1 Corinthians 7:8 kjv
I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
1 Corinthians 7:8 nkjv
But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am;
1 Corinthians 7:8 niv
Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.
1 Corinthians 7:8 esv
To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am.
1 Corinthians 7:8 nlt
So I say to those who aren't married and to widows ? it's better to stay unmarried, just as I am.
1 Corinthians 7 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Corinthians 7:1 | Now for the matters of which you wrote: It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman. | General principle on singleness |
| 1 Corinthians 7:2 | But since sexual immorality is going on, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. | Addressing practical concerns |
| 1 Corinthians 7:7 | I wish that all of you were as I am. But each has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another that. | Paul's personal example |
| 1 Corinthians 7:26 | I think that in view of the present crisis, it is good for the un-married man to remain as he is. | Timing and "present crisis" |
| 1 Corinthians 7:32 | I would like you to be free from all worldly cares. The unmarried man cares for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. | Freedom for devotion |
| 1 Corinthians 7:33 | But the married man cares for the things of the world, how he may please his wife, | Distraction of marriage |
| 1 Corinthians 7:34 | and his interests are divided. The woman who is not married and the virgin are concerned about the things of the Lord; that they may be holy both in body and in spirit. But the married woman concerns herself with the things of the world, how she may please her husband. | Focus of unmarried/virgin |
| 1 Timothy 5:14 | So I advise the younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. | Context of younger widows |
| Matthew 19:12 | For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs because of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it. | Voluntary celibacy for God's kingdom |
| 1 Corinthians 9:5 | Do we not have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? | Paul's own example (optional) |
| Romans 7:2 | For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. | Marriage covenant binding |
| Acts 18:2-3 | There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. So he went to live with them. | Priscilla and Aquila |
| Genesis 2:18 | The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make a helper suitable for him." | God's design for companionship |
| Malachi 2:15 | Has not the LORD made them one? They belong to God in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. With your life, then, be faithful to the wife of your youth. | Godly offspring |
| Deuteronomy 24:5 | When a man has taken a new wife, he shall not go out in the army, nor shall he be burdened with any other duty. He shall be free at home one year, and shall give happiness to his wife whom he has taken. | Marital duties/exemptions |
| 1 Corinthians 6:18 | Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. | Importance of sexual purity |
| Hebrews 13:4 | Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the sexually immoral and all the wicked. | Sanctity of marriage |
| Romans 12:1-2 | Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and ultimate worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. | Offering oneself to God |
| 1 Corinthians 7:35 | I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live this out with proper decorum and attentive devotion to the Lord, without distraction. | Paul's intent for singleness |
| Psalm 119:60 | I will hurry, and not delay, to obey your commands. | Diligence in obedience |
| Philippians 1:9-10 | And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, | Discerning God's will |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:3 | It is God’s will that you should be sanctified; that you should avoid sexual immorality; | Sanctification and purity |
1 Corinthians 7 verses
1 Corinthians 7 8 Meaning
1 Corinthians 7:8 states, "But I say to the unmarried and to the widows, It is good for them if they remain as I am." This verse offers specific counsel to those who are not currently married, including both the unmarried and widows. The Apostle Paul asserts that for these individuals, it is "good" or beneficial to continue in their current state of celibacy, paralleling his own condition. The benefit spoken of is not necessarily in terms of emotional fulfillment, but rather in an unhindered devotion to God and freedom from marital responsibilities.
1 Corinthians 7 8 Context
This verse is found within the Apostle Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth, a city known for its immorality and pagan practices. The letter addresses various issues the Corinthian church was facing, including disputes, sexual immorality, lawsuits, and questions about marriage and singleness. Chapter 7 specifically deals with marital relations, divorce, and the status of the unmarried. Paul's counsel in this chapter is offered in response to specific questions from the Corinthians, who likely inquired about whether it was preferable to remain unmarried or to marry, especially given the difficult socio-political climate and potential persecution. This verse is Paul’s specific application of his broader principles on marital and non-marital states to those who are not currently married, offering his personal conviction as a guide.
1 Corinthians 7 8 Word Analysis
But: (Greek: De) This conjunction serves to introduce a contrasting or a secondary point to what was previously stated. In the preceding verse (7:7), Paul discussed gifts from God, with one person receiving the gift of singleness and another the gift of marriage. Here, he now speaks directly to those who are in a specific state.
I say: (Greek: Lego) Paul is exercising his apostolic authority to give a direct command or counsel based on his inspired understanding.
to the unmarried: (Greek: tois agamois) This refers to those who have never been married. It denotes a state of never having entered into the marital union.
and: (Greek: kai) A conjunction connecting two groups.
to the widows: (Greek: tais chērais) This refers to women whose husbands have died and have not remarried. It acknowledges the specific needs and circumstances of this group within the community.
It is good: (Greek: kalon esti) This phrase expresses what is beneficial, excellent, or desirable. It points to a qualified goodness or advantage.
for them: (Greek: autois) Pertaining to these specific individuals (the unmarried and widows).
if they remain: (Greek: ean menousin) Conditional phrasing indicating the possibility and the action required for the stated benefit. "Remain" implies continuing in their present state.
as I am: (Greek: hōs kai ego). This refers back to Paul’s own personal state of celibacy. Paul viewed his own single state as advantageous for his ministry, free from the direct concerns and responsibilities of married life, which he details later in the chapter.
Words group analysis:
- "to the unmarried and to the widows": This phrase defines the specific audience for this counsel, delineating those who are currently outside of the marital covenant.
- "It is good for them if they remain as I am": This core statement presents a desirable state (good) for these groups contingent upon their continuous adherence to their present unmarried status, framed by Paul's personal example.
1 Corinthians 7 8 Bonus Section
The term "good" (kalon) used by Paul often refers to that which is excellent, beautiful, or noble, rather than merely functional. It suggests a spiritual excellence and purity of motive in remaining single for Christ. Paul's personal example of celibacy, shared in this context, was not necessarily because he inherently disliked marriage but because he found it enabling for his apostolic mission. The phrase "as I am" emphasizes his experiential understanding and the validity of his advice drawn from personal conviction and God-given grace for singleness. While Paul blesses marriage as a divine institution, he clearly articulates that for certain individuals, particularly those called to extensive ministry or facing challenging times, the unmarried state offered unique opportunities for undivided service and holiness, free from marital entanglements. This reflects a recognition of diverse gifts and callings within the body of Christ, aligning with the principle in verse 7 that "each has his own gift from God."
1 Corinthians 7 8 Commentary
Paul’s counsel in this verse is pastoral and pragmatic. He posits that remaining unmarried is beneficial for those who are single or widowed. This "good" primarily relates to an enhanced ability to pursue God without the manifold distractions and responsibilities inherent in married life. It's a call to prioritize spiritual devotion and effective service. While marriage is a good institution designed by God (Genesis 2:18), Paul acknowledges that singleness, when chosen or accepted for the Lord’s sake, provides a unique freedom for undivided attention to the Lord's concerns (1 Cor. 7:32-35). He does not condemn marriage but highlights the practical advantages for ministry and singular devotion for those gifted in that way. It’s important to note Paul doesn’t demand celibacy for all, but rather advises those who are currently unmarried that their state is a gift conducive to focused service, mirroring his own situation and commitment.