1 Corinthians 7:38

← 1 Corinthians 7:37 1 Corinthians 7:39 →

1 Corinthians 7:38 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better.

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

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

Free Bible Version FBV

So the man who marries the woman he's engaged to does well, while the one who does not get married does better.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So then hee that giueth her to mariage, doeth well, but he that giueth her not to mariage, doeth better.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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

World English Bible WEB

So then both he who gives his own virgin in marriage does well, and he who doesn’t give her in marriage does better.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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

Translation for Translators T4T

So any man who decides that his daughter should get married is doing what is good, but if he decides that she should not get married, he is doing something even better. (OR, 36 Some of you men have asked about the women to whom you are engaged to marry. If any man thinks that he may be treating that woman unfairly by not marrying her, and if it is already past the right time for her to get married, and if he wants to marry her very much, he should do what he wants to do. He should marry her. He will not be sinning by doing that. 37 But if a man feels absolutely sure that it is better for him not to get married, and if nothing is forcing them to get married, if he is free to make his own decision on the matter, if he decides not to get married, he is doing what is right. 38 So any man who decides that he should get married to the woman he is engaged to is doing what is good, but if he decides that he should not get married, he is doing something even better.)

Plain English Version PEV

This is what I reckon. The man that marries his promise does something good. But the man that stays single does something better.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 7:38

BAB

Word Study

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1 Corinthians 7:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ωστε και ο εκγαμιζων καλως ποιει ο δε μη εκγαμιζων κρεισσον ποιει

ωστε hōste G5620 so Conj

και kai G2532 and Conj

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

εκγαμιζων ekgamizō G1547 to marry Verb-PAP-NSM

καλως kalōs G2573 well Adv

ποιει poieō G4160 to do/make: do Verb-PAI-3S

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

δε de G1161 then Conj

μη mē G3361 not Particle-N

εκγαμιζων ekgamizō G1547 to marry Verb-PAP-NSM

κρεισσον kreissōn G2908 greater Adj-ASN-C

ποιει poieō G4160 to do/make: do Verb-PAI-3S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 7:38

ωστε hōste G5620 "so" Conj

This word means so or therefore, used to show a result or conclusion. It appears in Matthew 8:24 and Romans 7:6.

Definition: ὥσ-τε consecutive particle, __1. with infin., expressing result, so as to: Mat.8:24 12:22, Mrk.1:27, Luk.5:7, Act.1:19, Rom.7:6, 1Co.1:7, Heb.13:6, al.; of a designed result, Mat.10:1, Luk.4:29, al.; preceded by οὕτως, Act.14:1; by τοσοῦτος, Mat.15:33. __2. C. indic., __(a) so that: Gal.2:13, preceded by οὕτως, Jhn.3:16; __(b) so then, therefore: Mat.12:12, Mrk.2:28, Rom.7:4, 1Co.3:7, Gal.3:9, al. __3. so then, therefore: with subjc., 1Co.5:8; with imperat., 1Co.3:21 4:5, Php.2:12 1Th.4:18, 1Pe.4:19, al (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 83 NT verses. KJV: (insomuch) as, so that (then), (insomuch) that, therefore, to, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; Hebrews 13:6; 1 Peter 1:21.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

εκγαμιζων ekgamizō G1547 "to marry" Verb-PAP-NSM

To marry off a daughter means to give her in marriage, as seen in Matthew 22:30 and 1 Corinthians 7:38. This word is used to describe the act of arranging or giving a daughter's hand in marriage, often by her parents or guardians.

Definition: ἐκ-γαμίζω Rec. for γαμίζω, which see: Mat.22:30 24:38, Luk.17:27, 1Co.7:38. Not elsewhere.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: give in marriage See also: 1 Corinthians 7:38; Luke 20:35; Matthew 24:38.

καλως kalōs G2573 "well" Adv

To do something kalos means to do it well or rightly, as in Luke 6:48 and 1 Corinthians 14:17, often with a moral tone.

Definition: καλῶς adv. (καλός), [in LXX for parts and derivatives of יָטַב ;] finely, rightly, well: Luk.6:48, 1Co.14:17, Gal.4:17 5:7, Jas.2:3; λέγειν, λαλεῖν, etc., Mat.15:7, Mrk.7:6 12:28, Luk.6:26 20:39, Jhn.4:17 8:48 13:13 18:23, Act.28:25; as exclamation of approval, Mrk.12:32, Rom.11:20; κ. ποιεῖν, Mat.12:12, 1Co.7:37-38 Jas.2:8, 19; with dative of person(s) (cl. accusative; WM, § 32, 1 β), Luk.6:27; with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.7:37; with ptcp., Act.10:33 (M, Pr., 131), Php.4:14, 2Pe.1:19, 3Jn.6; προϊστάναι (-ασθαι), 1Ti.3:4 3:12 5:17; διακονεῖν, 1Ti.3:13; ἀνατρέφεσθαι, Heb.13:18; ironically, Mrk.7:9, 2Co.11:4 (but see CGT, in l); κ. ἔχειν, to be well: Mrk.16:18. Compar., κάλλιον (for superl., B1., § 44, 3), very well: Act.25:10.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 36 NT verses. KJV: (in a) good (place), honestly, + recover, (full) well See also: 1 Corinthians 7:37; John 4:17; Hebrews 13:18.

ποιει poieō G4160 "to do/make: do" Verb-PAI-3S

This word means to make or do something, and it's used in a very broad sense. It can mean to create, produce, or cause something to happen. In the Bible, it's often used to describe God's creative power, like in Matthew 19:4 and Mark 10:6.

Definition: ποιέω, -ῶ, [in LXX for a great variety of words, but chiefly for עשׂה ;] __1. to make, produce, create, cause: with accusative of thing(s), Mat.17:4, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.9:11, Act.9:39, Rom.9:20, al.; of God as Creator (with accusative of person(s) also), Mat.19:4, Mrk.10:6, Luk.11:40, Act.4:24, Heb.1:2, al.; like Heb. עשׂה, absol. = ἐργάζομαι, to work, Mat.20:12 (cf. Rut.2:19; so AV, but see infr.), Rev.13:5, R, mg. (but see infr.); σκάνδαλα, Rom.16:17; εἰρεήνην, Eph.2:15, Jas.3:18; ἐπίστασιν, Act.24:12; συστροφήν, Act.23:12; with accusative of thing(s) and dative of person(s), Luk.1:68, Act.15:3; with nouns expressing action or its accomplishment, forming a periphr. for the cogn. verb: ὁδόν π. (cl. ὁ ποιεῖσθαι), to go on, advance, Mrk.2:23; πόλεμον, Rev.11:7, al.; ἐκδίκησιν, Luk.18:7, 8; ἐνέδραν, Act.25:3; κρίσιν, Jhn.5:27, Ju 15; ἔργα, Jhn.5:36, al.; (σημεῖα), Jhn.2:23 and freq., Act.2:22, al.; so also mid. ποιεῖσθαι: μονήν, Jhn.14:23; πορείαν, Luk.13:22; κοινωνίαν, Rom.15:26; of food, to make ready, prepare: δεῖπνον, Mrk.6:21, al.; δοχήν, Luk.5:29 14:13; γάμους, Mat.22:2; of time, to spend (cl.): ὥραν, Mat.20:12, RV (but see supr. and cf. McN, in l.); μῆνας, Rev.13:5, R, txt. (cf. Swete, in l.; but see supr.); ἐνιαυτόν, Jas.4:13; with accusative before ἐκ, Jhn.2:15, al.; with accusative and accusative pred., Mat.3:3 12:16, Mrk.1:3 3:12, Jhn.5:11, al.; with adv., καλῶς, Mrk.7:37; ἑορτὴν π. (Dem., Exo.23:16, al.), Act.18:21, Rec.; πάσχα, Mat.26:18; to make or offer a sacrifice (Plat., Xen., al.; Job.42:8, 3Ki.11:33; so some understand τοῦτο ποιεῖτε, Luk.22:19, but see Abbott, Essays, 110ff.); before ἵνα (WM, 422f.; M, Pr., 228), Jhn.11:37, Col.4:16, Rev.3:9. __2. to do, perform, carry out, execute: absol., with adv., καλῶς π., Mat.12:12, 1Co.7:37, 38 Jas.2:19; id. before ptcp. (cl.; see M, Pr., 228), Act.10:33, Php.4:14, 2Pe.1:19, 3Jo.6; οὕτως, Mat.24:46, Luk.9:15, al.; ὡς (καθώς), Mat.1:24 2:16, al.; ὁμοίως, Luk.3:11; ὡσαύτως, Mat.20:5; with ptcp., ἀγνοῶν ἐποίησα, 1Ti.1:13; with accusative of thing(s): τί interrog., Mat.12:3, Mrk.2:25, Luk.6:2, al.; τοῦτο, Mat.13:28, Mrk.5:32, Luk.22:19 (WH om.; see supr., ref. to Abbott, Essays), Rom.7:20, al.; with nouns expressing command or regulation: τ. νόμον (not as in cl., to make a law), Jhn.7:19, Gal.5:3 (cf. in LXX, Jos.22:5, 1Ch.22:12, al.); τ. ἐντολάς, Mat.5:19; similarly with other nouns expressing conduct: τ. δικαιοσύνην, Mat.6:1, al.; τ. ἀλήθειαν, Jhn.3:21, al., etc.; with dupl. accusative, Mat.27:22, Mrk.15:12; with accusative of thing(s) and dative of person(s) (commod., incomm.; rare in cl.), Mat.7:12, Mrk.5:19, 20 Luk.1:49, Jhn.9:26, al. SYN.: πράσσω, which see The general distinction between the two words is that between particular action and its habitual performance (cf. Tr., Syn., §xcvi; Westc. on Jhn.3:21; ICC on Rom.1:32). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 519 NT verses. KJV: abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield See also: 1 Corinthians 5:2; Acts 21:13; 1 Peter 2:22.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

μη mē G3361 "not" Particle-N

Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.

Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.

εκγαμιζων ekgamizō G1547 "to marry" Verb-PAP-NSM

Definition: ἐκ-γαμίζω Rec. for γαμίζω, which see: Mat.22:30 24:38, Luk.17:27, 1Co.7:38. Not elsewhere.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: give in marriage See also: 1 Corinthians 7:38; Luke 20:35; Matthew 24:38.

κρεισσον kreissōn G2908 "greater" Adj-ASN-C

The Greek word for better or greater, often referring to something that is more useful or advantageous, as seen in 1 Corinthians 11:17 and Hebrews 11:40. It can also describe something that is more excellent, like in Hebrews 1:4. This word is used to compare things.

Definition: κρείσσων (Epic and old Att..) and κρείττων (later Att..), prop. comparat. of κρατύς, strong, but in sense often (as in cl., see LS, see word) as comparat. of ἀγαθός, [in LXX chiefly for טוֹב ;] better; __(a) as to advantage or usefulness: 1Co.11:17, Heb.11:40 12:24; πολλῷ μᾶλλον κ., Php.1:23; κρεῖσσον ποιεῖν, 1Co.7:38; ἐστιν, before inf., 1Co.7:9, 2Pe.2:21; __(b) as to excellence: Heb.1:4 6:9 7:7, 19 7:22 8:6 9:23 10:34 11:16, 35; κ. ἐστι, before inf., 1Pe.3:17.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: better See also: 1 Corinthians 7:9; Hebrews 6:9; Philippians 1:23.

ποιει poieō G4160 "to do/make: do" Verb-PAI-3S

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 7:38

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:38 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 7:38
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 7:38
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:38
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:38
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:38
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 7:38
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:38
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 7:38

Context — The Unmarried and Widowed

36However, if someone thinks he is acting inappropriately toward his betrothed, and if she is beyond her youth and they ought to marry, let him do as he wishes; he is not sinning; they should get married. 37But the man who is firmly established in his heart and under no constraint, with control over his will and resolve in his heart not to marry the virgin, he will do well.

38So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better.

39A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord. 40In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Hebrews 13:4	Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.
2	1 Corinthians 7:1–2	Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good to abstain from sexual relations. But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.
3	1 Corinthians 7:8	Now to the unmarried and widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am.
4	1 Corinthians 7:32–34	I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord. But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the work of the Lord, how she can be holy in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world, how she can please her husband.
5	1 Corinthians 7:37	But the man who is firmly established in his heart and under no constraint, with control over his will and resolve in his heart not to marry the virgin, he will do well.
6	1 Corinthians 7:26	Because of the present crisis, I think it is good for a man to remain as he is.

1 Corinthians 7:38 Summary

In 1 Corinthians 7:38, the apostle Paul is saying that it's good to get married, but it's even better to remain single if that's what God is calling you to do. This doesn't mean that marriage is bad, but rather that being single can be a special blessing that allows us to focus on serving God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35. When we make decisions about marriage or singleness, we should consider what will help us to love and serve God best, and trust that He will guide us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11. By seeking God's will and following His lead, we can make choices that bring glory to Him and joy to our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'do well' or 'do even better' in this verse?

In 1 Corinthians 7:38, the apostle Paul is comparing the decision to marry or remain single, suggesting that both choices can be pleasing to God, as seen in verses like Romans 8:28, where we are told all things work together for good for those who love God.

Is Paul saying that marriage is bad or less desirable?

No, Paul is not saying that marriage is bad, but rather that the decision to remain single can be a good and even better choice for some, as it allows for greater devotion to the Lord, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35.

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual gifts?

This verse highlights the idea that individuals have different callings and gifts, and for some, the gift of singleness may be a blessing that allows for greater service to the Lord, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, where spiritual gifts are discussed.

What is the main point Paul is trying to convey in this verse?

The main point Paul is making is that the decision to marry or remain single should be made with careful consideration and a desire to please God, as seen in verses like Colossians 3:17, where we are told to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Reflection Questions

What are my motivations for considering marriage or remaining single, and are they aligned with God's will for my life?
How can I use my current circumstances, whether married or single, to serve the Lord and bring glory to His name?
What does it mean for me to 'do well' or 'do even better' in my own life, and how can I make decisions that please God?
How can I balance my own desires and plans with a willingness to submit to God's sovereignty and guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 7:38

So then he that giveth [her] in marriage doth well,.... Does that which is in its own nature good; that which is agreeable to the will of God, is of his institution and appointment, and therefore

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 7:38

So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. Her. 'Aleph (') A B Delta f, Vulgate, have 'his own virgin daughter.' But.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:38

So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well: there is no general rule for all parents in this case, where the duty or sin of parents may arise from their or their children’ s different circumstances. But supposing that a parent, having duly weighed all circumstances, be fully resolved, and he finds the child’ s will concurring, that she can forbear, and is willing to do in the case what her parent desires; in such a case as this, if the parent disposeth her in marriage, I cannot say he sinneth, but he doth what he may do. But he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better; but with reference to the present state of things in the church and in the world, and with reference to the young woman’ s liberty for the service of God, he doth better, if he doth not so dispose her. The thing is in itself indifferent, and Christians must be in it ruled and inclined one way or another from circumstances.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:38

38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. Ver. 38. Doth better] 1. For the better waiting upon God’ s work without distraction. 2. For the better bearing of persecution.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:38

(38) So then . . .—Better, So then he that gives his daughter in marriage does well, and (not “but”) he that giveth her not shall do better. It is worth noticing how, in the case of the one who gives his daughter in marriage, we have the present tense “does well”—as if the good he did began and ended there; and, in the other case, the future “shall do” (in 1 Corinthians 7:37 also)—the good result of his action continuing while the girl remains with her parent. This passage clearly shows how St. Paul has not been contrasting right and wrong: but comparative degrees of what is expedient. All throughout this passage the Apostle takes for granted the absolute control of the parent over the child, in accordance with the principles of both Greek and Jewish jurisprudence. Hence, no advice is given to the young maiden herself, but only to her father.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 7:38

Doeth well - Does right; violates no law in it, and is not to be blamed for it. Doeth better - Does that which is on the whole to be preferred, if it can be done.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:38

38. Doeth well—For he avoids the evils of celibacy, though he incurs the evils of matrimony. Doeth better—For he is secure from the evils both of celibacy and matrimony.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 7:38

	Sermon	Description
	(Hebrews - Part 48): Seven Christian Virtues by A.W. Tozer	The sermon transcript describes various anecdotes and situations to illustrate the importance of having reasons for our actions. The speaker shares a story about a boy trying to se
	Marriage in the Christian Home - Part 1 by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of marriage and the Christian home. He starts by mentioning a verse from the Bible, Hebrews 13:4, which he believes would have sign
	Dealing With Lust by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the struggle of a married man who is studying for the ministry and battling with lustful desires. The man feels isolated and unable to find so
	(Women) 01. Marriage Is Honourable by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of faithfulness and trust in the world, particularly in marriages. However, their perspective changes when they meet their new neig
	The History of Rock - Part 1 by Alan Ives	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of playing good music and its impact on the attitude of Christians. He refers to First Thessalonians 5 and highlights the vari
	Glory of Christ's Priesthood Contrasted With the Immorality of the Rc Priesthood by Richard Bennett	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the corruption and issues within American seminaries and the Catholic Church. They highlight the prevalence of doctrinal error, liturgical abu
	12 Real Christian Morals by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of sexual immorality and its consequences. He shares a personal experience of dealing with similar situations and emphasizes the imp