1 Corinthians 7:38

7:37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

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

KJV

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

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

So then he that gives her in marriage does well; but he that gives her not in marriage does better.

7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

What does 1 Corinthians 7:38 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:38 is a verse in the book of 1 Corinthians, in the New Testament. In the original Greek, key words include ὥστε (hoste), καί (kai), γαμίζω (ekgamizo). It connects to 13 cross-referenced passages elsewhere in Scripture.

Greek interlinear

Soὥστεhoste/hoce'-teh/G5620from 5613 and 5037; so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow):--(insomuch) as, so that (then), (insomuch) that, therefore, to, wherefore.

thenκαίkai/kahee/G2532apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.

that

giveth

her

marriageγαμίζωekgamizo/ek-gam-id'-zo/G1547from 1537 and a form of 1061 (compare 1548); to marry off a daughter:--give in marriage.

doethποιέωpoieo/poy-eh'-o/G4160apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct):--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. Compare 4238.

well;καλῶςkalos/kal-oce'/G2573adverb from 2570; well (usually morally):--(in a) good (place), honestly, + recover, (full) well.

butδέde/deh/G1161a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).

that

giveth

her

notμήme/may/G3361a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas 3756 expresses an absolute denial); (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas 3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether:--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. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations. See also 3362, 3363, 3364, 3372, 3373, 3375, 3378.

marriageγαμίζωekgamizo/ek-gam-id'-zo/G1547from 1537 and a form of 1061 (compare 1548); to marry off a daughter:--give in marriage.

better.ἀγαθός κρείττων κρείσσωνkreisson/krice'-son/G2908neuter of an alternate form of 2909; (as noun) better, i.e. greater advantage:--better.

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:38

HENRY_FULL · 1 Corinthians 7:38

or.4" In this chapter the apostle, I. Directs them how to account of him and his fellow-ministers, and therein, tacitly at least, reproves them for their unworthy carriage towards him, ver. 1-6 . II. He cautions them against pride and self-elation, and hints at the many temptations they had to conceive too highly of themselves, and despise him and other apostles, because of the great diversity in their circumstances and condition, ver. 7-13 . III. He challenges their regard to him as their father in Christ, ver. 14-16 . IV. He tells them of his having sent Timothy to them, and of his own purpose to come to them shortly, however some among them had pleased themselves, and grown vain, upon the quite contrary expectation, ver. 17 to the end .

Cross-references

Related passages from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Numbers 12:7

My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.

Proverbs 13:17

A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. a faithful: Heb. an ambassador of faithfulness

Matthew 25:21

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Matthew 25:23

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Luke 12:42

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

Luke 16:10

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

1 Corinthians 7:17

But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

1 Corinthians 7:25

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

2 Corinthians 2:17

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. corrupt: or, deal deceitfully with in Christ: or, of Christ

2 Corinthians 4:2

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. dishonesty: Gr. shame

Colossians 1:7

As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

Colossians 4:7

All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

Colossians 4:17

And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

Topics

Celibacy Continence Wife

Verses like this

Other verses that share key original-language words with 1 Corinthians 7:38.

Matthew 3:10

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Matthew 1:19

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

Matthew 1:24

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

Matthew 12:12

How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

Matthew 1:11

And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: Josias: some read, Josias begat Jakim, and Jakim begat Jechonias

Matthew 1:2

Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;

Matthew 1:20

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. conceived: Gr. begotten

Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. JESUS: that is, Saviour, Heb

Frequently asked questions

What does 1 Corinthians 7:38 say?

1 Corinthians 7:38 (King James Version) reads: "So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better."

Is 1 Corinthians 7:38 in the Old or New Testament?

1 Corinthians 7:38 is in the New Testament of the Bible, in the book of 1 Corinthians.

Reflect

As you read 1 Corinthians 7:38, what is one truth here you can carry into today?

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