1 Corinthians 7:26

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

I suppose {G3543} therefore {G3767} that this {G5124} is {G5225} good {G2570} for {G1223} the present {G1764} distress {G318}, I say, that {G3754} it is good {G2570} for a man {G444} so {G3779} to be {G1511}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I suppose that in a time of stress like the present it is good for a person to stay as he is.

Berean Standard Bible

Because of the present crisis, I think it is good for a man to remain as he is.

American Standard Version

I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, namely, that it is good for a man to be as he is.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 7:26, the Apostle Paul offers pastoral counsel to the Corinthian believers regarding their marital status, particularly in light of an anticipated or ongoing period of significant difficulty. He expresses his considered judgment that, given the "present distress," it is advantageous and fitting for individuals to remain in their current state, whether married or single, to best navigate the challenges and maintain an undivided devotion to the Lord. This advice is presented not as a divine command, but as a pragmatic and Spirit-informed recommendation tailored to the specific circumstances of the early church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive and nuanced discussion in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Teaching on Marriage and Singleness"), which addresses a series of questions posed by the Corinthian church concerning marriage, celibacy, and sexual ethics. Paul begins by affirming the validity of both marriage and singleness, emphasizing that each state is a gift from God ([1 Corinthians 7:7](/1_corinthians/7-7 "1 Corinthians 7:7 - Each has his own gift from God")). He then provides specific counsel to various groups—the married, the unmarried, widows, and those in mixed-faith marriages—always with an eye toward maintaining purity, avoiding temptation, and fostering an undivided devotion to the Lord. Verse 26 serves as a pivot point, introducing the concept of "present distress" as a primary rationale for his subsequent advice, particularly concerning the advantages of singleness for those who are able to embrace it, as highlighted in verses like [1 Corinthians 7:32-35](/1_corinthians/7-32-35 "1 Corinthians 7:32-35 - Undivided Devotion").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian community in Corinth faced unique pressures. The Roman Empire, while generally tolerant, could at times be hostile to new religious movements, and Christians often experienced social ostracization, economic hardship, and sporadic persecution. The term "present distress" (Greek: *anankēn tēn enestōsan*) could refer to a variety of such difficulties: impending or ongoing persecution, famine, economic instability, or the general eschatological tension of living in the "last days" before Christ's return, a theme Paul often touches upon (e.g., [Romans 13:11-12](/romans/13-11-12 "Romans 13:11-12 - The Urgency of the Hour")). In such an environment, marriage and family life could introduce additional vulnerabilities and responsibilities, potentially complicating a believer's ability to endure hardship or flee persecution. Paul's advice is thus deeply rooted in the practical realities of a fledgling, often vulnerable, faith community.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage, Singleness, and Christian Liberty") is **Christian liberty and responsibility in light of eschatological urgency**. Paul navigates the tension between God's design for marriage and the practical advantages of singleness for devoted service, especially in challenging times. The "present distress" introduces the theme of **pragmatic wisdom in difficult circumstances**, where Paul offers counsel that is not an absolute command but a Spirit-informed recommendation for optimal living and service. This leads to the theme of **undivided devotion**, where Paul suggests that singleness can allow for a more focused commitment to the Lord's work without the cares and responsibilities inherent in marriage ([1 Corinthians 7:32-35](/1_corinthians/7-32-35 "1 Corinthians 7:32-35 - Paul's Counsel on Undivided Devotion")). Ultimately, Paul emphasizes that both states are honorable and that the key is to remain in the calling where one was found when converted ([1 Corinthians 7:20](/1_corinthians/7-20 "1 Corinthians 7:20 - Each Should Remain in His Calling")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **suppose (Greek, _nomízō'_):** From G3543, this verb indicates Paul's personal judgment or opinion, rather than a direct divine command or absolute rule. It suggests he is offering his best, Spirit-informed pastoral wisdom ("to deem or regard"), not an imperative. This nuance is crucial for understanding the conditional nature of his advice in this chapter.
* **good (Greek, _kalós'_):** From G2570, this word signifies something that is beautiful, noble, fitting, advantageous, or morally excellent. In this context, it implies that remaining in one's current state is beneficial or appropriate ("valuable or virtuous") given the prevailing circumstances. It's not about inherent moral superiority of one state over another, but about what is most expedient and helpful for the believer in a specific situation.
* **distress (Greek, _anánkē'_):** From G318, this term denotes constraint, necessity, or by implication, distress. It conveys a sense of urgent, pressing difficulty or compulsion. This "distress" is further qualified by the word for "present" (G1764, *enístēmi*, meaning "at hand" or "impending"), indicating an immediate or imminent period of hardship, persecution, or severe pressure faced by the Christian community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress":** Paul begins by stating his personal conviction or judgment ("I suppose"). The conjunction "therefore" connects this counsel to his preceding arguments about the benefits of singleness for those who can embrace it. He deems it "good" (advantageous, fitting) to consider the "present distress" (an immediate or impending period of hardship, persecution, or severe pressure) as a significant factor in one's marital decisions. This phrase sets the pragmatic, conditional tone for his advice.
* **"[I say], that [it is] good for a man so to be":** Paul reiterates and clarifies his opinion, emphasizing that it is "good" (beneficial, appropriate) for a "man" (or a human being, *ánthrōpos*, implying both men and women) "so to be," meaning to remain in one's current state, whether single or married, without seeking to change it. This is not a universal command but a strategic recommendation for navigating the specific challenges of the "present distress" with minimal worldly entanglement and maximum spiritual focus.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Pastoral Counsel** as a primary literary device throughout [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Pastoral Counsel on Marriage"). Rather than issuing strict commands, he offers nuanced advice, distinguishing between his own Spirit-informed judgment and direct divine imperatives (e.g., [1 Corinthians 7:10](/1_corinthians/7-10 "1 Corinthians 7:10 - Paul's Command to the Married")). The phrase "I suppose" (Greek: *nomízō*) highlights this approach, signaling that his counsel is a thoughtful, practical recommendation tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the Corinthian church. The concept of "present distress" functions as a **Motif**, a recurring idea that undergirds his recommendations, providing the urgent backdrop against which his advice on singleness and marriage is framed. This motif underscores the pragmatic and eschatological dimensions of his teaching, urging believers to live in a way that prioritizes their devotion to Christ in light of the transient nature of the present age.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's counsel in 1 Corinthians 7:26, rooted in the concept of "present distress," reveals a profound theological insight into the nature of Christian living in a fallen world awaiting Christ's return. It underscores that while marriage is a divine institution and a good gift, its practical implications must be weighed against the demands and opportunities of the Kingdom of God, especially during times of hardship or intense spiritual warfare. The "goodness" of remaining single in such times is not an absolute, but a contextual advantage, allowing for greater freedom from worldly anxieties and a more focused, undivided devotion to the Lord and His mission. This highlights the eschatological tension inherent in Christian discipleship, where present realities are always viewed through the lens of God's ultimate purposes and the coming Kingdom.

* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God"): Jesus’ teaching to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" resonates with Paul's emphasis on undivided devotion, suggesting that all life decisions should be oriented towards God's priorities, especially in challenging times.
* [Luke 14:26-27](/luke/14-26-27 "Luke 14:26-27 - Counting the Cost of Discipleship"): Jesus speaks of the radical commitment required for discipleship, which can involve forsaking family ties for the sake of the Kingdom, paralleling Paul's pragmatic advice to minimize worldly entanglements for greater devotion.
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious"): While not directly about marriage, this passage speaks to the broader theme of anxiety and peace in difficult circumstances, which Paul's advice in 1 Corinthians 7:26 aims to mitigate by suggesting a path of less worldly care.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's advice in 1 Corinthians 7:26, though rooted in the specific "present distress" of the Corinthian church, offers timeless principles for navigating life's major decisions, particularly in seasons of personal or communal hardship. It challenges us to consider how our choices—whether regarding relationships, career, or lifestyle—impact our capacity for undivided devotion to God. The core lesson is not that singleness is inherently superior to marriage, but that wisdom dictates we assess our circumstances and choose paths that best enable us to serve Christ without undue distraction or anxiety. In our own "present distresses," which might range from global crises to personal trials, this verse calls us to prayerful discernment, asking how we can best honor God and advance His Kingdom with the resources, time, and relational status He has given us. It encourages flexibility and a willingness to prioritize spiritual focus over societal expectations or personal desires when the Kingdom's demands are pressing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "present distresses" or challenging circumstances do I currently face, and how might they influence my life decisions regarding relationships, commitments, or priorities?**
* **In what ways might my current relational status (single, married, divorced, widowed) either enable or hinder my "undivided devotion" to the Lord?**
* **How can I prayerfully discern God's specific calling for my life in my current circumstances, prioritizing His Kingdom above all else?**
* **What worldly anxieties or entanglements might I need to release or manage more effectively to foster greater spiritual focus, regardless of my marital status?**

### FAQ
**What exactly does Paul mean by "the present distress"?**

Answer: The phrase "the present distress" (Greek: *anankēn tēn enestōsan*) refers to an immediate or impending period of significant difficulty, hardship, or constraint faced by the Christian community. Scholars debate its precise nature, but it likely encompasses a combination of factors:
* **Persecution and Social Pressure:** Early Christians often faced ostracism, legal challenges, and physical persecution from Roman authorities and hostile Jewish or pagan neighbors. Marriage and children could make one more vulnerable or complicate flight during such times.
* **Economic Hardship:** Famines, economic instability, or the challenges of supporting a family in a volatile world could be part of this distress.
* **Eschatological Urgency:** Paul frequently taught about the imminent return of Christ and the transient nature of the present age ([1 Corinthians 7:29-31](/1_corinthians/7-29-31 "The World is Passing Away")). In light of this, he believed believers should live with a sense of urgency and minimal worldly entanglement.
* **Internal Church Challenges:** The Corinthian church itself was fraught with divisions and moral issues, which could contribute to a general sense of "distress" or difficulty in maintaining a pure and focused Christian life.
In essence, Paul is advising what is most practical and beneficial for believers to remain steadfast and devoted to God in a challenging and uncertain world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 7:26 primarily offers practical advice on marital status in light of "present distress," it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Christ perfectly embodied the principle of undivided devotion, living a life entirely focused on the Father's will and the establishment of His Kingdom. He chose a path free from the entanglements of earthly marriage and family, not out of a rejection of these good gifts, but out of a singular commitment to His redemptive mission ([Luke 9:58](/luke/9-58 "Luke 9:58 - Jesus Has No Place to Lay His Head")). His life was a testament to prioritizing the Kingdom above all else, even to the point of suffering and death ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Furthermore, the "present distress" Paul refers to is ultimately overcome by Christ's victory over sin and death, which brings about the true and lasting peace that transcends all earthly anxieties ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - In Me You Will Have Peace")). Believers, whether single or married, are called to participate in Christ's mission, drawing strength from His example and the power of His Spirit to live lives of focused devotion, knowing that their ultimate hope and security rest not in their earthly circumstances, but in their union with the resurrected Lord ([Colossians 3:1-4](/colossians/3-1-4 "Colossians 3:1-4 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")). Thus, Paul's counsel, while practical, points believers to the ultimate model of Christ, whose life demonstrates the profound freedom and power found in a singular pursuit of God's purposes, even amidst the world's distresses.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 7:1

¶ Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: [It is] good for a man not to touch a woman.

1 Corinthians 7:8

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

1 Peter 4:17

For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?

Luke 23:28

But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

Luke 23:29

For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed [are] the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.

1 Corinthians 7:35

And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

1 Corinthians 7:38

So then he that giveth [her] in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth [her] not in marriage doeth better.