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

Other Translations of 1 Corinthians 7:9

New International Version

9 But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

English Standard Version

9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

The Message

9 But if they can't manage their desires and emotions, they should by all means go ahead and get married. The difficulties of marriage are preferable by far to a sexually tortured life as a single.

New King James Version

9 but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

New Living Translation

9 But if they can't control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It's better to marry than to burn with lust.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:9

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:1-9

(Read 1 Corinthians 7:1-9)

The apostle tells the Corinthians that it was good, in that juncture of time, for Christians to keep themselves single. Yet he says that marriage, and the comforts of that state, are settled by Divine wisdom. Though none may break the law of God, yet that perfect rule leaves men at liberty to serve him in the way most suited to their powers and circumstances, of which others often are very unfit judges. All must determine for themselves, seeking counsel from God how they ought to act.