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

The verse emphasizes that a Christian man should act justly and righteously towards the virgin he is betrothed to, treating her as his own wife, because they are essentially one flesh in God's eyes. It calls for integrity and fairness in dealing with one's future spouse.

1 Corinthians 7 36 Context

This verse is part of Paul's detailed instructions to the Corinthian church regarding marriage and singleness in 1 Corinthians chapter 7. The preceding verses (34-35) discuss the unmarried woman and her devotion to the Lord, contrasting it with the unmarried man's care for spiritual matters. Verse 36 transitions to address a specific situation involving a man's betrothal to a virgin and how to act in such a context. It offers practical guidance within a framework of Christian ethics. The overall context is one of addressing misunderstandings and providing clarity on lifestyle choices in light of the impending return of Christ, while still grounding them in practical godly living within their present relationships.

1 Corinthians 7 36 Word Analysis

• Εὰν (Ean): If, when. Conditional particle introducing a hypothesis or possibility.
• δὲ (de): But, and. A common connective, often indicating a contrast or a transition.
• τις (tis): Someone, anyone, a certain person. Indefinite pronoun.
• πατρὶ (patri): Father (dative case). Refers to one's father.
• παρθένου (parthenou): Virgin (genitive case). Indicates purity and unmarried status.
• ἐν (en): In, among. Preposition indicating location or sphere.
• ἤθει (ēthei): Character, disposition, manner of life (dative case). Refers to one's behavior or conduct.
• καὶ (kai): And, also. Conjunction connecting words, clauses, or sentences.
• εἴ (ei): If. Another conditional particle, similar to "ean."
• ὀφείλει (opheilei): Ought to, should, is indebted to. Verb expressing moral obligation or necessity.
• οὕτως (houtōs): Thus, so, in this way. Adverb indicating manner or degree.
• τὸ (to): The (neuter article).
• ἑαυτῶν (heautōn): Himself, herself, themselves (reflexive pronoun, genitive plural).
• αἰδεῖσθαι (aideisthai): To show respect for, to regard with reverence, to have regard for (infinitive). Implies consideration and honor.
• σ wykatiathēmata (synkatathēmata) (Not present in this verse but often confused): Joint depositor.
• καὶ (kai): And.
• τὴν (tēn): The (feminine article).
• ἴδιαν (idiam): His own, one's own (accusative feminine adjective). Emphasizes personal property or claim.
• κόρην (koren): Young girl, virgin daughter (accusative case). Similar to 'parthenos' but often implying betrothal.

Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:

• "Εὰν δὲ τις πατρὶ ἤθει": "If a certain person in character." This phrase highlights the aspect of someone acting based on their moral disposition or honorable character, particularly in relation to parental authority or the common customs of the time.
• "εἴ ὀφείλει τὸ ἑαυτῶν αἰδεῖσθαι": "If he ought to regard his own." This speaks of a sense of duty or debt, where one has an obligation to show proper consideration. The "own" could refer to his betrothed, emphasizing possession in a legal or covenantal sense within that culture.
• "τὴν ἴδιαν κόρην": "his own young girl/virgin." This clearly identifies the subject of the man's obligation – the betrothed virgin. The emphasis on "his own" links to the concept of betrothal as a binding agreement.
• "καὶ τὴν ἴδιαν κόρην": "and his own young girl/virgin." This connective implies that the betrothal is considered a serious, quasi-marital state, where the woman is already regarded as belonging to the man in a significant way, even before the full consummation of marriage.

1 Corinthians 7 36 Bonus Section

The cultural context of betrothal in the first century was a significant one. It was a formal contract, often arranged by parents, that legally bound the couple, and breaking it involved serious social and legal consequences. A betrothed woman was considered a wife, though she did not yet live with her husband. Sexual relations with anyone other than her betrothed would be considered adultery. Thus, Paul’s instruction here aligns with and reinforces the established societal understanding of betrothal as a covenant, emphasizing the Christian responsibility to conduct oneself with integrity and honor within these commitments, maintaining purity throughout. The phrase "one flesh" mentioned elsewhere in discussions about marriage (e.g., Matt. 19:6) informs this sense of deep connection even in betrothal, demanding responsible action.

1 Corinthians 7 36 Commentary

Paul addresses a specific situation within the broader discussion on marriage and singleness: a man's betrothal to a virgin. He provides ethical guidance for this situation, underscoring that the betrothed couple should be treated and act as if they are already married. The word "betrothed" signifies a legally binding engagement in ancient Near Eastern and Roman cultures, often with the same social and legal weight as marriage, though without cohabitation or consummation. Therefore, Paul urges that a man act with appropriate moral character, honor, and consideration for the virgin he is betrothed to. He "ought" to regard her as his own in a just and proper manner, reflecting the concept that betrothal was a solemn commitment. This directive aims to promote purity, respect, and righteousness in relationships, ensuring that the pre-marital state reflects the sanctity of the eventual union. It's not merely a suggestion but a moral obligation based on the seriousness of the commitment.