Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 7:26

What does 1 Corinthians 7:26 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 7:26 means

Paul judges that, because of the present distress, it is good for a person to remain as they are. Likely facing hardship, instability, or persecution, the church needed counsel that minimized new burdens. Singleness can spare one certain troubles and allow greater flexibility in crisis. Paul is reading the times pastorally. He is not devaluing marriage; he is weighing costs in their context. The principle remains: where God has called you, stay steady unless duty clearly calls otherwise. This approach protects believers from needless anxiety and keeps their attention on faithful service during pressing times.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In my opinion then, because of the present trouble, it is good for a man to keep as he is.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I suppose, therefore, this to be good because of the present necessity, that <FI>it is<Fi> good for a man that the matter be thus: --

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I think therefore that this is good for the present necessity: that it is good for a man so to be.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I think then that this is good, on account of the present necessity, that [it is] good for a man to remain so as he is.

Context

This verse states the situational reason behind Paul’s preference regarding virgins. It follows his claim to give a trustworthy judgment (verse 25) and precedes practical applications in verse 27—not to seek to change marital status. Verse 28 will clarify that marrying is not sin, though it brings additional earthly troubles. This sequence keeps the counsel anchored in context rather than turning it into a timeless prohibition. Readers should see Paul shepherding a church through difficulty, encouraging stability and simplicity for the sake of devotion.

v.25Now 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.

v.26This passage

v.27Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 7:1

    Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

  • Jeremiah 16:2

    Thou shalt not take thee a wife, neither shalt thou have sons or daughters, in this place.

  • Luke 23:28

    But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

  • Luke 21:23

    Woe unto them that are with child and to them that give suck in those days! for there shall be great distress upon the land, and wrath unto this people.

  • 1 Peter 4:17

    For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?

  • 1 Corinthians 7:35

    And this I say for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is seemly, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

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