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.

Now {G1161} concerning {G4012} virgins {G3933} I have {G2192} no {G3756} commandment {G2003} of the Lord {G2962}: yet {G1161} I give {G1325} my judgment {G1106}, as {G5613} one that hath obtained mercy {G1653} of {G5259} the Lord {G2962} to be {G1511} faithful {G4103}.

Now the question about the unmarried: I do not have a command from the Lord, but I offer an opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is worthy to be trusted.

Now about virgins, I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.

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

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:25 (KJV)

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 7:25, addresses a specific concern within the Corinthian church regarding virgins, or unmarried individuals. This verse sets the stage for his subsequent counsel on singleness and marriage, distinguishing between divine command and apostolic judgment.

Context

Chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians is dedicated to Paul's responses to various questions posed by the believers in Corinth, primarily concerning marriage, celibacy, and sexual ethics. The church was navigating complex social and spiritual issues in a highly pagan and morally diverse city. In previous verses, Paul discussed the sanctity of marriage and exceptions for celibacy (e.g., 1 Corinthians 7:1-7), and here, he specifically turns his attention to those who have never been married, or "virgins." He acknowledges that his advice in this particular area does not come as a direct command from the Lord, unlike other matters of doctrine or moral imperative.

Key Themes

  • Apostolic Authority and Discernment: Paul clearly delineates between a direct "commandment of the Lord" and his own "judgment." This shows his integrity and spiritual discernment, indicating that not all apostolic counsel was a direct, explicit word from Christ, but rather Spirit-led wisdom for specific situations. This distinction is vital for understanding the nature of biblical authority.
  • Faithfulness as a Foundation for Counsel: Paul grounds his judgment in his identity "as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful." This phrase emphasizes that his counsel, though not a direct command, is given by a trusted apostle who has been graced by God and proven reliable. His faithfulness is a gift that qualifies him to speak on these matters.
  • Guidance for Unmarried Believers: This verse introduces Paul's guidance for those who are single, which he elaborates on in the following verses (e.g., 1 Corinthians 7:26-35). His advice aims to help believers live in a way that best serves the Lord amidst present circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "commandment" is epitagen (ἐπιταγή), which signifies an authoritative injunction or order. By stating he has no epitagen, Paul clarifies that he is not delivering a divine law.
  • "Judgment" comes from the Greek word gnomen (γνώμην), which means opinion, counsel, or reasoned judgment. This isn't a mere personal preference but a Spirit-informed, well-considered opinion from an apostle.
  • The phrase "obtained mercy... to be faithful" uses eleethen (ἐλεηθείς), meaning "having received mercy," and pistos (πιστός), meaning "faithful" or "trustworthy." It highlights that Paul's ability to be trustworthy in his counsel is a direct result of God's mercy upon him.

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 7:25 offers valuable insights for believers today. It teaches us about the nature of spiritual guidance:

  • Discerning Guidance: Not every piece of biblical counsel or pastoral advice carries the same weight as a direct command from God. It encourages us to discern between universal divine principles and Spirit-led wisdom for specific situations.
  • Trusting Godly Counsel: While Paul's counsel here is not a direct command, it is still weighty because it comes from an apostle who has been made faithful by God's mercy. This reminds us to value and prayerfully consider the advice of mature, faithful spiritual leaders.
  • Living Faithfully in Any State: Paul's subsequent advice in this chapter (notably 1 Corinthians 7:35) is aimed at helping believers live "without distraction" and devote themselves more fully to the Lord. This verse sets the tone, emphasizing that living faithfully, whether single or married, is the ultimate goal.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:6

    But I speak this by permission, [and] not of commandment.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:2

    Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:40

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

  • 2 Corinthians 8:8

    I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:10

    And herein I give [my] advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:12

    But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:36

    ¶ 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.

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