Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 7:36

What does 1 Corinthians 7:36 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 7:36 means

Paul addresses a father or guardian who fears he may be acting improperly toward his virgin daughter if she is past marriageable age. If necessity requires—due to age, temperament, or circumstances—he may allow her to marry without sin. Paul makes space for prudence and compassion. He is not imposing celibacy against natural fitness or social realities. Where marriage is wise and timely, let it proceed honorably. This safeguards young women from needless reproach or frustration and upholds marriage as a good gift. The verse models pastoral flexibility: principles of devotion do not override practical necessity and the daughter’s well-being.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But if any man thinketh that he behaveth himself unseemly toward his virgin daughter, if she be past the flower of her age, and if need so requireth, let him do what he will; he sinneth not; let them marry.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But if any man thinketh that he behaveth himself unseemly toward his virgin daughter, if she be past the flower of her age, and if need so requireth, let him do what he will; he sinneth not; let them marry.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But if, in any man's opinion, he is not doing what is right for his virgin, if she is past her best years, and there is need for it, let him do what seems right to him; it is no sin; let them be married.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if any one doth think <FI>it<Fi> to be unseemly to his virgin, if she may be beyond the bloom of age, and it ought so to be, what he willeth let him do; he doth not sin--let him marry.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But if any man think that he seemeth dishonoured with regard to his virgin, for that she is above the age, and it must so be: let him do what he will. He sinneth not if she marry.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But if any one think that he behaves unseemly to his virginity, if he be beyond the flower of his age, and so it must be, let him do what he will, he does not sin: let them marry.

Context

Following the general aim of undistracted devotion (verse 35), Paul turns to a culturally specific case about guardians deciding whether to give their virgin daughters in marriage. Verse 36 permits marriage when remaining single would be unseemly or impractical. Verse 37 will commend the guardian who, without constraint and with settled conviction, decides to keep her unmarried. Verse 38 will conclude by saying both choices are good, though in the present distress one may be better. This flow respects conscience, circumstances, and the central goal of serving the Lord well.

v.35And 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.

v.36This passage

v.37But he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power as touching his own will, and hath determined this in his own heart, to keep his own virgin daughter, shall do well.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 7:9

    But if they have not continency, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:37

    But he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power as touching his own will, and hath determined this in his own heart, to keep his own virgin daughter, shall do well.

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