“So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.”– 1 Corinthians 7:38 (KJV)
“So a person who marries does well, but a person who doesn’t marry does even better.”– 1 Corinthians 7:38 (NLT)
“So when you marry her, you do well; but if you don’t, you do better.”– 1 Corinthians 7:38 (MSG)
What Does 1 Corinthians 7:38 Mean?
This verse from 1 Corinthians 7:38 is part of a larger discussion by the Apostle Paul about marriage and celibacy. Paul speaks to the people in Corinth, who had questions regarding what it means to be in a relationship or to remain single for the sake of serving God. The sentiment he expresses is that both marriage and remaining single have their merits. When he states that a person who does not marry does better, he is highlighting the advantages and freedom that come with being single in terms of devotion to God. It is important to understand that Paul is not condemning marriage. He recognizes its value and the goodness it brings but simultaneously informs us of the unique aspects of single life that may allow for an undivided focus on spiritual matters.
In essence, Paul is addressing the realities of life with a pragmatic view. The single life can provide more opportunities for personal spiritual growth and ministry. It allows individuals to dedicate more time to God without the responsibilities that come with marriage. Nonetheless, Paul also acknowledges how marriage can be a blessing and a good thing, recognizing that it is not inherently wrong to marry. He provides guidance, encouraging individuals to seek God’s direction in their personal situations. It’s about balancing personal choice with kingdom priorities—essentially a matter of what serves God best in a given situation.
1 Corinthians 7:38 Explanation and Commentary
The context in which Paul writes this verse is crucial. The Corinthian church had a variety of opinions about marriage, divorce, and celibacy due to their cultural background, where sexual immorality was rampant. Paul’s guidance aims to bring clarity among confusion. He encourages believers to live in ways that are holy and pleasing to God. Singleness, for many, may seem like a lonely path, but Paul’s words remind us that it can also be seen as a season of focus and freedom.
When Paul mentions, “he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better,” he challenges the traditional view that married life is unquestionably superior. What he is advocating here is the idea that personal circumstances, the call to ministry, and one’s devotion to God can shape whether or not marriage is beneficial. An individual does not need to feel societal pressure to marry if that is not the direction God has set for them. We can remember that decisions surrounding relationships should be made with a focus on spiritual growth and fulfilling God’s purpose, rather than societal standards.
As we reflect on this verse, we gather insight and encouragement that our calling in life can look different. Whether we feel led to marry or remain single, what matters most is whether we seek God’s will in our lives. Taking time to pray and discern what life path glorifies God is vital. We should recognize that God’s plans for us can vary greatly and still produce good fruit.
Putting our trust in Him to guide our choices revolves around remaining sensitive to His voice through the Holy Spirit. For many of us, this may involve discussing our feelings about relationships and marriage with trusted spiritual mentors or members of our community. We can empower one another to seek truth and wisdom as we navigate our individual journeys.
Context of 1 Corinthians 7:38
This verse falls within a larger chapter where the Apostle Paul gives guidance on various issues concerning marriage. He begins this chapter by responding to inquiries posed by the Corinthian church about marriage and sexual immorality. Throughout the passage, Paul discusses the appropriateness of marriage for certain individuals and the blessings of remaining single. The verses leading up to verse 38 present an array of advice that balances between acknowledging human desires, understanding God’s purpose in marriage, and promoting a life centered on spiritual devotion.
Understanding the culture of the Corinthian community is essential. In ancient Corinth, marriage was often seen as necessary for the sake of social status, economic security, and offspring. Yet, Paul’s radical message encouraged believers to reconsider their motives and the divine calling of their lives. By normalizing the idea of being single, he counters the tendency to equate worth with marital status.
Paul’s writing highlights the significance of being led by the Spirit rather than societal expectations. He recognizes that the pressures surrounding marriage can distract from our relationship with God. His counsel is born out of a heart that desires believers to fully engage with their faith. Therefore, with the contextual backdrop of Corinth, we see the wisdom in Paul’s message. He invites us to embrace our unique journeys, whether that leads us to singlehood or marriage, grounded in Christ.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Corinthians 7:38
Let’s take a closer examination of the key components of 1 Corinthians 7:38. When Paul says, “he that giveth her in marriage doeth well,” he recognizes the positive aspects of marriage. Being married can be a joyous experience, filled with love, companionship, and fulfillment. It is a journey that can lead couples deeper into understanding God’s love and can be a nurturing ground for family and future generations. In essence, Paul validates the institution of marriage.
Now, on the other hand, when he states, “but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better,” we are invited to explore the idea of spiritual freedom in singlehood. Being single allows for more flexibility and opportunities to serve God in different capacities. We have more time and energy to apply to prayer, ministry, and personal growth. This perspective does not mean that we should avoid marriage altogether; rather, it encourages us to seek God’s calling for our lives, recognizing that fulfilling His purposes is the utmost priority.
In dissecting this concept, we see how it acknowledges that every believer’s journey with God is unique. While some are called to marriage, others find their purpose and fulfillment in staying single for a season or perhaps for life. This invites us to reflect on our own life choices, encouraging us to seek what God has for us in this regard rather than being swayed by peer pressure or societal norms.
Furthermore, Paul’s message resonates with broader biblical themes regarding relationships. For instance, we can compare this sentiment to Matthew 19:11-12, where Jesus speaks about different callings regarding marriage and being single. It serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding our own unique situations and challenges while walking with God.
Lessons to Learn From 1 Corinthians 7:38
Through 1 Corinthians 7:38, we learn profound lessons about our relationships with one another and with God. The first significant lesson focuses on valuing our relationship with God above societal norms and pressures. Society may weigh heavily on us regarding expectations surrounding marriage, but we understand that our personal calling matters more. This encourages us to embrace the journey God has set before us, whether single or in a partnership.
Secondly, this verse teaches us about the diversity of human experience. Everyone’s relationship with God is unique, and our paths may look very different from one another. As a community of believers, we are called to support one another regardless of marital status. We must reaffirm each other in our individual journeys, recognizing that God has a purpose for all of us that runs deeper than conventional expectations.
Next, we learn about the value in seeking God’s direction concerning our lives. We should continually seek His guidance through prayer and scripture to help us navigate our choices regarding relationships. Making decisions about marriage involves more than simply following traditions—it involves listening to God’s voice in our hearts and minds as He leads us. Seeking His will allows us to cultivate a closer walk with Him.
Lastly, we recognize the essence of community and accountability. Whether single or married, we are all called to live authentically and support each other in our spiritual journeys. Finding mentors, friends, or groups that share similar beliefs can help guide us in navigating relationship dynamics while holding us accountable to pursuing God’s best. Every person we meet plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of love and partnership, and together, we grow stronger in faith.
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on 1 Corinthians 7:38, we gain critical insights into how our relationships shape our lives. We understand that marriage holds beauty and value, yet Paul’s message encourages us that being single can also serve a greater purpose. Each situation is unique—what matters most is our commitment to glorifying God through our decisions.
We are invited to seek God earnestly in every aspect of our lives. As we navigate choices around marriage and singleness, we must remember that fulfillment comes from Him, not societal standards. God desires authentic relationships, whether with a spouse, family members, or friends, and He wants all of us to focus on developing our connection with Him.
As we think about these lessons, let’s embrace the diversity of our circumstances and support one another wholeheartedly. If you want to learn more about various biblical principles surrounding relationships and community, you might find these links helpful: Acts 14:24 and Joshua 10:15. Let us continue this journey of faith together, trusting in God’s perfect guidance.