1 Corinthians 7 28

1 Corinthians 7:28 kjv

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.

1 Corinthians 7:28 nkjv

But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you.

1 Corinthians 7:28 niv

But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.

1 Corinthians 7:28 esv

But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.

1 Corinthians 7:28 nlt

But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems.

1 Corinthians 7 verses

1 Corinthians 7 28 Meaning

This verse reassures unmarried virgins that they do not sin by marrying. It highlights that while marriage itself is permissible and not a sin, those who marry will face worldly troubles or "tribulation." This points to the earthly difficulties that accompany married life, distinct from any spiritual failing of marrying. The verse implicitly contrasts the freedom of an unmarried state with the added responsibilities and challenges of marriage within the temporal realm.

1 Corinthians 7 28 Context

This verse is part of the Apostle Paul's extensive discussion on marriage and singleness in 1 Corinthians chapter 7. He addresses questions posed by the Corinthian church regarding marital status and its implications, particularly in light of the "present distress" (1 Cor 7:26). Paul advises that for the present time, remaining unmarried is beneficial for focusing on spiritual matters due to impending difficulties. However, he clarifies that this is a personal counsel, not a rigid command against marriage. The immediate context (verse 27) emphasizes the contrast between being bound to a spouse and being free from marital ties, setting the stage for the reassurance offered in verse 28. The broader context of 1 Corinthians deals with divisions and problems within the Corinthian church, suggesting that Paul's pastoral advice aims to promote order and effective ministry during challenging times.

1 Corinthians 7 28 Word Analysis

• Ἐὰν δὲ καὶ γαμήσῃς, οὐχ ἥμαρτες· (Ean de kai gamēsēis, ouch hēmartes) - "If you do marry, you have not sinned."
  • ἐὰν (ean) - "if," a conditional particle introducing a possibility.
  • δὲ (de) - "but" or "and," a conjunction indicating a turn in the discourse or addition. Here it introduces a contrasting point.
  • καὶ (kai) - "and" or "also," strengthening the preceding word or joining phrases.
  • γαμήσῃς (gamēsēis) - "you marry," second person singular, aorist subjunctive active of γάμεω (gameō). This signifies the act of marriage.
  • οὐχ (ouch) - "not," a strong negation.
  • ἥμαρτες (hēmartes) - "you have sinned," second person singular, aorist indicative active of ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō). "Sin" is a transgression of God's law or will. Paul is directly countering any idea that marriage is inherently sinful.
• καὶ ἐὰν (γένηται) παρθένος, οὐχ ἥμαρτεν. (Kai ean (genētai) parthenos, ouch hēmartene) - "and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned."
  • καὶ (kai) - "and," connecting this statement to the previous one.
  • ἐὰν (ean) - "if," again introducing a conditional statement.
  • (γένηται) (genētai) - Though not explicitly in some Greek texts here, it's understood as "she becomes" or "she marries."
  • παρθένος (parthenos) - "virgin." The text specifically mentions a virgin, reflecting a particular concern or category of person in Corinth.
  • οὐχ (ouch) - "not."
  • ἥμαρτεν (hēmartene) - "she has sinned," third person singular, aorist indicative active of ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō). Similar to the masculine, asserting that the virgin does not sin by marrying.
• θήσονται δὲ θλίψιν τῇ σαρκί, (Thēsontai de thlipsin tē sarki,) - "Yet such as these will have trouble in the flesh."
  • θήσονται (thēsontai) - "they will have" or "they will experience," future middle indicative of τίθημι (tithēmi) in a less common sense, or possibly from θλίβω (thlibō) related to tribulation. The future tense indicates certainty or inevitability.
  • δὲ (de) - "but" or "and," marking a contrast or continuation.
  • θλίψιν (thlipsin) - "tribulation," "distress," "trouble," "affliction," accusative singular of θλῖψις (thlipsis). This refers to difficulties and pressures in life.
  • τῇ (tē) - "in the," dative singular feminine of the definite article.
  • σαρκί (sarki) - "flesh," dative singular of σάρξ (sarx). In this context, it signifies the earthly, physical existence, human nature, and the world in its temporal aspect, rather than necessarily "sinful flesh."
• ἐμοὶ δὲ ἐπιλύομαι. (Emoi de epilyomai) - "and I would spare you."
  • ἐμοὶ (emoi) - "to me," "for me." This suggests a personal consideration or desire from Paul.
  • δὲ (de) - "but," "and."
  • ἐπιλύομαι (epilyomai) - "I am relieved," "I am free," or more commonly interpreted in light of textual variants and context as an expression of Paul's desire for the Corinthians to avoid thlipsin ("tribulation"), so "I wish to spare you." The exact Greek reading here is debated, but the meaning of Paul's concern to spare them tribulation is clear from the context. Some manuscripts suggest other readings which reinforce this point of Paul wishing to save them from further burdens.

Words Group Analysis:The core idea revolves around the permission to marry without sin ("οὐχ ἥμαρτες" - ouch hēmartes). This is balanced by the certain reality of earthly difficulties associated with marriage ("θλίψιν τῇ σαρκί" - thlipsin tē sarki), leading to Paul's desire to mitigate these for them ("ἐμοὶ δὲ ἐπιλύομαι" - emoi de epilyomai, with textual support for 'I wish to spare you'). The verse differentiates between a spiritual failure (sin) and an earthly burden (trouble), both relating to the state of marriage.

1 Corinthians 7 28 Bonus Section

The phrase "trouble in the flesh" (θλίψιν τῇ σαρκί) can be interpreted as referring to the natural difficulties of human existence, such as financial concerns, relational conflicts, or the burden of raising a family. It can also allude to the potential persecution or suffering believers might face from a hostile world, which can be exacerbated by the responsibilities of family life. Some scholars suggest that "flesh" here stands in contrast to the "spirit," highlighting the physical and temporal aspects of life rather than an inherent moral corruption. The mention of "virgin" implies a particular pastoral concern for young women or those considering marriage, ensuring they understand both the allowance and the associated worldly challenges. The textual variant for the final clause of the verse, pointing towards Paul wishing to spare them, is significant, emphasizing his caring and advisory role rather than imposing a strict rule.

1 Corinthians 7 28 Commentary

Paul here provides pastoral clarity. Marriage is not sinful; he grants explicit permission for both men and virgins to marry without incurring sin. However, he tempers this with a pragmatic observation about the earthly consequences. Married life, by its very nature, involves complexities, responsibilities, and shared challenges – what he terms "tribulation in the flesh." This isn't to condemn marriage but to inform believers realistically about the additional pressures of worldly living that accompany it. His concluding remark, "and I would spare you," expresses a paternal desire to protect the Corinthians from these added difficulties, especially given the challenging times they are experiencing. It suggests that for some, remaining single offers a less encumbered path to serve God without the worldly anxieties of managing a household or dealing with spousal needs during distress. The counsel remains a guide for the times, emphasizing wisdom in navigating life's conditions with spiritual focus.

• Practicality: Understanding that marriage involves work and potential struggles is crucial for a healthy relationship.
• Focus: Single individuals may have more time and emotional bandwidth for ministry.
• Decision: Marriage is permissible, but the decision should consider present circumstances and spiritual priorities.