1 Corinthians 7:40

But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

But {G1161} she is {G2076} happier {G3107} if {G1437} she {G3306} so {G3779} abide {G3306}, after {G2596} my {G1699} judgment {G1106}: and {G1161} I think {G1380} also {G2504} that I have {G2192} the Spirit {G4151} of God {G2316}.

However, in my opinion, she will be happier if she remains unmarried, and in saying this I think I have God’s Spirit.

In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

But she is happier if she abide as she is, after my judgment: and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

Commentary

1 Corinthians 7:40 concludes Paul's extensive teaching on marriage, singleness, and divorce, offering a final piece of counsel regarding widows and their potential for remarriage.

Context

This verse directly follows Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 7:39, which states that a wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives, but if he dies, she is free to marry whom she wishes, "only in the Lord." Verse 40 then adds Paul's personal "judgment" (gnōmē in Greek), suggesting that a widow would be "happier" (makariōtera, more blessed or fortunate) if she remained unmarried. The entire chapter addresses various scenarios within the Corinthian church concerning relationships, with a consistent underlying theme that remaining unmarried can allow for greater devotion to the Lord without the cares of a spouse (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).

Key Themes

  • The Advantage of Singleness for Devotion: Paul consistently presents singleness, especially for widows, as a state that can lead to deeper spiritual focus and fewer worldly distractions. This is not a command but a strong recommendation based on his own experience and understanding of God's purposes.
  • Apostolic Counsel vs. Commandment: Paul distinguishes between a direct command from the Lord (as seen in 1 Corinthians 7:10 regarding divorce) and his inspired "judgment." While not a direct command, his judgment is nonetheless presented as authoritative, given his confidence in possessing the "Spirit of God."
  • Guidance of the Holy Spirit: Paul's concluding statement, "and I think also that I have the Spirit of God," underscores his conviction that his advice, though framed as personal judgment, is not merely human wisdom but is guided by divine inspiration. This highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers and apostles in their counsel.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "judgment" here is gnōmē, which implies an opinion, advice, or counsel, rather than a divine imperative (epitages). However, Paul immediately follows this with his assertion of having the "Spirit of God" (Pneuma Theou), indicating that even his counsel is not merely human but divinely informed. This phrase, "I think also that I have the Spirit of God," is a modest yet firm affirmation of his apostolic authority and the divine source of his wisdom, similar to how he describes the Spirit's role in revealing truth in 1 Corinthians 2:10-16.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 7:40 offers several insights:

  • Discerning Counsel: It teaches us to weigh advice, recognizing that even inspired counsel can sometimes be presented as a wise recommendation rather than a strict command.
  • Valuing Singleness: This verse, and indeed the whole chapter, elevates the state of singleness as a viable and potentially advantageous path for some, allowing for undivided devotion to God's work. It challenges cultural norms that might pressure individuals into marriage.
  • Seeking Spiritual Guidance: Paul's confidence in the Spirit reminds us to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in our personal decisions, especially significant life choices like marriage. Our ultimate happiness and fulfillment are found in aligning with God's will, whether single or married.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Peter 3:15 (2 votes)

    And account [that] the longsuffering of our Lord [is] salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

  • 2 Peter 3:16 (2 votes)

    As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:25 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:26 (2 votes)

    I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, [I say], that [it is] good for a man so to be.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:8 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Corinthians 12:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:36 (2 votes)

    ¶ What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?