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.

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}.

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

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

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.

1 Corinthians 7:26 (KJV) is a key verse in Paul's extensive counsel on marriage and celibacy, offering practical wisdom tailored to the circumstances of the early church. Here, Paul expresses his considered opinion, not a direct command, on the advantages of remaining unmarried during a specific period of difficulty.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's response to questions from the Corinthian church regarding various aspects of Christian life, particularly sexual ethics and marital status. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul addresses whether it is "good for a man not to touch a woman" (1 Corinthians 7:1). He advocates for both marriage and singleness as valid paths, each with its own advantages, emphasizing that each person has a unique gift from God (1 Corinthians 7:7). Verse 26, specifically, refers to his previous advice to the unmarried and widows to remain as they are (1 Corinthians 7:8), and is framed by the concept of an impending or existing period of hardship.

Key Themes

  • Pragmatic Wisdom: Paul offers a practical, conditional recommendation rather than a universal command. His advice is based on what is "good" or advantageous under specific circumstances, reflecting his pastoral concern for the Corinthians' well-being and spiritual focus.
  • The "Present Distress": This phrase (Greek: anankēn tēn enestōsan) is central. It likely refers to a period of hardship, persecution, or general difficulties faced by Christians in that era. It could also encompass the urgency of the times leading up to Christ's expected return, as implied in subsequent verses. In such times, singleness could offer fewer worldly entanglements and distractions, allowing for greater devotion to God.
  • Undivided Devotion: The underlying principle is that singleness, in certain circumstances, can free an individual from the cares and responsibilities of marriage, enabling a more focused and undivided devotion to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). This is not to diminish marriage but to highlight the unique advantages of singleness for service in challenging times.

Linguistic Insights

  • "I suppose therefore that this is good" (KJV): The Greek word for "suppose" (νοµίζω - nomizō) indicates Paul's personal judgment or opinion, not a divine imperative. He is offering his best advice, informed by the Spirit, but not issuing a command.
  • "present distress": The Greek phrase anankēn tēn enestōsan (ἀνάγκην τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν) literally means "the impending necessity" or "the present compulsion/distress." It conveys a sense of urgent, pressing difficulty or constraint, which could include economic hardship, social pressure, or persecution faced by believers in a hostile world.
  • "good for a man so to be": The word "good" (καλόν - kalon) implies something that is noble, fitting, advantageous, or morally excellent. In this context, it means it is beneficial or appropriate for a man to remain unmarried ("so to be") given the prevailing circumstances of distress.

Practical Application

While the specific "present distress" of the Corinthian church may differ from our own, the principle remains relevant. This verse encourages believers to consider how their marital status, or any life decision, impacts their ability to serve God effectively and without undue distraction, especially during challenging seasons. It highlights that both marriage and singleness are honorable states, and the "goodness" of either depends on one's calling, circumstances, and ability to remain devoted to Christ. For some, singleness offers greater freedom for ministry or resilience in hardship; for others, marriage provides companionship and strength. The ultimate goal is to live in a way that best honors God and advances His kingdom, as Paul emphasizes throughout 1 Corinthians 7.

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 7:1

    ¶ 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.

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