Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 7:25

What does 1 Corinthians 7:25 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 7:25 means

Turning to “virgins” (unmarried daughters or those not yet married), Paul says he has no direct command from the Lord on this precise matter, but he gives his trustworthy judgment as one shown mercy by the Lord. He is transparent about the nature of his counsel—authoritative yet not a direct citation of Jesus’ teaching. This honesty invites careful, willing reception. Paul will argue that, in view of present pressures, remaining as one is may be best. But he does not make a law. He offers seasoned pastoral wisdom aimed at promoting holiness, peace, and freedom from avoidable distress, while honoring conscience and varying circumstances.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now about virgins I have no orders from the Lord: but I give my opinion as one to whom the Lord has given mercy to be true to him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And concerning the virgins, a command of the Lord I have not; and I give judgment as having obtained kindness from the Lord to be faithful:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now, concerning virgins, I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give counsel, as having obtained mercy of the Lord, to be faithful.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But concerning virgins, I have no commandment of [the] Lord; but I give my opinion, as having received mercy of [the] Lord to be faithful.

Context

After threefold emphasis on remaining in one’s calling (verses 17–24), Paul applies that principle to a fresh category—virgins. He distinguishes between the Lord’s explicit commands and his Spirit-guided counsel, a distinction he has used earlier (verses 10, 12). Verse 26 will introduce the rationale—the “distress” upon them. Verses 27–28 will flesh out what this means in practice: do not seek to change status, but marriage itself is not sin. This framing helps readers avoid absolutizing Paul’s preference while taking his situational counsel seriously.

v.24Brethren, let each man, wherein he was called, therein abide with God.

v.25This passage

v.26I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, namely, that it is good for a man to be as he is.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:6

    But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:17

    That which I speak, I speak not after the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of glorying.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:8

    I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:40

    But she is happier if she abide as she is, after my judgment: and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:10

    But unto the married I give charge, yea not I, but the Lord, That the wife depart not from her husband

  • 1 Corinthians 4:2

    Here, moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

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