1 Corinthians 7:40

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

Complete Jewish Bible:

However, in my opinion, she will be happier if she remains unmarried, and in saying this I think I have God’s Spirit.

Berean Standard Bible:

In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

American Standard Version:

But she is happier if she abide as she is, after my judgment: and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But^{G1161} she is^{G2076} happier^{G3107} if^{G1437} she^{G3306} so^{G3779} abide^{G3306}, after^{G2596} my^{G1699} judgment^{G1106}: and^{G1161} I think^{G1380} also^{G2504} that I have^{G2192} the Spirit^{G4151} of God^{G2316}.

Cross-References (KJV):

2 Peter 3:15

And account [that] the longsuffering of our Lord [is] salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

2 Peter 3:16

As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

1 Corinthians 7:25

¶ Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

1 Corinthians 7:26

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, [I say], that [it is] good for a man so to be.

1 Corinthians 7:8

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

2 Corinthians 12:11

¶ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

1 Corinthians 14:36

¶ What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

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Commentary for 1 Corinthians 7:40

1 Corinthians 7:40 is a verse from the First Epistle to the Corinthians, traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul. In this chapter, Paul is addressing various questions regarding marriage, celibacy, and the roles of men and women in the Christian community. The historical context of this verse is rooted in the early Christian church's struggles with integrating Jewish customs and Greek cultural practices, as well as dealing with eschatological expectations—beliefs about the end times.

In verse 7:40, Paul is specifically offering advice to women, particularly widows, regarding remarriage. He suggests that a widow will be happier if she remains unmarried, as he believes this to be a better state for serving the Lord without distraction. Paul qualifies his advice by stating that it is his personal judgment, but he also claims to be guided by the Spirit of God, thus giving his opinion a sense of divine authority.

The themes of this verse include the value of celibacy and singleness in the Christian life, the idea that spiritual concerns should take precedence over personal or worldly desires, and the role of apostolic authority in guiding the early church. Paul's advice reflects the broader early Christian belief in the imminent return of Christ, which led some to prioritize spiritual readiness over earthly commitments like marriage. Additionally, the verse touches on the tension between personal freedom and the benefits of being bound to the Lord in singleness, a concept that was somewhat revolutionary in a culture that often viewed marriage as a social necessity.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

Strong's Number: G1161
There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: δέ
Transliteration: dé
Pronunciation: deh
Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
Strong's Number: G2076
There are 812 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐστί
Transliteration: estí
Pronunciation: es-tee'
Description: third person singular present indicative of εἰμί; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.
Strong's Number: G3107
There are 49 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: μακάριος
Transliteration: makários
Pronunciation: mak-ar'-ee-os
Description: a prolonged form of the poetical (meaning the same); supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off:-- blessed, happy(X -ier).
Strong's Number: G1437
There are 254 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐάν
Transliteration: eán
Pronunciation: eh-an'
Description: from εἰ and ἄν; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty:--before, but, except, (and) if, (if) so, (what-, whither-)soever, though, when (-soever), whether (or), to whom, (who-)so(-ever). See μή.
Strong's Number: G3306
There are 105 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: μένω
Transliteration: ménō
Pronunciation: men'-o
Description: a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):--abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), X thine own.
Strong's Number: G3779
There are 206 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: οὕτω
Transliteration: hoútō
Pronunciation: hoo'-toce
Description: adverb from οὗτος; in this way (referring to what precedes or follows):--after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what.
Strong's Number: G2596
There are 436 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: κατά
Transliteration: katá
Pronunciation: kat-ah'
Description: a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.
Strong's Number: G1699
There are 68 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐμός
Transliteration: emós
Pronunciation: em-os'
Description: from the oblique cases of ἐγώ (ἐμοί, ἐμοῦ, ἐμέ); my:--of me, mine (own), my.
Strong's Number: G1106
There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: γνώμη
Transliteration: gnṓmē
Pronunciation: gno'-may
Description: from γινώσκω; cognition, i.e. (subjectively) opinion, or (objectively) resolve (counsel, consent, etc.):--advice, + agree, judgment, mind, purpose, will.
Strong's Number: G1380
There are 62 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: δοκέω
Transliteration: dokéō
Pronunciation: dok'-o
Description: a prolonged form of a primary verb, (used only in an alternate in certain tenses; compare the base of δεικνύω) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly):--be accounted, (of own) please(-ure), be of reputation, seem (good), suppose, think, trow.
Strong's Number: G2504
There are 68 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: κἀγώ
Transliteration: kagṓ
Pronunciation: kam-eh'
Description: from καί and ἐγώ; so also the dative case , and accusative case and (or also, even, etc.) I, (to) me:--(and, even, even so, so) I (also, in like wise), both me, me also.
Strong's Number: G2192
There are 628 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἔχω
Transliteration: échō
Pronunciation: skheh'-o
Description: a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use.
Strong's Number: G4151
There are 350 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πνεῦμα
Transliteration: pneûma
Pronunciation: pnyoo'-mah
Description: from πνέω; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare ψυχή.
Strong's Number: G2316
There are 1172 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: θεός
Transliteration: theós
Pronunciation: theh'-os
Description: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).

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