Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 7:8

What does 1 Corinthians 7:8 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 7:8 means

Paul advises the unmarried and widows that it is good to remain single as he is. His counsel recognizes advantages to singleness: freedom from certain cares and the ability to focus on the Lord. He is not demeaning marriage; he is honoring a path God may call many to take, especially in light of present challenges. Singleness can be a noble, purposeful state, not a deficiency. For those able to embrace it with contentment and purity, it becomes a platform for service and prayer. Yet, as the next verse shows, Paul’s counsel is pastoral, not rigid—he recognizes the real struggle for some with sexual desire and gives a gracious alternative.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I say to the unmarried and to the widows, It is good for them to be even as I am.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And I say to the unmarried and to the widows: it is good for them if they may remain even as I <FI>am<Fi> ;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse follows Paul’s acknowledgment of differing gifts (verse 7) and applies it to two groups: the unmarried and widows. He elevates singleness as a good option, consistent with the chapter’s aim of undistracted devotion. In verse 9, however, Paul will balance this by recommending marriage for those lacking self-control. This back-and-forth rhythm counters Corinthian extremes—some devaluing marriage, others indulging in sin. Reading verse 8 in this flow keeps the counsel from sounding harsh or universal; it is wise guidance shaped by pastoral sensitivity and situational realities.

v.7Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.

v.8This passage

v.9But if they have not continency, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

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.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:34

    and is divided. So also the woman that is unmarried and the virgin is careful for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married is careful for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

  • 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 7:7

    Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.

  • 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.

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