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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church while answering practical questions about betrothal and marriage in his first letter to them. He speaks at a moment when believers are weighing whether to proceed with a betrothal or remain unmarried.

The words — ἑδραῖος (hedraios) denotes a firm or steadfast state, while ἕστηκεν (hestēken) literally means has stood. Together they describe a person whose inner resolve remains unmoved by external pressure.

The thread — The theme of inward resolve without constraint appears in the immediate context at 1 Corinthians 7:36 and 1 Corinthians 7:38. This passage links voluntary singleness with the same freedom of will discussed throughout the chapter.

Why it lands — The text asks the reader to examine whether their decision to marry or remain single stems from genuine internal conviction rather than external obligation. It requires a clear acknowledgment that both choices carry weight, but uncoerced resolve determines the outcome.

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

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.