1 Corinthians 7:9

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

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}.

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.

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

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

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 7:9, provides practical guidance on marriage and singleness, particularly addressing those who struggle with sexual self-control. This verse serves as a compassionate and realistic concession, affirming marriage as a legitimate and preferable alternative to succumbing to sexual sin.

Context

This verse is part of Paul’s extensive teaching on marriage and singleness in 1 Corinthians chapter 7, which was likely written in response to specific questions from the Corinthian church. The Corinthians, living in a city notorious for its sexual immorality, needed clear instruction on Christian conduct regarding relationships. Paul had previously advised the unmarried and widows to remain single, as he did, for undivided devotion to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:7-8). However, he immediately qualifies this advice by acknowledging that not everyone possesses the gift of celibacy. For those who find it difficult to maintain sexual purity outside of marriage, Paul offers a direct and compassionate solution.

Key Themes

  • Pragmatism and Compassion: Paul demonstrates a realistic understanding of human nature and sexual desire. Rather than imposing an impossible standard of celibacy on all, he offers a divinely approved pathway for those who struggle with self-control.
  • Prevention of Immorality: The primary message is a pragmatic solution to avoid sexual immorality. Marriage is presented as the proper and honorable context for sexual expression, preventing individuals from "burning" with lust or engaging in fornication.
  • Sanctity and Purpose of Marriage: While Paul highlights the benefits of singleness for ministry, this verse unequivocally affirms that marriage is a good and necessary institution for many. It underscores the biblical truth that marriage is honorable and a divine provision for companionship, procreation, and the channeling of sexual desire within a covenant relationship.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cannot contain" comes from the Greek word ouk enkrateuontai (οὐκ ἐγκρατεύονται), which literally means "do not exercise self-control" or "do not have mastery over themselves," specifically in the context of sexual urges. It describes an inability to restrain one's desires. The word "burn" is from the Greek pyrousthai (πυροῦσθαι), meaning "to be inflamed" or "to burn with passion." In this context, it refers to an intense, uncontrolled sexual desire or lust that could lead to sin and internal torment, not eternal damnation. It signifies the agony and temptation of unfulfilled and unmanaged carnal desires.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless wisdom for believers today. It acknowledges that sexual desire is a powerful, God-given drive, and for those who are unmarried and find themselves overwhelmed by temptation, marriage is a legitimate and God-honoring solution. It encourages self-awareness regarding one's capacity for celibacy and promotes making wise, proactive choices to maintain sexual purity. For the Christian, it underscores that marriage is not merely a social construct but a divine institution designed, in part, to prevent sexual sin and provide a blessed context for intimate companionship and family life. It reminds us that God provides a path to holiness, whether through the gift of celibacy or the covenant of marriage.

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.

  • 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.

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