1 Corinthians 7:38

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G5620} then {G2532} he that giveth her in marriage {G1547} doeth {G4160} well {G2573}; but {G1161} he that giveth her {G1547} not {G3361} in marriage {G1547} doeth {G4160} better {G2908}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the man who marries his fiancée will do well, and the man who doesn’t marry will do better.

Berean Standard Bible

So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better.

American Standard Version

So then both he that giveth his own virgin daughter in marriage doeth well; and he that giveth her not in marriage shall do better.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 7:38 concludes Paul's counsel regarding the marriage of virgins, likely referring to unmarried daughters under the authority of a father or guardian. The verse presents a comparative statement, affirming that giving a virgin in marriage is a good and honorable decision, while choosing not to give her in marriage, presumably for the sake of dedicated service to the Lord, is presented as a "better" option. This counsel is not a command but a Spirit-inspired recommendation, emphasizing the practical advantages of singleness for undistracted devotion to God amidst the "present distress" and eschatological urgency Paul perceived.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Paul's extensive discussion on marriage, singleness, and celibacy in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Teaching on Marriage and Singleness"). Paul begins by addressing specific questions from the Corinthian church about sexual relations within marriage, the permissibility of divorce, and the state of singleness. He then transitions to discussing the "present distress" ([1 Corinthians 7:26](/1_corinthians/7-26 "1 Corinthians 7:26 - The Present Distress")) and the eschatological perspective that informs his advice, urging believers to live as though "the time is short" ([1 Corinthians 7:29](/1_corinthians/7-29 "1 Corinthians 7:29 - The Shortness of Time")). Verses [1 Corinthians 7:36-38](/1_corinthians/7-36-38 "1 Corinthians 7:36-38 - Counsel on Virgins") specifically concern a man's decision regarding a virgin, presumably his daughter or ward, and her marital status, with verse 38 providing the concluding comparative judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Greco-Roman and Jewish societies, fathers or male guardians held significant authority over their daughters' marriages. Marriages were often arranged, and a daughter's virginity was highly valued. The decision to marry off a daughter was a weighty one, involving social standing, family alliances, and economic considerations. Corinth itself was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its diverse religious practices and moral laxity, which likely contributed to the Corinthian believers' questions about appropriate Christian conduct, particularly concerning sexuality and marriage. Paul's advice, therefore, navigates these cultural norms while introducing a radical Christian perspective that prioritizes devotion to Christ above societal expectations or personal comfort, especially in light of the perceived urgency of the gospel mission.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Teaching on Marriage and Singleness") is the pursuit of undistracted devotion to the Lord, regardless of one's marital status. Paul emphasizes that both marriage and singleness are legitimate and honorable states, each with its own advantages and challenges. He introduces the concept of "gift" ([1 Corinthians 7:7](/1_corinthians/7-7 "1 Corinthians 7:7 - Each Has His Own Gift")) for either state, suggesting that one's capacity for singleness or marriage is divinely enabled. The chapter also highlights the theme of freedom in Christ, where believers are encouraged to remain in the state in which they were called ([1 Corinthians 7:20](/1_corinthians/7-20 "1 Corinthians 7:20 - Remain in Your Calling")), yet with an overarching focus on pleasing the Lord ([1 Corinthians 7:32-35](/1_corinthians/7-32-35 "1 Corinthians 7:32-35 - Undivided Devotion")). Verse [1 Corinthians 7:38](/1_corinthians/7-38 "1 Corinthians 7:38 - Doing Well vs. Doing Better") contributes to this by affirming the goodness of marriage while elevating the potential for greater spiritual focus in singleness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **giveth in marriage (Greek, _ekgamízō_):** This verb specifically means "to marry off a daughter" or "to give in marriage." It highlights the agency of the father or guardian in the decision-making process concerning the virgin's marital status. The KJV's inclusion of "[her]" correctly interprets the implied feminine object, underscoring the patriarchal context of the decision.
* **well (Greek, _kalōs_):** An adverb derived from _kalos_ (good, beautiful, honorable), _kalōs_ signifies doing something in a good, right, or honorable manner. When Paul says "doeth well," he is affirming that the act of giving a virgin in marriage is a morally sound and commendable action, aligning with God's original design for marriage and societal norms. It is a positive assessment, not merely a neutral one.
* **better (Greek, _kreîsson_):** This is the neuter form of _kreíttōn_, a comparative adjective meaning "better," "more excellent," or "superior." Crucially, this "better" is not a moral judgment implying that marriage is inherently bad or sinful. Instead, it denotes a practical advantage or a higher degree of suitability for a particular purpose. In this context, the "better" refers to the increased capacity for undistracted devotion to the Lord that singleness can afford, as outlined in the preceding verses of [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Teaching on Marriage and Singleness").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So then he that giveth [her] in marriage doeth well":** This clause affirms the goodness and propriety of marriage. Paul acknowledges that for a father or guardian to arrange or permit his daughter's marriage is a commendable act. It is not a sin, nor is it an inferior spiritual choice in a moral sense. This statement safeguards the institution of marriage as a divine ordinance, countering any potential Gnostic or ascetic tendencies that might disparage it.
* **"but he that giveth [her] not in marriage doeth better":** This contrasting clause introduces the comparative advantage of singleness. The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé_) signals a transition to an alternative, more advantageous path. "Doeth better" does not imply moral superiority but rather a functional or strategic advantage. For Paul, this advantage lies in the freedom from worldly anxieties and the increased capacity for undivided devotion to the Lord, particularly in light of the "present distress" and the urgency of the gospel mission. It suggests that while marriage is good, singleness can, for some, facilitate a deeper and more focused commitment to spiritual pursuits.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a **Comparative Structure** in this verse, presenting two options—giving a virgin in marriage versus not giving her in marriage—and evaluating them with the terms "well" and "better." This rhetorical device allows him to affirm the validity and goodness of one choice while simultaneously highlighting the practical advantages of the other. The use of **Antithesis** ("doeth well" vs. "doeth better") creates a clear distinction, drawing the reader's attention to the nuanced preference Paul expresses. This is not a stark dichotomy of right and wrong but a spectrum of good to better, emphasizing a pragmatic rather than a prescriptive theological stance. The verse also functions as a **Summary Statement**, encapsulating Paul's broader argument in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Teaching on Marriage and Singleness") that while marriage is honorable, singleness can offer a unique opportunity for undistracted service to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's counsel in [1 Corinthians 7:38](/1_corinthians/7-38 "1 Corinthians 7:38 - Doing Well vs. Doing Better") is profoundly theological, underscoring the Christian's ultimate allegiance to God's kingdom above all earthly concerns. It affirms the goodness of marriage as a divine institution, yet it simultaneously elevates the potential for singleness to facilitate a more focused and undistracted devotion to Christ and His mission. This is not a denigration of marriage but a recognition of the unique spiritual freedom that singleness can afford, especially in times of spiritual urgency or persecution. The "better" is not about moral superiority but about strategic advantage for kingdom purposes, encouraging believers to discern their individual calling and gift from God, prioritizing what best enables them to serve Him with undivided hearts. Ultimately, the verse challenges believers to evaluate all life choices through the lens of their primary calling: to glorify God and advance His kingdom.

* [Matthew 19:10-12](/matthew/19-10-12 "Matthew 19:10-12 - Eunuchs for the Kingdom")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable")
* [1 Corinthians 7:32-35](/1_corinthians/7-32-35 "1 Corinthians 7:32-35 - Undivided Devotion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 7:38 offers profound wisdom for navigating significant life decisions, particularly concerning relationships and vocational calling. It liberates believers from the pressure to conform to societal expectations regarding marriage, affirming that both marriage and singleness are honorable paths before God. The core principle is not to choose one state over the other as inherently superior, but to prayerfully discern which path best enables an individual to serve the Lord with the most undivided devotion and effectiveness for His kingdom. This requires honest self-assessment of one's spiritual gifts, passions, and the specific season of life. Whether married or single, the Christian's ultimate aim is to live a life that glorifies God, and this verse encourages us to consider how our relational status can best facilitate that aim, recognizing that for some, singleness offers a unique capacity for focused ministry and spiritual pursuit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current relational status (married, single, divorced, widowed) enable or hinder my undistracted devotion to the Lord?**
* **In what ways might I be prioritizing societal or personal expectations about marriage over God's specific calling for my life?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of "undivided devotion" to Christ, regardless of my marital status?**
* **What specific opportunities for service or spiritual growth might singleness or marriage uniquely offer me, and how can I maximize them for God's glory?**

### FAQ
**Does 1 Corinthians 7:38 mean that singleness is always morally superior to marriage?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply that singleness is morally superior to marriage. Paul explicitly states that giving a virgin in marriage "doeth well," affirming marriage as a good and honorable institution. The term "better" (Greek, _kreîsson_) in this context refers to a practical advantage or a greater suitability for a specific purpose, not a moral judgment. Paul's emphasis throughout [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Teaching on Marriage and Singleness") is on the ability to serve the Lord with undivided devotion. For some, singleness offers fewer worldly distractions and more freedom to focus solely on God's work, especially in times of "present distress" ([1 Corinthians 7:26](/1_corinthians/7-26 "1 Corinthians 7:26 - The Present Distress")). Therefore, "better" is a functional assessment related to spiritual focus, not a moral condemnation of marriage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 7:38](/1_corinthians/7-38 "1 Corinthians 7:38 - Doing Well vs. Doing Better") directly addresses practical decisions about marriage and singleness, its underlying principle points to the ultimate supremacy of Christ and His kingdom. Paul's counsel for "undivided devotion" ([1 Corinthians 7:35](/1_corinthians/7-35 "1 Corinthians 7:35 - Attending Upon the Lord Without Distraction")) finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who lived a life of perfect, undivided devotion to the Father. Jesus Himself exemplified a life of singleness, fully committed to His redemptive mission, demonstrating that one's relational status is secondary to one's relationship with God and obedience to His will. His teachings, such as those on "eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven" ([Matthew 19:12](/matthew/19-12 "Matthew 19:12 - Eunuchs for the Kingdom")), foreshadow Paul's emphasis on singleness as a viable and sometimes advantageous path for radical discipleship. Ultimately, both marriage and singleness, when lived out in Christ, become avenues through which believers can reflect the self-giving love of God and participate in the advancement of His eternal kingdom, which is consummated in the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where Christ is the glorious Bridegroom and the Church His pure bride.

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

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

1 Corinthians 7:32

But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

1 Corinthians 7:34

There is difference [also] between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please [her] husband.

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 7:2

Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

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 7:8

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