the urgent need for discipleship. Some interpretations link this to the difficulties faced by the early church as it existed as a distinct minority within the Roman Empire. The teaching also echoes themes from the Old Testament prophets who often called for purification and readiness in times of national crisis. This practical, situation-specific advice demonstrates Paul's ability to adapt and apply his understanding of the Gospel to the lived realities of believers. It emphasizes a balance between enjoying God's good gifts (like marriage) and strategically orienting one's life for service and endurance, especially when spiritual challenges are heightened.
1 Corinthians 7 26 Commentary
Paul advises that due to the current difficult circumstances ("present distress"), it is advantageous ("good") for individuals to remain in their existing marital state. This counsel is not a blanket prohibition of marriage but a practical consideration for the demanding times. Maintaining one's status, whether married or single, potentially frees a person from new responsibilities and complications that marriage might bring, allowing for a greater focus on serving God and enduring hardship. This reflects a pastoral concern for the Corinthians' well-being amidst their challenging environment, enabling them to remain steadfast in their faith. It's important to understand that "good" here is contextual and preferential, not an absolute ethical mandate against marriage. Paul has already affirmed marriage as God's design in earlier verses, but this particular point is about strategic prioritization given the tribulation.