1 Corinthians 7:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if {G1487} they {G1467} cannot {G3756} contain {G1467}, let them marry {G1060}: for {G1063} it is {G2076} better {G2909} to marry {G1060} than {G2228} to burn {G4448}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but if they can’t exercise self-control, they should get married; because it is better to get married than to keep burning with sexual desire.

Berean Standard Bible

But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

American Standard Version

But if they have not continency, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 7:9, the Apostle Paul offers a compassionate and pragmatic directive regarding marriage and singleness, specifically addressing those who find it difficult to maintain sexual self-control outside of marriage. Recognizing the powerful nature of human sexual desire, Paul advises that for individuals who "cannot contain" their urges, marriage is not merely permissible but is the preferable and God-honoring course of action, serving as a divinely ordained safeguard against the consuming and potentially sinful "burning" of unfulfilled lust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive and practical counsel on marriage, singleness, and sexual ethics in [1 Corinthians chapter 7](/1_corinthians/7 "Paul's Teaching on Marriage and Singleness"). The chapter likely responds to specific questions or issues raised by the Corinthian church, as indicated by phrases like "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me" in [1 Corinthians 7:1](/1_corinthians/7-1 "Paul Addresses Questions on Marriage"). Paul has just expressed his personal preference for singleness, if one has the spiritual gift for it, to allow for undivided devotion to the Lord, stating, "For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that" ([1 Corinthians 7:7](/1_corinthians/7-7 "The Gift of Celibacy")). He then extends this advice to the unmarried and widows in [1 Corinthians 7:8](/1_corinthians/7-8 "Advice for the Unmarried and Widows"). However, immediately following this, [1 Corinthians 7:9](/1_corinthians/7-9 "The Practical Advice to Marry") provides a crucial qualification, acknowledging that not everyone possesses the gift of celibacy and offering a divinely approved alternative for those who genuinely struggle with sexual purity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling port renowned for its rampant sexual immorality, largely influenced by the worship of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, which often involved temple prostitution. This pervasive culture posed significant challenges for early Christians striving to live holy lives. Within this environment, the Corinthian believers likely struggled with how to navigate sexual desires in a way that honored God, especially given the various philosophical and religious views on asceticism (strict self-discipline, sometimes including abstinence from marriage) and hedonism (pursuit of pleasure). Paul's teaching provides a balanced, Christ-centered approach that counters both the overly ascetic tendencies that might forbid marriage and the libertine attitudes that condoned promiscuity. His advice is rooted in a realistic understanding of human nature within a highly sexualized society.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 7:9](/1_corinthians/7-9 "Paul's Counsel on Marriage") contributes significantly to several key themes within the chapter and broader book. Firstly, it highlights **Pragmatism and Compassion** in pastoral care, as Paul, despite his personal preference for singleness, offers a realistic and compassionate solution for those who do not share that gift. Secondly, it underscores the **Prevention of Immorality**, presenting marriage as God's ordained context for sexual expression, thereby safeguarding individuals from the temptation to engage in fornication, which Paul strongly condemns elsewhere (e.g., [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "Flee Fornication")). Thirdly, the verse implicitly affirms the **Sanctity and Purpose of Marriage** as a good and necessary institution. While Paul acknowledges the benefits of singleness for ministry, this verse unequivocally states that marriage is "better" than succumbing to unbridled lust, reinforcing the biblical truth that [marriage is honorable](/hebrews/13-4 "Marriage is Honorable") and a divine provision for companionship, procreation, and the proper channeling of sexual desire within a covenant relationship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Contain (Greek, _enkrateúomai'_):** From G1467, meaning "to exercise self-restraint (in diet and chastity)." In this context, it specifically refers to the ability to maintain sexual continence or self-control. The negative particle "cannot" (G3756, _ou_) preceding it indicates a genuine inability to master one's sexual urges, leading to a state of perpetual temptation and struggle.
* **Marry (Greek, _gaméō'_):** From G1060, meaning "to wed (of either sex)." This word denotes the act of entering into a legitimate, covenantal marriage. Paul's use of the imperative ("let them marry") indicates a direct command or strong permission, presenting marriage as the appropriate and God-sanctioned solution for those who lack the gift of sexual self-control in singleness.
* **Burn (Greek, _pyróō'_):** From G4448, meaning "to kindle, i.e., (passively) to be ignited, glow (literally), be refined (by implication), or (figuratively) to be inflamed (with anger, grief, lust)." In this verse, "to burn" is a powerful metaphor for being consumed by intense, uncontrolled sexual desire or lust. It signifies the internal agony, torment, and temptation that, if left unchecked, can lead to sexual sin and spiritual distress. It does not refer to eternal damnation, but rather the present, destructive fire of unmanaged carnal desires.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if they cannot contain":** This introductory clause serves as a compassionate concession, acknowledging the reality that not all individuals, despite their best intentions, possess the spiritual gift of celibacy or the inherent capacity for continuous sexual self-restraint outside of marriage. It recognizes the powerful, God-given nature of sexual desire and the genuine struggle some face in managing it.
* **"let them marry":** This is Paul's direct and pastoral counsel. It is a clear permission and, in context, an encouragement. For those who are overwhelmed by sexual urges, marriage is presented as the divinely appointed and honorable pathway to fulfill these desires within a righteous framework, thereby preventing sin.
* **"for it is better to marry than to burn":** This concluding phrase provides the rationale for Paul's advice. The word "better" (Greek, _kreíttōn_) signifies a superior or more advantageous course of action. Paul asserts that the covenant of marriage, with its legitimate outlet for sexual expression, is unequivocally preferable to enduring the internal torment and spiritual danger of unfulfilled, uncontrolled lust ("to burn"), which can lead to temptation, impurity, and sin.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message with clarity and impact. The phrase "cannot contain" serves as a **Euphemism** for the inability to control one's sexual urges, offering a delicate way to address a sensitive topic. More strikingly, the word "burn" functions as a potent **Metaphor**, vividly describing the intense, consuming, and potentially destructive nature of unfulfilled sexual desire or lust. This metaphorical "fire" represents not only internal torment but also the danger of succumbing to sexual immorality. Finally, the entire concluding statement, "for it is better to marry than to burn," functions as an **Aphorism** or a **Proverbial Statement**. It is a concise, memorable, and universally applicable truth that encapsulates Paul's practical wisdom, offering a clear and pragmatic principle for navigating sexual purity within the Christian life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores the profound theological truth that God, in His wisdom and compassion, has provided legitimate avenues for human sexuality. It affirms that marriage is not merely a social construct but a divine institution designed not only for procreation and companionship but also as a blessed context for the proper expression of sexual intimacy, thereby preventing the spiritual and moral dangers associated with unbridled lust. Paul's counsel here aligns with the biblical understanding of human nature, acknowledging both its fallenness and God's gracious provision for holiness. It emphasizes that while celibacy can be a spiritual gift for some, marriage is a valid and honorable path for others, equally serving God's purposes for human flourishing and purity.

* [Genesis 2:18](/genesis/2-18 "It is Not Good for Man to Be Alone") - "And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." This highlights God's original design for companionship, which marriage fulfills.
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Marriage is Honorable") - "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." This verse directly affirms the sanctity and purity of the marital relationship.
* [1 Timothy 4:3](/1_timothy/4-3 "Forbidding Marriage") - "Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." This warns against false teachings that might prohibit marriage, reinforcing its divine approval.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 7:9 offers timeless wisdom for believers navigating relationships and sexuality in any era. It encourages profound self-awareness regarding one's capacity for singleness and sexual self-control. For those who genuinely struggle with overwhelming sexual temptation, this verse provides clear, compassionate, and liberating guidance: marriage is a legitimate, God-honoring, and indeed, preferable solution to succumbing to lust or sexual sin. It challenges the notion that singleness is inherently superior for all Christians and instead promotes making wise, proactive choices that align with God's design for purity and holiness. Ultimately, it reminds us that God provides diverse paths—whether through the gift of celibacy or the covenant of marriage—for believers to live in a manner that honors Him, finds fulfillment, and avoids the destructive "burning" of unmanaged desires.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I honestly assess my own capacity for sexual self-control outside of marriage, in light of Paul's counsel?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or affirm my understanding of God's purpose for marriage and singleness?**
* **How can I apply the principle of "it is better to marry than to burn" to my own life or to the counsel I offer others, ensuring both compassion and biblical fidelity?**

### FAQ
**Does "to burn" in this verse refer to eternal damnation or hellfire?**

Answer: No, the context of [1 Corinthians 7:9](/1_corinthians/7-9 "Understanding 'to burn' in 1 Corinthians 7:9") clearly indicates that "to burn" refers to an intense, uncontrolled internal passion or lust. It describes the agony and temptation of unfulfilled sexual desires that, if not properly managed, could lead to sexual sin (fornication, adultery, etc.) and spiritual distress. Paul is offering a practical solution to a present struggle, not a warning about eternal judgment. The "burning" is a metaphor for the consuming nature of lust, not the fires of hell.

**Is Paul suggesting that marriage is a "second-best" option compared to singleness?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While Paul expresses his personal preference for singleness for those who have the gift of celibacy ([1 Corinthians 7:7](/1_corinthians/7-7 "Paul's Personal Preference for Singleness")), he immediately qualifies this by acknowledging that not everyone has this gift. For those who "cannot contain," marriage is presented as the "better" option. This indicates that marriage is a valid, honorable, and divinely appointed path to holiness and fulfillment for many, not a lesser alternative. Paul's teaching is pragmatic and compassionate, recognizing diverse spiritual gifts and human needs within God's overarching plan for purity and relationships. Both singleness and marriage, when lived out in devotion to Christ, are equally honorable in God's eyes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 7:9](/1_corinthians/7-9 "The Wisdom of Paul on Marriage") offers practical guidance for human relationships, its deeper fulfillment is found in Christ. Jesus Himself affirmed the sanctity and permanence of marriage, drawing back to God's original creation design in [Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4-6 "Jesus on Marriage and Divorce"). He also spoke of those who "make themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake" ([Matthew 19:12](/matthew/19-12 "Eunuchs for the Kingdom")), acknowledging that singleness, when chosen for devoted service to God, is also a valid and honorable path. Ultimately, Christ is the One who satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart, including those that might otherwise lead to "burning" lust. He offers living water that quenches spiritual thirst ([John 4:13-14](/john/4-13-14 "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")) and is the bread of life that satisfies spiritual hunger ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")), providing a divine contentment that transcends marital status. Furthermore, the relationship between Christ and His Church is the ultimate archetype of marriage, with Christ as the faithful Bridegroom and the Church as His pure bride ([Ephesians 5:25-32](/ephesians/5-25-32 "Christ and the Church as Bride and Groom"), [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Thus, whether single or married, believers are called to pursue a life of holiness and purity, mirroring Christ's own spotless character ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "Be Holy, For I Am Holy")), finding their ultimate identity and satisfaction in Him.

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 7:2

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

1 Timothy 5:14

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

1 Timothy 5:11

But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;

1 Corinthians 7:28

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

1 Corinthians 7:36

¶ 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.

1 Corinthians 7:39

¶ The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.