Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 7:38

What does 1 Corinthians 7:38 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 7:38 means

Paul sums up: the one who gives his virgin daughter in marriage does well; the one who does not give her does better. “Better” relates to the current circumstances and the aim of undistracted devotion, not to an absolute moral ranking. Marriage remains an honorable path; singleness may be preferable in their specific context to avoid added burdens. Paul keeps both options within the sphere of goodness while expressing a practical preference. This protects liberty of conscience, honors diverse callings, and prevents either path from being despised. Families are to choose with prayerful wisdom, considering character, gifting, and the times they live in.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So then, he who gets married to his virgin does well, and he who keeps her unmarried does better.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

so that both he who is giving in marriage doth well, and he who is not giving in marriage doth better.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Therefore both he that giveth his virgin in marriage doth well: and he that giveth her not doth better.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

So that he that marries himself does well; and he that does not marry does better.

Context

This concluding statement wraps up the guidance about virgin daughters (verses 36–38). It aligns with earlier counsel favoring stability and simplicity given the present distress, while still affirming marriage as good. Next, in verses 39–40, Paul will address widows and remarriage, again maintaining a preference for remaining as one is, yet permitting freedom in the Lord. The flow continues to apply the chapter’s unifying theme—seek arrangements that promote holy, undistracted devotion within one’s God-given circumstances.

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.

v.38This passage

v.39A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 7:32

    But I would have you to be free from cares. He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

  • 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.

  • Hebrews 13:4

    Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:8

    But I say to the unmarried and to widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:26

    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.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:1

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

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