1 Corinthians 7 37

1 Corinthians 7:37 kjv

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.

1 Corinthians 7:37 nkjv

Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well.

1 Corinthians 7:37 niv

But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin?this man also does the right thing.

1 Corinthians 7:37 esv

But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well.

1 Corinthians 7:37 nlt

But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry.

1 Corinthians 7 verses

1 Corinthians 7 37 meaning

This verse describes a man (often interpreted as a father or guardian) who, after careful consideration, makes a firm and unwavering decision within himself. He is not under any external compulsion, societal pressure, or personal necessity to marry off his virgin daughter (or a virgin under his care). Instead, he possesses full control over his own will and intentions. His deliberate choice, formed in his heart, is to keep her unmarried. Paul commends this choice, declaring that by doing so, this man "does well," aligning with the apostle's broader preference for dedicated singleness for the sake of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7 37 Context

1 Corinthians chapter 7 is Paul's detailed response to questions from the Corinthian church concerning marriage, divorce, and singleness, likely prompted by their ascetic tendencies or practical challenges. Throughout the chapter, Paul maintains that both marriage and singleness are permissible for believers (1 Cor 7:2, 7:28), yet he personally advocates for singleness as a "better" state for those who can embrace it, especially for the sake of undistracted devotion to the Lord (1 Cor 7:7, 7:32-35). This counsel is given in light of "the present distress" and the transient nature of the world (1 Cor 7:26, 7:31).

Verses 36-38 specifically address a male guardian (most likely a father) responsible for a "virgin" (parthenos), concerning the decision of whether or not to give her in marriage. Verse 36 deals with a scenario where the guardian feels a "necessity" to marry her off, perhaps due to societal expectations, her age, or concerns about temptation; in such a case, he "does well" to allow the marriage. Verse 37, the subject of our analysis, contrasts this by describing a guardian who faces no such necessity, but through deliberate, internal resolve and self-control, chooses to keep his virgin unmarried. Historically, in ancient societies, marriage was often an arranged affair by parents, and a daughter's virginity was paramount for family honor and her marriage prospects. Paul navigates these cultural norms within Christian principles, providing guidance that prioritizes spiritual dedication while still affirming the legitimacy of marriage.

1 Corinthians 7 37 Word analysis

• But (Greek: De): This conjunction serves as a strong contrast, connecting the verse directly to the preceding verse (v.36) and introducing an alternative course of action or a different scenario.
• he who stands firm (Greek: Ho hestekos hedraios): Hestekos, the perfect active participle of histemi ("to stand"), denotes a state of having taken a stand and remaining in it, indicating steadfastness and resolve. Hedraios ("firm," "steadfast," "immovable") reinforces this idea of an unshakeable, fixed mental and moral posture. It suggests deep-seated conviction rather than vacillation.
• in his heart (Greek: en te kardia autou): Kardia in Greek thought, much like in Hebrew, refers not merely to emotional feelings but to the center of a person's being—the intellect, will, moral consciousness, and decision-making faculty. The decision originates from a deeply considered, internal place.
• having no necessity (Greek: me echon anagken): Anagken means "necessity," "compulsion," "distress," or "constraint." This emphasizes that the individual is not driven by any external pressure—be it social expectations, family honor, financial obligation, or even the desires of the parthenos herself or any fear of her sinning (as might be implied in v.36). The decision is unforced.
• but has power (Greek: exousian de echei): Exousian refers to "authority," "right," "freedom," or "control." Here, it signifies self-mastery and internal agency. The individual is not simply lacking external pressure but actively possessing the ability to make his own choice.
• over his own will (Greek: peri tou idiou thelematos): Thelematos means "will" or "desire." This phrase specifies the domain of his power: he exercises self-control over his own inclinations and determines his own course of action freely and consciously. It highlights genuine autonomy and self-possession in his decision-making.
• and has so determined in his heart (Greek: kai touto kekriken en te kardia autou): Kekriken is the perfect active indicative of krino, meaning "to judge," "to decide," "to determine." The perfect tense underscores a settled, fixed, and enduring judgment or decision that has been made in the deepest part of his being, the heart (kardia). This reiterates the unswerving, well-considered nature of his choice.
• that he will keep his virgin (Greek: tou terein ten heautou parthenon):
  • Terein: "to keep," "to preserve," "to guard." In this context, it means to maintain her in an unmarried state.
  • Ten heautou parthenon: "his own virgin." This phrase is crucial and has generated discussion among scholars.
    1. A dependent daughter or ward: This is the most common and widely accepted interpretation. The context of v.36 and v.38, which speaks of "giving her in marriage," strongly supports this view. The guardian chooses not to arrange her marriage.
    2. A betrothed partner: Less common but possible, where a man chooses not to consummate a marriage with his fiancée, remaining celibate for the Lord's sake.
    3. His own celibate state: A metaphorical reading where a man resolves to "keep his virginity" (celibacy) for himself. While Paul advocates celibacy elsewhere, the phrase "keep his virgin" is slightly unusual if it refers to himself, making the guardian-daughter interpretation more textually consistent with the surrounding verses.
• does well. (Greek: kalos poiei): Kalos ("well," "rightly," "excellently," "honorably," "morally good") combined with poiei ("he does," "he acts") affirms that this choice is not merely permissible but commendable. It signifies an action that is advantageous, praiseworthy, and aligned with Paul's divinely inspired wisdom regarding undivided devotion to the Lord.

Words-group analysis:The phrases "stands firm in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart" collectively emphasize profound internal conviction and deliberate, uncoerced choice. This portrays a believer exercising spiritual maturity and self-mastery, free from external pressures or carnal impulses. His decision to keep his virgin (daughter/ward) unmarried is not passive or hesitant but a settled, active determination stemming from a renewed will, aligning with Paul's preference for singleness as conducive to greater spiritual devotion.

1 Corinthians 7 37 Bonus section

The context of 1 Corinthians 7:37 must be carefully understood as Paul offering counsel rather than universal law. Paul acknowledges that not all are gifted for singleness (1 Cor 7:7) and that marriage is honorable and good (Heb 13:4). The "does well" in this verse should be contrasted with "does better" in 1 Cor 7:38 regarding someone who decides not to give his virgin in marriage (v.37) versus someone who does give her in marriage (v.38). This subtle distinction reflects Paul's encouragement toward singleness as an option that potentially allows for more devoted service, but without condemning marriage itself. The core principle lies in the freedom, self-control, and purpose behind the decision—whether for marriage or for singleness—made "in the heart" for the glory of God. This principle can extend to all major life decisions for believers, emphasizing discernment and uncoerced commitment over external pressures.

1 Corinthians 7 37 Commentary

Paul's commendation in 1 Corinthians 7:37 applies to a specific and mature spiritual decision. It focuses on the internal disposition of the decision-maker: not under compulsion or a slave to external pressures or inner urges, but firmly resolved, having full mastery over his will. When such an individual (a father or guardian) deliberately chooses not to give his virgin daughter in marriage, and this choice is made with spiritual discernment and a heart committed to the Lord, Paul declares it to be "doing well" or "better." This is not a universal command against marriage, but rather a preference, given to those with the "gift" (1 Cor 7:7) of celibacy, to encourage greater dedication to God without the inherent anxieties of married life, particularly relevant in "the present distress" (1 Cor 7:26). It underscores that intentional singleness, freely chosen for the Lord, is a praiseworthy path for wholehearted Christian service.