1 Corinthians 7:38 Meaning and Explanation
“So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →To proceed with marriage is good; to maintain the unmarried course, given the present circumstances, Paul counts even better.
What Does 1 Corinthians 7:38 Mean?
Paul draws his conclusion: the one who gives in marriage does well, and the one who does not does even better. "Better" here is measured by the freedom from distraction he has been describing, in light of the present distress.
Crucially, both courses are good -- Paul says so plainly. He does not call marriage a lesser holiness, but commends the undivided availability that singleness can offer in pressing times. His "better" is a matter of practical freedom for the Lord's work, not of moral rank. The reader is left genuinely free, with two good paths and the wisdom to choose between them before God.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians 7:38
What does 1 Corinthians 7:38 mean?
To proceed with marriage is good; to maintain the unmarried course, given the present circumstances, Paul counts even better.