1 Corinthians 7:36

However, if someone thinks he is acting inappropriately toward his betrothed, and if she is beyond her youth and they ought to marry, let him do as he wishes; he is not sinning; they should get married.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation while discussing practical regulations for betrothal and marriage. He issues this instruction during a broader exchange on managing physical desire and marital commitment.

The words — ἀσχημονεῖν (aschēmonein) denotes acting improperly or shamefully, and παρθένον (parthenon) refers to the betrothed virgin. Paul uses these terms to define the boundary between honorable restraint and forced delay.

The thread — The text explicitly permits marriage when natural constraint exists, matching 1 Corinthians 7:9 which states it is better to marry than burn with passion. It stands in direct contrast to 1 Corinthians 7:37, which commends the man who firmly resolves not to marry.

Why it lands — The verse commands a betrothed man to proceed with marriage if he believes delay would be improper and they ought to wed. Readers must assess their own self-control and choose marriage without guilt rather than impose unnecessary abstinence.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
1 Corinthians 7:37 But the man who is firmly established in his heart and under no constraint, with control over his will and resolve in his heart not to marry the virgin, he will do well.
1 Samuel 2:33 And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, I will cause your eyes to fail and your heart to grieve. All your descendants will die by the sword of men.