Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 7:9

What does 1 Corinthians 7:9 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 7:9 means

Paul gives a clear, compassionate directive: if the unmarried and widows cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. Marriage is God’s provision, and it is better to enter it honorably than to “burn” with unfulfilled passion that could lead to sin or bitterness. He refuses to idealize singleness if it becomes a snare. This verse dignifies marriage as a holy remedy, not a second-best option. It frees tender consciences from needless guilt and offers a path of peace. The logic is practical and merciful: God designed marriage to meet real human needs. Choosing marriage under these circumstances is not failure but wisdom that acknowledges one’s limits and embraces God’s good gift.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But if they have not self-control let them get married; for married life is better than the burning of desire.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if they have not continence--let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But if they do not contain themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to be burnt.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But if they have not control over themselves, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn.

Context

Coming right after the commendation of singleness (verse 8), this verse guards against turning that commendation into a burden. Paul keeps purity and peace central: marriage can protect both. Immediately afterward, in verses 10–11, he will address those already married, bringing in the Lord’s explicit command about not separating. The flow moves from guidance for single believers to instructions for married believers, preserving a consistent theme: honor God with your body and your state, whether single or married, and pursue the path that best serves holiness and devotion.

v.8But I say to the unmarried and to widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

v.9This passage

v.10But unto the married I give charge, yea not I, but the Lord, That the wife depart not from her husband

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 7:28

    But shouldest thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Yet such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I would spare you.

  • 1 Timothy 5:14

    I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling:

  • 1 Corinthians 7:36

    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.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:39

    A 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.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:2

    But, because of fornications, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.

  • 1 Timothy 5:11

    But younger widows refuse: for when they have waxed wanton against Christ, they desire to marry;

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