Add parallel Print Page Options

37 But if a man, without being forced to do so, has firmly made up his mind not to marry,[a] and if he has his will under complete control and has already decided in his own mind what to do—then he does well not to marry the young woman.[b] 38 So the man who marries[c] does well, but the one who doesn't marry[d] does even better.

39 A married woman is not free as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, then she is free to be married to any man she wishes, but only if he is a Christian.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:37 not to marry; or not to let his daughter get married.
  2. 1 Corinthians 7:37 marry the young woman; or let her get married.
  3. 1 Corinthians 7:38 marries; or lets his daughter get married.
  4. 1 Corinthians 7:38 doesn't marry; or doesn't let her get married.

37 But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing. 38 So then, he who marries the virgin does right,(A) but he who does not marry her does better.[a]

39 A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives.(B) But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.(C)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:38 Or 36 If anyone thinks he is not treating his daughter properly, and if she is getting along in years (or if her passions are too strong), and he feels she ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. He should let her get married. 37 But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind to keep the virgin unmarried—this man also does the right thing. 38 So then, he who gives his virgin in marriage does right, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.