1 Corinthians 7 36

1 Corinthians 7:36 kjv

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.

1 Corinthians 7:36 nkjv

But if any man thinks he is behaving improperly toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of youth, and thus it must be, let him do what he wishes. He does not sin; let them marry.

1 Corinthians 7:36 niv

If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married.

1 Corinthians 7:36 esv

If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry ? it is no sin.

1 Corinthians 7:36 nlt

But if a man thinks that he's treating his fianc?e improperly and will inevitably give in to his passion, let him marry her as he wishes. It is not a sin.

1 Corinthians 7 verses

1 Corinthians 7 36 meaning

This verse addresses the decision concerning the marriage of a "virgin" under the care or commitment of a man, offering guidance on situations where marriage is advisable and not sinful. It grapples with the tension between the presumed spiritual superiority of celibacy (alluded to in 1 Cor 7:1) and the practical realities of human desire and societal expectations. The core message is that if a man (interpreted as either a father/guardian concerning his daughter, or a man regarding his fiancée) believes his conduct or the virgin's situation necessitates marriage—whether due to intense personal passions, the virgin's advanced age, or societal pressures—he should permit or proceed with the marriage, as doing so is not a sin but an acceptable course of action.

1 Corinthians 7 36 Context

1 Corinthians chapter 7 is Paul's comprehensive pastoral response to various questions posed by the Corinthian church concerning marriage, celibacy, divorce, and sexual relations, likely stemming from some in the church advocating extreme asceticism. The broader chapter begins with the principle that while celibacy might be "good" (v.1), it is not a universal mandate, and marriage is essential for most to avoid sexual immorality (v.2). Paul then discusses marital duties (v.3-5), reasons for temporary abstinence (v.5), and advises those unable to control their passions to marry (v.9). He also addresses situations of believers married to unbelievers (v.12-16) and remaining in one's calling (v.17-24). Verses 25-35 particularly focus on advice for virgins and the unmarried, with an emphasis on remaining as one is due to the "present distress" (likely persecution or the imminence of Christ's return) and to give "undivided devotion to the Lord." Verse 36, then, presents a nuanced application of this principle, recognizing specific circumstances where marriage for a virgin, previously delayed or considered against the grain of the ascetic ideal, becomes the wise and permissible path. Historically and culturally, the reputation and marriage prospects of virgins were highly valued, and parents (or guardians) had significant authority over marriage decisions for their daughters.

1 Corinthians 7 36 Word analysis

• If anyone thinks (Εἰ δέ τις νομίζει - Ei de tis nomizei): This introduces a subjective assessment. "Thinks" (νομίζει) indicates a personal judgment or concern. The "anyone" could refer to a father/guardian or a man with a betrothed.
• that he is not behaving properly (ἀσχημονεῖν - ascheomonein): This Greek word means "to act in a shameful, disgraceful, or unseemly manner," or "to dishonor." It implies a sense of wrongdoing or social impropriety. The shame could be against the virgin, against the man himself (if unable to control desires), or against societal expectations, perhaps due to delaying marriage too long or exposing her to potential temptation/disgrace.
• toward his virgin (ἐπὶ τὴν παρθένον αὐτοῦ - epi tēn parthenon autou): This phrase is the key to various interpretations.
  • παρθένον (parthenon) means "virgin," specifically a young, unmarried woman.
  • αὐτοῦ (autou) means "his," indicating possession or association.
  • The most common interpretations are: 1) a father concerning his daughter, as the one under his patriarchal authority. 2) a man concerning his fiancée or betrothed, whom he is pledged to marry but has not yet taken to wife. A less common view, but discussed by some scholars, is a "spiritual sister" or co-ascetic partner with whom a man lives in a chaste, "spiritual marriage."
• if his passions are strong (ἐὰν ᾖ ὑπέρακμος / καὶ οὕτως ὀφείλει γίνεσθαι - ean ē huperakmos / kai houtōs opheilei ginesthai): This phrase is highly debated and various translations reflect different understandings of the underlying Greek, particularly huperakmos.
  • ὑπέρακμος (huperakmos): literally "beyond the prime" or "past the flower/bloom of age." In this context, it generally means "beyond the usual age for marriage" for a woman, which could lead to disgrace if she remains unmarried. This supports the "father/guardian" interpretation.
  • καὶ οὕτως ὀφείλει γίνεσθαι (kai houtōs opheilei ginesthai): means "and thus it ought to be so," "and it has to be." This refers to either a strong internal imperative (like burning passions), external pressure (social expectation that she should marry), or a sense of duty.
  • The ESV combines these with "if his passions are strong," implying that "it has to be" (ὀφείλει γίνεσθαι) is linked to the man's own desire, rather than solely the virgin's age (huperakmos). Other translations directly link huperakmos to her age. Paul acknowledges legitimate and strong urges that must be fulfilled to avoid sin.
• let him do what he wishes (ποιείτω ὃ θέλει - poietō ho thelei): This grants permission and autonomy. The man, in this specific circumstance, is free to make the decision. "What he wishes" is framed within the bounds of what is permissible by God, not arbitrary desire.
• he does not sin (οὐχ ἁμαρτάνει - ouch hamartanei): A clear declaration that choosing marriage in this context is morally acceptable and aligns with God's will. It counters any belief that not marrying in such a situation would be more spiritual or righteous.
• let them marry (γαμησάτωσαν - gamēsatōsan): An imperative, urging marriage. "Them" (-atōsan indicates plural) explicitly shows that it's a couple, either the man and his betrothed, or the virgin with whomever she marries with the guardian's permission.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his virgin": Highlights a concerned party, making a judgment about potentially inappropriate conduct (social, moral, or spiritual) regarding a virgin under his responsibility or commitment. The concern is rooted in maintaining honor and avoiding impropriety.
• "if his passions are strong, and it has to be": Addresses the compelling internal or external forces at play. This clause can encompass intense sexual desires on the part of the man, the societal need for a woman to marry at a certain age, or the moral imperative to ensure the virgin's welfare and avoid disgrace. This reveals Paul's pragmatic understanding of human nature.
• "let him do what he wishes, he does not sin; let them marry": This is Paul's direct counsel and affirmation. It grants permission, explicitly removes any culpability for sin, and mandates marriage as the proper solution when these circumstances arise. It reinforces marriage as a divinely approved remedy for strong passions and a legitimate life path, even if celibacy is viewed as a higher ideal by some.

1 Corinthians 7 36 Bonus section

• Ambiguity and Pastoral Sensitivity: The linguistic ambiguity surrounding "his virgin" and "if his passions are strong/if she is past her prime" indicates Paul's awareness of varied personal and cultural contexts within the Corinthian church. His advice is broadly applicable, allowing individuals (or families) to discern the most righteous path under their specific circumstances. It avoids creating a rigid, one-size-fits-all rule in an area demanding personal conviction and sensitivity.
• Prioritizing Avoiding Sin: This verse underscores the biblical principle of prioritizing the avoidance of sin (sexual immorality, potential for dishonor, living in conflict with one's God-given urges) over an otherwise "good" practice (celibacy) if that practice proves untenable. It demonstrates God's gracious provision in marriage for those who struggle with celibacy, consistent with Paul's counsel throughout the chapter.
• The Weight of Public Perception: The term "behaving improperly" (ἀσχημονεῖν) often carried social implications. For a virgin to remain unmarried past her typical marrying age could bring social stigma or suggest an underlying issue. This context highlights how Paul's advice also takes into account the impact of one's actions and decisions on their reputation and standing within the community.

1 Corinthians 7 36 Commentary

1 Corinthians 7:36 navigates a complex intersection of individual spirituality, social convention, and human desire. Paul, while personally favoring celibacy for those able to embrace it for the sake of undistracted devotion to the Lord (vv. 7-8, 32-35), provides a pragmatic and compassionate qualification for specific scenarios. This verse primarily addresses a man's moral dilemma concerning a virgin for whom he holds responsibility—most likely his daughter as a guardian, or his fiancée. If he perceives a risk of "improper behavior" or dishonor, either to himself due to unmanageable passions or to the virgin by delaying marriage past a suitable age, marriage is not only permitted but advised. The phrase "if his passions are strong, and it has to be" (incorporating varying interpretations of "past her prime" or "thus it must be") acknowledges both personal urges and societal/reputational pressures. Paul decisively declares "he does not sin" and "let them marry," affirming the honor of marriage and God's design even when the circumstances prompt such a decision. This demonstrates that human well-being, avoiding temptation, and upholding proper social conduct are legitimate grounds for choosing marriage over an unsustainable ascetic ideal, illustrating a balanced, grace-filled application of Christian principles.