1 corinthians 7:38 - So then both he who gives his own virgin in marriage does well, and he who doesn’t give her in marriage does better.
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What does "1 corinthians 7:38" mean?
This verse is part of Paul's discussion in 1 Corinthians 7 about marriage, celibacy, and singleness in light of the "present distress" (likely referring to the perceived imminence of Christ's return and the difficulties faced by Christians). Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"So then both he who gives his own virgin in marriage does well..." This refers to a father (or male guardian) who allows his virgin daughter to marry. In that time, fathers had significant authority in arranging marriages. Paul acknowledges that allowing a daughter to marry is a good thing, an honorable thing, a morally permissible thing. He's not condemning marriage.
"...and he who doesn’t give her in marriage does better." This is the key point of the verse. Paul is saying that in the context of the "present distress," the father who chooses not to arrange a marriage for his daughter is doing better. This is not a universal condemnation of marriage, but a statement about the advantages of singleness in specific circumstances.
To understand why Paul says it's "better," consider the context of the entire chapter and Paul's reasoning:
The "Present Distress": Paul believed Christians were living in a time of imminent hardship and persecution. Marriage, in this context, could add to the burden and anxiety. Married people would naturally worry about their spouses and children during difficult times, potentially distracting them from their devotion to Christ.
Undivided Devotion to the Lord: Paul emphasizes that unmarried people can focus more fully on serving the Lord without the added responsibilities and concerns of marriage. He believes singleness allows for greater dedication and spiritual focus.
Practical Considerations: Travel and ministry could be easier as a single person. Additionally, marriage brought social and economic responsibilities in that culture.
Important Considerations & Nuances:
Not a Condemnation of Marriage: It's crucial to remember that Paul is not condemning marriage. He affirms its goodness throughout the chapter. He's simply highlighting the potential advantages of singleness in specific circumstances. He himself was single, likely by choice.
Circumstantial Advice: Paul's advice is heavily influenced by his belief about the "present distress." He's not necessarily giving universal advice for all times and cultures.
Personal Calling: Ultimately, Paul believes that both marriage and singleness are valid choices, and each person should follow their own calling from God. He says earlier in the chapter, "However, each one should retain the place that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him" (1 Corinthians 7:17).
Mutuality in Marriage: While the verse speaks about a father's decision, it's important to remember that a woman in that culture typically had limited options for independent living. However, Paul also teaches about mutual love and respect within marriage (1 Corinthians 7:3-5), advocating for a balanced and considerate relationship.
In summary, 1 Corinthians 7:38 is not a blanket statement against marriage. Instead, it highlights Paul's belief that in the context of "present distress," choosing singleness could allow for greater devotion to the Lord without the added burdens and anxieties of marriage. It should be understood within the broader context of 1 Corinthians 7, which emphasizes that both marriage and singleness are valid choices, and individuals should follow their own calling from God.
1 corinthians 7:38 - So then both he who gives his own virgin in marriage does well, and he who doesn’t give her in marriage does better.
What does "1 corinthians 7:38" mean?
This verse is part of Paul's discussion in 1 Corinthians 7 about marriage, celibacy, and singleness in light of the "present distress" (likely referring to the perceived imminence of Christ's return and the difficulties faced by Christians). Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"So then both he who gives his own virgin in marriage does well..." This refers to a father (or male guardian) who allows his virgin daughter to marry. In that time, fathers had significant authority in arranging marriages. Paul acknowledges that allowing a daughter to marry is a good thing, an honorable thing, a morally permissible thing. He's not condemning marriage.
"...and he who doesn’t give her in marriage does better." This is the key point of the verse. Paul is saying that in the context of the "present distress," the father who chooses not to arrange a marriage for his daughter is doing better. This is not a universal condemnation of marriage, but a statement about the advantages of singleness in specific circumstances.
To understand why Paul says it's "better," consider the context of the entire chapter and Paul's reasoning:
The "Present Distress": Paul believed Christians were living in a time of imminent hardship and persecution. Marriage, in this context, could add to the burden and anxiety. Married people would naturally worry about their spouses and children during difficult times, potentially distracting them from their devotion to Christ.
Undivided Devotion to the Lord: Paul emphasizes that unmarried people can focus more fully on serving the Lord without the added responsibilities and concerns of marriage. He believes singleness allows for greater dedication and spiritual focus.
Practical Considerations: Travel and ministry could be easier as a single person. Additionally, marriage brought social and economic responsibilities in that culture.
Important Considerations & Nuances:
Not a Condemnation of Marriage: It's crucial to remember that Paul is not condemning marriage. He affirms its goodness throughout the chapter. He's simply highlighting the potential advantages of singleness in specific circumstances. He himself was single, likely by choice.
Circumstantial Advice: Paul's advice is heavily influenced by his belief about the "present distress." He's not necessarily giving universal advice for all times and cultures.
Personal Calling: Ultimately, Paul believes that both marriage and singleness are valid choices, and each person should follow their own calling from God. He says earlier in the chapter, "However, each one should retain the place that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him" (1 Corinthians 7:17).
Mutuality in Marriage: While the verse speaks about a father's decision, it's important to remember that a woman in that culture typically had limited options for independent living. However, Paul also teaches about mutual love and respect within marriage (1 Corinthians 7:3-5), advocating for a balanced and considerate relationship.
In summary, 1 Corinthians 7:38 is not a blanket statement against marriage. Instead, it highlights Paul's belief that in the context of "present distress," choosing singleness could allow for greater devotion to the Lord without the added burdens and anxieties of marriage. It should be understood within the broader context of 1 Corinthians 7, which emphasizes that both marriage and singleness are valid choices, and individuals should follow their own calling from God.