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.

1 Corinthians 7

Other Translations of 1 Corinthians 7:38

New International Version

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

English Standard Version

³⁸ So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.

The Message

³⁸ Marriage is spiritually and morally right and not inferior to singleness in any way, although as I indicated earlier, because of the times we live in, I do have pastoral reasons for encouraging singleness.

New King James Version

³⁸ So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.

New Living Translation

³⁸ So the person who marries his fiancÃ©e does well, and the person who doesn't marry does even better.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:38

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:36-40

(Read 1 Corinthians 7:36-40)

The apostle is thought to give advice here about the disposal of children in marriage. In this view, the general meaning is plain. Children should seek and follow the directions of their parents as to marriage. And parents should consult their children's wishes; and not reckon they have power to do with them, and dictate just as they please, without reason. The whole is closed with advice to widows. Second marriages are not unlawful, so that it is kept in mind, to marry in the Lord. In our choice of relations, and change of conditions, we should always be guided by the fear of God, and the laws of God, and act in dependence on the providence of God. Change of condition ought only to be made after careful consideration, and on probable grounds, that it will be to advantage in our spiritual concerns.