36 [a]But if any man think that it is uncomely for his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he [b]sinneth not: let them be married.

37 Nevertheless, he that standeth firm in his [c]heart, that he hath no [d]need, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart, that he will keep his virgin, he doeth well.

38 So then he that giveth her to marriage, doeth well, but he that giveth her not to marriage, doeth [e]better.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:36 Now he turneth himself to the Parents, in whose power and authority their children are, warning them that according to the former doctrine they consider what is meet and convenient for their children, that they neither deprive them of the necessary remedy against incontinency, nor constrain them to marriage, whereas neither their will doth lead them, nor any necessity urgeth them. And again he praiseth virginity, but of itself, and not in all.
  2. 1 Corinthians 7:36 He doeth well: for so he expoundeth it verse 38.
  3. 1 Corinthians 7:37 Resolved with himself.
  4. 1 Corinthians 7:37 That the weakness of his daughter enforceth him not, or any other matter, that that he may safely keep her a virgin still.
  5. 1 Corinthians 7:38 Provideth more commodiously for his children, and that not simply, but by reason of such conditions as are before mentioned.

36 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[a] and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning.(A) They should get married. 37 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 not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing. 38 So then, he who marries the virgin does right,(B) but he who does not marry her does better.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:36 Or if she is getting beyond the usual age for marriage
  2. 1 Corinthians 7:38 Or 36 If anyone thinks he is not treating his daughter properly, and if she is getting along in years (or if her passions are too strong), and he feels she ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. He should let her get married. 37 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. 38 So then, he who gives his virgin in marriage does right, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.