1 Corinthians 7:36

1 Corinthians 7:36 (KJV) provides specific guidance regarding the marriage of a virgin daughter, addressing a common concern in the early church and offering practical wisdom for fathers or guardians.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discussion in 1 Corinthians chapter 7, where the Apostle Paul offers counsel on marriage, singleness, and celibacy in response to questions from the Corinthian believers. While Paul generally expresses a preference for singleness for those who can manage it, due to the "present distress" (1 Corinthians 7:26) and for undistracted devotion to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32), he always balances this with realistic considerations and the avoidance of sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 7:2). This particular verse deals with a father's responsibility and decision concerning his unmarried daughter.

Key Themes and Messages

• Parental Responsibility and Concern: The verse highlights the father's concern ("if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin") that by keeping his daughter unmarried past a certain age, he might be acting improperly or against her best interest. This reflects a cultural expectation for women to marry and the father's role in facilitating it.
• Pragmatism in Marital Decisions: Paul's advice is highly practical. If a virgin daughter has "passed the flower of her age" (meaning she is beyond the prime age for marriage or has reached an age where remaining unmarried becomes difficult or undesirable) and "need so require" (there is a strong inclination or necessity for marriage, perhaps to avoid temptation or for social stability), then marriage is not only permissible but encouraged.
• Freedom from Sin: Paul explicitly states, "he sinneth not: let them marry." This reassures the father that allowing his daughter to marry under these circumstances is not sinful. It underscores that marriage itself is honorable (Hebrews 13:4) and a God-ordained institution.
• Balancing Spiritual Devotion and Human Need: While Paul values spiritual devotion fostered by singleness, he acknowledges the legitimate human needs and societal pressures that make marriage a wise and godly choice for many.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "flower of her age" (Greek: hyperakmos) literally means "beyond the bloom" or "past the peak of youth." This implies a point where remaining unmarried might become socially or personally challenging, or where the biological prime for childbearing might be passing. The term "uncomely" (Greek: aschemoneo) means to act improperly or dishonorably, suggesting the father's concern about failing in his duty to his daughter's well-being and future by withholding marriage.

Practical Application

While the cultural context of arranged marriages or strong parental authority in marriage decisions has changed in many societies, the underlying principles remain relevant:

• God's Blessing on Marriage: This verse reaffirms that marriage is a good and God-approved institution, especially when it meets genuine human needs and avoids sin.
• Wisdom in Life Decisions: It encourages believers to make wise, Spirit-led decisions regarding marriage, considering both spiritual devotion and practical realities. There is no spiritual merit in remaining single if it leads to distress or temptation, especially when the desire for marriage is strong.
• Honoring Parental Guidance: For young adults, it subtly reminds us to consider the wisdom and concerns of godly parents or guardians, even as individuals make their own choices in Christ.
• Freedom in Christ: Ultimately, Paul grants freedom, "let him do what he will, he sinneth not," emphasizing that Christians have liberty within godly boundaries to make choices that honor God and serve their well-being. This echoes the broader theme of Christian liberty found elsewhere in Paul's letters, such as in Galatians 5:1.