1 Corinthians 7:36

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if any man {G1536} think {G3543} that he behaveth himself uncomely {G807} toward {G1909} his {G846} virgin {G3933}, if {G1437} she pass the flower of her age {G5230}{G5600}, and {G2532} need {G3784} so {G3779} require {G1096}, let him do {G4160} what {G3739} he will {G2309}, he sinneth {G264} not {G3756}: let them marry {G1060}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now if a man thinks he is behaving dishonorably by treating his fiancée this way, and if there is strong sexual desire, so that marriage is what ought to happen; then let him do what he wants — he is not sinning: let them get married.

Berean Standard Bible

However, if someone thinks he is acting inappropriately toward his betrothed, and if she is beyond her youth and they ought to marry, let him do as he wishes; he is not sinning; they should get married.

American Standard Version

But if any man thinketh that he behaveth himself unseemly toward his virgin daughter, if she be past the flower of her age, and if need so requireth, let him do what he will; he sinneth not; let them marry.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 7:36 provides specific, pastoral counsel regarding a father's decision concerning his virgin daughter's marriage. It addresses the concern that a father might act improperly by keeping his daughter unmarried past her prime age for marriage, especially if she has a strong desire or need to marry. Paul reassures such a father that if these conditions are met, allowing her to marry is not a sin, but rather a permissible and appropriate course of action, balancing the ideals of singleness with the realities of human nature and societal expectations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a comprehensive discussion in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage, Singleness, and Celibacy"), where the Apostle Paul responds to various questions from the Corinthian church concerning marriage, singleness, and sexual ethics. The chapter begins by affirming the legitimacy of sexual relations within marriage as a means to avoid fornication ([1 Corinthians 7:2](/1_corinthians/7-2 "1 Corinthians 7:2 - Marriage to avoid fornication")), then transitions to Paul's personal preference for singleness, particularly "for the present distress" ([1 Corinthians 7:26](/1_corinthians/7-26 "1 Corinthians 7:26 - The Present Distress")) and for "undistracted devotion to the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 7:35](/1_corinthians/7-35 "1 Corinthians 7:35 - Undistracted Devotion")). Verses 36-38 specifically address the father-daughter dynamic, providing a nuanced perspective that grants freedom while still upholding the principles of godly conduct. The immediate preceding verses (32-35) emphasize the "cares of the world" that married individuals face, contrasting them with the "care for the things of the Lord" that single individuals can pursue. This verse, therefore, serves as a practical concession and clarification for those who find the path of singleness challenging or inappropriate for their specific circumstances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, and particularly within Jewish tradition, a father held significant authority over his unmarried daughter, including the decision of her marriage. Marriage was not merely a personal choice but a crucial social and economic arrangement for families, ensuring lineage, property transfer, and social stability. Daughters were typically married off at a young age, often in their mid-to-late teens. Remaining unmarried past the "flower of her age" (i.e., beyond the prime age for marriage, perhaps late teens or early twenties) could be seen as a social stigma, potentially implying that the father had failed in his duty to provide for her future or that the daughter was somehow undesirable. Furthermore, the early Christian community lived with an acute sense of eschatological urgency, believing in the imminent return of Christ, which influenced Paul's counsel on singleness. However, the realities of human sexual desire and the need for social integration meant that not everyone could or should remain single, especially if it led to "burning" with passion or "fornication" ([1 Corinthians 7:9](/1_corinthians/7-9 "1 Corinthians 7:9 - Better to marry than to burn")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage and Singleness") and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **Christian Liberty and Responsibility**, demonstrating that while Paul offers general guidance, he also provides freedom for individuals (and those responsible for them) to make decisions based on specific circumstances and genuine need, without incurring sin. It highlights **Pastoral Pragmatism**, showing Paul's ability to balance high spiritual ideals (like undistracted devotion in singleness) with practical realities of human nature and social structures. The verse also touches on **Parental Authority and Care**, acknowledging the father's role and concern for his daughter's well-being and honor. Finally, it reinforces the **Sanctity and Permissibility of Marriage**, affirming that marriage is a legitimate and sinless path, even when singleness might be presented as a more expedient option for spiritual devotion. Paul consistently frames marriage as a God-ordained institution that serves to prevent sexual immorality and provide companionship, as seen in his counsel throughout [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage and Singleness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **uncomely (Greek, _aschēmonéō'_):** This word, derived from `aschēmon` (unbecoming, indecent), means "to be (i.e., act) unbecoming" or "to behave oneself unseemly." In this context, it refers to the father's concern that by withholding marriage from his daughter, he might be acting improperly, dishonorably, or against her best interests in a societal context where marriage was expected and necessary for a woman's social standing and security. It implies a failure to fulfill a perceived duty.
* **pass the flower of her age (Greek, _hypérakmos'_):** This compound word literally means "beyond the acme" or "past the bloom." It is a figurative expression indicating that a daughter has gone past the prime or peak age for marriage, typically implying she is no longer in her youthful bloom and may face increasing social or practical difficulties in finding a suitable husband. It points to a point where remaining unmarried becomes a significant challenge or burden.
* **sinneth not (Greek, _hamartánō'_ with _ou'_):** The verb `hamartánō` means "to miss the mark," "to err," or "to sin," especially morally. When combined with the absolute negative particle `ou` ("no" or "not"), it forms a strong declaration that the action in question is entirely free from sin. Here, Paul explicitly reassures the father that allowing his daughter to marry under the specified conditions is not a moral transgression against God or His will, despite Paul's general preference for singleness in the chapter.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin,"**: This opening clause introduces the specific scenario and the father's internal deliberation. The "man" is understood to be the father or guardian of the "virgin" daughter. His concern is that his actions (or inactions, specifically by not arranging her marriage) are "uncomely" or dishonorable, perhaps bringing social discredit upon her or himself, or failing in his paternal duty to secure her future. This highlights the cultural pressures and expectations surrounding a daughter's marriage.
* **"if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require,"**: These are the two crucial conditions that qualify the father's decision. "If she pass the flower of her age" indicates that the daughter is beyond the typical or prime age for marriage, making her continued singleness potentially difficult or socially awkward. The phrase "and need so require" refers to a strong internal inclination or necessity on the daughter's part to marry, perhaps due to strong sexual desire (to avoid temptation) or a deep desire for companionship and the establishment of her own household. This "need" is a subjective, compelling desire or situation that makes singleness unsustainable or undesirable for her.
* **"let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry."**: This final clause provides Paul's clear and pastoral resolution. Given the conditions, the father is granted full liberty ("let him do what he will") to allow his daughter to marry. Paul explicitly states, "he sinneth not," removing any moral guilt or condemnation from such a decision. The imperative "let them marry" serves as a direct affirmation and permission for the marriage to proceed, underscoring that marriage remains a legitimate and honorable option within God's design, even in the context of Paul's broader counsel on singleness.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this verse to convey his nuanced counsel. The primary structure is a **Conditional Clause** ("But if... if... then..."), which clearly sets out the circumstances under which his advice applies, demonstrating a logical and pragmatic approach to a complex issue. The phrase "pass the flower of her age" is a clear **Euphemism** or **Figurative Language**, delicately referring to a woman being past her youthful prime for marriage without being blunt or offensive. This reflects sensitivity to the cultural context. Furthermore, Paul uses **Direct Instruction** and **Imperative Mood** ("let him do what he will," "let them marry") to provide clear, authoritative guidance, reassuring the father and explicitly granting permission. This directness serves to alleviate anxiety and remove any sense of guilt associated with choosing marriage over singleness in these specific circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully illustrates the balance between spiritual ideals and practical realities within Christian living. While Paul often extols the virtues of singleness for undivided devotion to the Lord, he never elevates it to a command for all, nor does he disparage marriage. Instead, he demonstrates a profound pastoral sensitivity, acknowledging that human needs, cultural pressures, and individual inclinations must be considered within a framework of godly conduct. The core theological message is that marriage is a good and honorable institution, affirmed by God, and a legitimate path for believers who are called to it or for whom singleness proves difficult or leads to temptation. It underscores God's grace in providing avenues for human flourishing that are free from sin, even when they diverge from what might be considered the "more spiritual" path by some.

* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Marriage is Honorable")
* [1 Corinthians 7:9](/1_corinthians/7-9 "Better to Marry Than to Burn")
* [Genesis 2:18](/genesis/2-18 "Not Good to Be Alone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 7:36 offers timeless wisdom, even as cultural contexts shift. While fathers no longer typically "give away" their daughters in the same manner, the underlying principles of parental guidance, wisdom in life decisions, and the freedom to choose marriage without guilt remain profoundly relevant. For individuals, this verse reminds us that God's will is not a rigid, one-size-fits-all decree, but often encompasses the freedom to make choices that align with our genuine needs and desires, provided they are made in faith and without sin. It encourages us to consider our own capacity for singleness, our desires, and the practical implications of our choices, always seeking to honor God. For parents, it underscores the responsibility to guide their children wisely, discerning their needs and supporting their godly choices, whether toward marriage or singleness. Ultimately, it affirms that marriage is a blessed and legitimate path for those for whom it is appropriate, and that pursuing it under the right circumstances is not a compromise of faith but an expression of God's grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's will concerning marriage and singleness?**
* **In what ways might societal or cultural expectations today influence decisions about marriage, similar to or different from Paul's time?**
* **How can individuals discern their "need" or calling regarding marriage or singleness in a way that honors God?**
* **What does "he sinneth not" teach us about Christian liberty in decisions that are not explicitly commanded or forbidden?**

### FAQ
**Does "pass the flower of her age" imply that there's a specific age limit for marriage, or that older women shouldn't marry?**

Answer: No, "pass the flower of her age" (Greek: _hypérakmos_) is a cultural and figurative expression, not a strict biological or chronological age limit. It refers to a woman being past her youthful prime for marriage, which in ancient societies often meant late teens or early twenties, when women were typically married. The concern was that remaining unmarried beyond this point could lead to social difficulty, stigma, or increased temptation. The verse does not imply that older women should not marry, but rather addresses the specific concern of a father who might feel he is acting "uncomely" by keeping his daughter unmarried when she is past the customary age and has a strong "need" to marry. Paul's point is that if these conditions are met, allowing her to marry is perfectly acceptable and not sinful.

**Is Paul contradicting his earlier preference for singleness in this chapter?**

Answer: Paul is not contradicting himself but rather providing nuanced, pastoral counsel that accounts for individual circumstances and human realities. Throughout [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage, Singleness, and Celibacy"), Paul expresses a personal preference for singleness, especially "for the present distress" ([1 Corinthians 7:26](/1_corinthians/7-26 "1 Corinthians 7:26 - The Present Distress")) and for "undistracted devotion to the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 7:35](/1_corinthians/7-35 "1 Corinthians 7:35 - Undistracted Devotion")). However, he consistently balances this with the understanding that not everyone has the gift of singleness and that marriage is a legitimate and God-ordained institution, particularly to avoid sexual immorality ([1 Corinthians 7:2](/1_corinthians/7-2 "1 Corinthians 7:2 - Marriage to avoid fornication")) or if one cannot "contain" ([1 Corinthians 7:9](/1_corinthians/7-9 "1 Corinthians 7:9 - Better to marry than to burn")). This verse (1 Corinthians 7:36) is an example of his practical wisdom, granting freedom and affirming that choosing marriage under certain conditions is not sinful but a wise and godly decision.

**Does this verse apply to modern dating and marriage decisions, given the cultural shift from arranged marriages?**

Answer: While the specific cultural context of a father's absolute authority over his daughter's marriage has changed in many societies, the underlying principles of [1 Corinthians 7:36](/1_corinthians/7-36 "1 Corinthians 7:36 - A Father's Decision Regarding His Virgin Daughter's Marriage") remain relevant. The verse speaks to the importance of wise decision-making regarding marriage, considering both spiritual devotion and practical human needs. It affirms that marriage is honorable and not sinful, especially when there is a genuine desire or "need" for it. For individuals today, it encourages self-awareness about one's capacity for singleness, the desire for companionship, and the avoidance of temptation. For parents, it highlights the ongoing responsibility to offer godly counsel and support to their adult children in their life choices, including marriage, respecting their autonomy while guiding them toward God-honoring paths. The core message is that God grants liberty within godly boundaries for such significant life decisions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 7:36 directly addresses a father's decision regarding his daughter's marriage, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the broader freedom and wisdom that Christ provides for all of life's decisions, including those pertaining to relationships and family. Jesus Himself affirmed the sanctity of marriage as a divine institution from creation ([Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4-6 "Matthew 19:4-6 - Jesus on Marriage and Divorce")), even as He also spoke of those who choose singleness "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven" ([Matthew 19:12](/matthew/19-12 "Matthew 19:12 - Eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven")). Paul's counsel in this verse, therefore, reflects the liberty found in Christ, where believers are not bound by legalistic constraints but are free to make choices that honor God and serve their well-being, without sin. Christ's work on the cross liberates us from the burden of unrighteousness, allowing us to pursue marriage or singleness with a clear conscience, knowing that both states can be lived out for God's glory. Ultimately, our decisions, whether to marry or remain single, are to be rooted in a desire to serve Christ and to live in a way that reflects His love and truth, understanding that He is the ultimate fulfillment of all human longing and need, whether met in singleness or within the covenant of marriage ([Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus")).

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 7:37

Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

1 Corinthians 7:9

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

1 Samuel 2:33

And the man of thine, [whom] I shall not cut off from mine altar, [shall be] to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.