1 CORINTHIANS 7:36 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.”
If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do what he wants. He is not sinning. Let them marry. — The scenario addresses a betrothed man whose sexual desire is intense and who fears dishonoring the betrothed virgin by delay. Paul permits marriage: marriage is not sinful even when motivated by desire. The phrase 'let them marry' (gametōsan) removes all shame or divine disapproval. The pastoral concern is to prevent akatharsia (sexual immorality) through managed marriage.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 7:36
“But if any man think that he behaves himself unseemly toward his virgin.” Here he seems to be talking about marriage; but all that he says relates to virginity; for he allows even a second marriage, saying, “only in the Lord.” Now what means, “in the Lord?” With chastity, with honor: for this is needed every where, and must be pursued for else we cannot see God. Now if we have passed lightly by what he says of virginity, let no one accuse us of negligence; for indeed an…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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