1 Corinthians 7:9 Meaning and Explanation
“But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Those who lack the gift of self-restraint should marry, for marriage is better than being consumed by desire.
What Does 1 Corinthians 7:9 Mean?
Paul completes his counsel to the unmarried with realism. If self-control proves too hard, marriage is the right and good answer. "To burn" pictures the inner fire of unmet desire that can scorch a life.
Far from disparaging marriage, Paul presents it as the wiser, holier course for those whom singleness would only torment. He refuses to romanticize a celibacy that brings constant struggle. God's gifts differ, and choosing marriage is no failure but a faithful stewarding of one's own heart. The aim throughout is purity and peace, by whichever path God has fitted a person to walk.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians 7:9
What does 1 Corinthians 7:9 mean?
Those who lack the gift of self-restraint should marry, for marriage is better than being consumed by desire.