Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 7:37

What does 1 Corinthians 7:37 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 7:37 means

Conversely, if a guardian stands firm in heart, feels no compulsion, has authority over his will, and has decided to keep his virgin daughter unmarried, he does well. The key is freedom from pressure and a settled conviction that this arrangement serves her and the Lord best in their situation. Paul honors thoughtful restraint as a legitimate, even commendable, path when it aligns with gifting, maturity, and context. There is no virtue in forcing marriage or forced celibacy. The emphasis is on responsible, loving leadership that seeks the daughter’s good and God’s glory, without coercion or fear of man.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the man who is strong in mind and purpose, who is not forced but has control over his desires, does well if he comes to the decision to keep her a virgin.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he who hath stood stedfast in the heart--not having necessity--and hath authority over his own will, and this he hath determined in his heart--to keep his own virgin--doth well;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For he that hath determined, being steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but having power of his own will: and hath judged this in his heart, to keep his virgin, doth well.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he who stands firm in his heart, having no need, but has authority over his own will, and has judged this in his heart to keep his own virginity, he does well.

Context

This verse balances verse 36’s permission to marry. It sets conditions that protect against rash or pressured decisions: the guardian should be free, self-controlled, and deliberate. Verse 38 will summarize the two outcomes—both are good, one may be better in the current situation. The structure shows Paul’s care to avoid legalism while guiding families toward choices that support holiness and peace amid the “present distress” already noted. The flow remains consistent with the chapter’s theme of wise stewardship of one’s condition.

v.36But 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.

v.37This passage

v.38So then both he that giveth his own virgin daughter in marriage doeth well; and he that giveth her not in marriage shall do better.

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