Key Verse Spotlight
1 Corinthians 7:36 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" But if any man thinks that he is behaving inappropriately toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of her age, and if need so requires, let him do what he desires. He doesn’t sin. Let them marry. "
1 Corinthians 7:36
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
34 There is also a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband.
35 This I say for your own benefit, not that I may ensnare you, but for that which is appropriate, and that you may attend to the Lord without distraction.
36 But if any man thinks that he is behaving inappropriately toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of her age, and if need so requires, let him do what he desires. He doesn’t sin. Let them marry.
37 But he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no urgency, but has power over his own will, and has determined in his own heart to keep his own virgin, does well.
38 So then both he who gives his own virgin in marriage does well, and he who doesn’t give her in marriage does better.
Explore Guided Bible Studies
Structured sessions with notes, questions, and advisor insights
The Beatitudes (5-Day Micro)
A short study on Jesus' blessings and the kingdom way.
Session 1 Preview:
Blessed Are the Humble
6 min
Psalms of Comfort (5-Day Micro)
Short, calming sessions grounded in the Psalms.
Session 1 Preview:
The Shepherd's Care
5 min
Create a free account to save notes, track progress, and unlock all sessions
Create Free AccountBible Guided Commentary
In this passage, Paul is commonly understood to be giving advice about a father’s decision about his daughter’s marriage, based on what he had already said. If that is the point, the meaning is simple enough. In those days, and especially among the Jews, it was often thought shameful for a woman to stay unmarried after a certain age. People might suspect that something was wrong with her reputation.
So Paul is saying, in effect, that if a man thinks he is treating his daughter badly by keeping her unmarried when she is grown, and if he believes marriage is the better course, he is free to do that. It is no sin to arrange a suitable marriage for her. But if he has firmly decided to keep her a virgin, and there is no need to marry her off, and she agrees with his choice, then he does well to keep her unmarried. In short, the one who gives her in marriage does well, but the one who keeps her single does better, if she can live peacefully and honorably in that state.
We should learn from this that children ought to be under their parents’ guidance in marriage, not deciding such matters only for themselves. At the same time, parents should pay attention to their children’s wishes, both about marriage in general and about the particular person chosen. Parents should not think they have unlimited power to do whatever they please. We should also remember that it is not enough to ask whether something is allowed. In many cases, we should also ask whether it is fitting and wise.
Still, I think Paul is continuing his earlier discussion and advising unmarried people who are free to choose for themselves. On this reading, “his virgin” means his own virginity, that is, a man keeping himself unmarried. That phrase is unusual, but it may fit the context better than taking it to mean a daughter. Other reasons for this view can be found in Locke and Whitby for those who want to look into them.
The main point is the same either way. It is no sin to marry if a person thinks there is a real need, whether to avoid public shame or, even more, to avoid burning desire. But if a person is free, firm in purpose, and under no need to marry, then in that time and under those conditions, it is the wiser choice to remain single. It would better serve his comfort, peace, and spiritual concerns. For Christians, such a consideration is very useful, and perhaps even required.
From This Chapter
1 Corinthians 7:1
"Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me: it is good for a man not to touch a woman."
1 Corinthians 7:2
"But, because of sexual immoralities, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband."
1 Corinthians 7:3
"Let the husband give his wife the affection owed her, and likewise also the wife her husband."
1 Corinthians 7:4
"The wife doesn’t have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise also the husband doesn’t have authority over his own body, but the wife does."
1 Corinthians 7:5
"Don’t deprive one another, unless it is by consent for a season, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and may be together again, that Satan doesn’t tempt you because of your lack of self-control."
1 Corinthians 7:6
"But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment."
Daily Prayer
Get a daily Scripture reflection by email
Start each morning with a verse, a prayer, and a simple next step.
Important Disclaimer: This biblical guidance is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're experiencing crisis symptoms, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or seek immediate professional help.
Bible Guided provides faith-based guidance and should complement, not replace, professional therapeutic support.