1 CORINTHIANS 7:37 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“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.”
But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind to keep the virgin unmarried—this man also does the right thing. — The alternative: if the betrothed man possesses firmness of intention (hedraus tē kardiā = steadfast in heart) and self-control (exousia... tou idiou thelmatos = authority over his own will), he may delay or forgo marriage. This too is approved: he does well (kalos poiei). Both paths—marriage and restraint—are legitimate when pursued with integrity and proper intention.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 7:37
“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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