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.

Nevertheless ^{G1161} he ^{G3739} that standeth ^{G2476} stedfast ^{G1476} in ^{G1722} his heart ^{G2588}, having ^{G2192} no ^{G3361} necessity ^{G318}, but ^{G1161} hath ^{G2192} power ^{G1849} over ^{G4012} his own ^{G2398} will ^{G2307}, and ^{G2532} hath ^{G2919} so ^{G5124} decreed ^{G2919} in ^{G1722} his ^{G846} heart ^{G2588} that he will keep ^{G5083} his ^{G1438} virgin ^{G3933}, doeth ^{G4160} well ^{G2573}.

But if a man has firmly made up his mind, being under no compulsion but having complete control over his will, if he has decided within himself to keep his fiancée a virgin, he will be doing well.

But the man who is firmly established in his heart and under no constraint, with control over his will and resolve in his heart not to marry the virgin, he will do well.

But he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power as touching his own will, and hath determined this in his own heart, to keep his own virgin daughter, shall do well.

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:37 (KJV)

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 7, provides extensive guidance on marriage, singleness, and celibacy to the Corinthian church. Verse 37 specifically addresses the decision regarding whether to marry off a virgin daughter or to remain unmarried. This verse speaks to the exercise of self-control and deliberate choice in matters of marital status, contrasting with the previous verse which describes someone who feels compelled to marry.

Context and Background

Paul's advice in 1 Corinthians 7 is given amidst what he calls "the present distress" (1 Corinthians 7:26), likely referring to persecutions or challenging times faced by early Christians. In this environment, Paul suggests that remaining single or celibate can allow for greater devotion and fewer worldly anxieties. Verse 37 highlights the individual (often interpreted as a father or guardian) who has the freedom and resolve not to marry off his virgin daughter, or, in some interpretations, an individual who, being betrothed, decides to remain celibate. The emphasis is on a decision made out of conviction and control, not out of necessity or external pressure.

Key Themes and Messages

Freedom and Self-Control: The verse emphasizes "power over his own will." This highlights the importance of making decisions concerning one's marital status (or that of one's dependents) based on spiritual conviction and personal resolve, rather than societal expectation or perceived obligation. It underscores Christian liberty in such personal matters.
Prudence and Deliberate Choice: The phrase "standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity" points to a thoughtful, uncompelled decision. This individual is not driven by external pressure or urgent need, but by an internal, firm resolution.
Value of Celibacy/Singleness: In the context of 1 Corinthians 7, Paul often presents celibacy as a "good" option for those who have the gift, enabling them to serve the Lord with undivided devotion. This verse affirms that choosing to maintain a state of celibacy (for oneself or a dependent) is a commendable act if done with integrity and purpose.
Doing Well: The conclusion "doeth well" (Greek: kalōs poiei) signifies that such a decision is excellent, honorable, and pleasing in God's sight. It's a positive affirmation of a choice made with spiritual discernment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "standeth stedfast in his heart" translates the Greek hestekos en tē kardia, conveying a sense of firm internal resolve and conviction. It speaks to a decision that is not impulsive but deeply settled. "Having no necessity" (Greek: anagkēn mē echōn) means not being under any compulsion or pressing obligation, highlighting the voluntary nature of the choice. The term "power over his own will" (Greek: exousian echei tou idiou thelēmatos) underscores the authority and control the individual has over their own desires and intentions, a crucial aspect of Christian discipline.

Practical Application

While the immediate context relates to historical customs of marriage, the principles in 1 Corinthians 7:37 remain highly relevant for contemporary Christian life. It encourages believers to:

Seek God's Will with Conviction: Make significant life decisions, especially regarding relationships and service, based on a clear, settled conviction in your heart, rather than succumbing to external pressures or fleeting desires.
Exercise Self-Control: Recognize and exercise the power you have over your own will and desires. This principle extends beyond marriage to all areas of Christian living, fostering spiritual maturity and discipline.
Prioritize Spiritual Devotion: Understand that choosing to remain unmarried, if it aligns with God's calling and your spiritual gifting, is a valid and commendable path that can enable greater focus on serving the Lord.
Act with Freedom and Prudence: God grants us freedom in many life choices, but this freedom should be exercised with wisdom, guided by the Holy Spirit, and aimed at glorifying Him.

This verse ultimately affirms that a decision made with firm resolve, free from external compulsion, and aligned with a desire for deeper devotion, is a choice that "doeth well" in the eyes of God.

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.

No cross-references found for this verse.