1 Corinthians 7 38

1 Corinthians 7:38 kjv

So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

1 Corinthians 7:38 nkjv

So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.

1 Corinthians 7:38 niv

So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better.

1 Corinthians 7:38 esv

So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.

1 Corinthians 7:38 nlt

So the person who marries his fianc?e does well, and the person who doesn't marry does even better.

1 Corinthians 7 verses

1 Corinthians 7 38 meaning

The verse 1 Corinthians 7:38 concludes a discussion on a father's decision concerning his virgin daughter's marriage. It presents two acceptable paths: a father who allows or arranges his daughter's marriage "does well," indicating a good and permissible act. However, the father who decides to let his daughter remain unmarried "does better," implying a choice that holds a spiritual advantage in the context Paul is addressing, specifically for a life of undivided devotion to the Lord. This is not a judgment against marriage but a recommendation of a more spiritually expedient path under certain circumstances.

1 Corinthians 7 38 Context

This verse appears in 1 Corinthians chapter 7, where the Apostle Paul addresses various questions from the Corinthian church concerning marriage, singleness, divorce, and fidelity within these states. His counsel throughout the chapter is influenced by "the present distress" (1 Cor 7:26) and the belief that "the appointed time has grown very short" (1 Cor 7:29). Paul aims to guide believers toward choices that maximize their ability to live with "undivided devotion to the Lord" (1 Cor 7:35), encouraging them to remain in their current state (whether married or single) if possible. Verses 36-38 specifically concern a father's authority and decision regarding his virgin daughter. It was common in that culture for fathers to arrange their daughters' marriages. Paul navigates this tradition by affirming the goodness of marriage but, under the unique circumstances, also presenting the greater advantage of celibacy for consecrated service. This contrasts with both Roman societal pressure for marriage and potential Gnostic ascetic views which might condemn marriage as inherently evil. Paul clearly maintains that marriage is honorable.

1 Corinthians 7 38 Word analysis

• So then (ὥστε, hōste): Functions as a logical connector, indicating a conclusion or consequence derived from the preceding arguments (specifically verses 36-37 regarding the father's thoughts and ability).
• he that gives her in marriage (ὁ ἐκγαμίζων, ho ekgamizōn): Refers to the father (or male guardian) exercising his legal and cultural prerogative to arrange or permit his daughter's marriage. Ekgamizō specifically means to give a daughter in marriage. This reflects the patriarchal nature of the time, where fathers held authority over their unmarried daughters' matrimonial choices.
• does well (καλῶς ποιεῖ, kalōs poiei): Signifies acting properly, rightly, or honorably. It confirms that choosing marriage for the daughter is not morally wrong; it is a good and acceptable action in God's sight and in society. It carries divine approval, being consistent with God's design for human relationship and procreation.
• but (δὲ, de): A strong adversative conjunction introducing a contrast, setting up the "better" option against the "well" option.
• he that gives her not in marriage (ὁ μὴ ἐκγαμίζων, ho mē ekgamizōn): This refers to the father's decision to allow his daughter to remain unmarried, presumably with her consent and inclination towards devotion. It implies actively refraining from initiating or accepting marriage proposals on her behalf.
• does better (κρεῖσσον ποιεῖ, kreisson poiei): Kreĭsson denotes something superior, more advantageous, or excellent. This is a comparative term. Paul doesn't suggest marriage is bad, but that remaining unmarried (under the prevailing circumstances and for the specified purpose of undivided devotion to Christ) offers a greater spiritual benefit and freedom from worldly cares. This spiritual benefit is the core reason for its superiority.

Words-group analysis:

• "he that gives her in marriage does well": This phrase acknowledges and affirms the sanctity and goodness of marriage as a legitimate and righteous path for believers. It indicates compliance with both natural and social order. Marriage is good and established by God.
• "but he that gives her not in marriage does better": This contrast highlights Paul's strategic counsel for maximizing spiritual effectiveness in a time of "present distress" and eschatological urgency. The "better" choice is contingent on the desire for singular devotion to Christ, free from the added responsibilities and anxieties of marriage in a difficult world. This path enables deeper, uninterrupted service and focus on eternal matters.

1 Corinthians 7 38 Bonus section

The concept of "better" (κρείσσων, kreisson) in this verse is not an absolute, universal condemnation of marriage but a contextual assessment based on Paul's specific advice concerning the "present distress" and the believer's pursuit of undivided devotion. It means "more advantageous" or "more excellent" for a particular spiritual objective, not necessarily a universally higher moral standing. This advice is primarily given to the father regarding his right and authority, assuming the daughter is willing to pursue a life of singleness dedicated to the Lord. It prevents situations where a father, feeling duty-bound to marry off his daughter, might inadvertently place her in a more challenging position given the impending troubles Paul alluded to earlier in the chapter. The passage protects the daughter's right to pursue celibacy for Christ if she desires, under her father's guidance, and also frees the father from guilt if he chooses this "better" path for her and the family's spiritual benefit.

1 Corinthians 7 38 Commentary

In 1 Corinthians 7:38, Paul offers practical wisdom to fathers considering their virgin daughters' marital futures. He meticulously balances the goodness of marriage with the strategic advantage of singleness. "Doing well" in giving a daughter in marriage upholds the divine institution and social norm, confirming it is an honorable choice, devoid of sin. However, "doing better" by not giving her in marriage presents a path of superior spiritual focus. This superiority isn't moral; it's a matter of practicality in light of the fleeting nature of the present age and the desire for "undivided devotion to the Lord" (1 Cor 7:35). Paul champions single-minded pursuit of Christ without the encumbrance of worldly anxieties that often accompany marital and family responsibilities. This counsel is rooted in expediency for maximizing kingdom service, not an intrinsic flaw in marriage. For instance, in a time of severe persecution or economic hardship, singleness would offer more flexibility and fewer attachments to distract from faith.