1 CORINTHIANS 7:38 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.”
So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does even better. — The comparative affirms that singleness is preferable (kreisson = better) yet denies that marriage is wrong (kalos = good). Both are acceptable; they occupy different levels of spiritual advantage. The one who remains single avoids the thlipseis tē sarki (afflictions in the flesh) and maintains uncompromised devotion to the Lord. This final statement preserves Paul's eschatological emphasis without condemning those who marry.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 7:38
“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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