1 Corinthians 7:8

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

I say {G3004} therefore {G1161} to the unmarried {G22} and {G2532} widows {G5503}, It is {G2076} good {G2570} for them {G846} if {G1437} they abide {G3306} even {G2504} as {G5613} I {G2504}.

Now to the single people and the widows I say that it is fine if they remain unmarried like me;

Now to the unmarried and widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am.

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

Commentary

1 Corinthians 7:8 presents Apostle Paul's direct counsel to specific groups within the Corinthian church regarding their marital status. Following his general advice on marriage, Paul addresses those who are not currently married, including widows, suggesting that remaining single, like himself, is a commendable and advantageous path.

Context

This verse is an integral part of Paul's comprehensive discussion in 1 Corinthians chapter 7, where he provides guidance on marriage, divorce, and sexual relations in response to specific questions from the Corinthian believers. The societal backdrop of Corinth, known for its pervasive sexual immorality, heavily influenced the challenges faced by the early church there. Paul's advice, including the counsel in this verse, is often informed by a sense of "present distress" (1 Corinthians 7:26) and the urgency of living a consecrated life amidst worldly pressures.

Key Themes

  • The Commendation of Singleness: Paul explicitly states that it is "good" (Greek: kalon, meaning noble, excellent, or morally beautiful) for the unmarried and widows to remain in their current state. This provides a strong biblical affirmation that singleness is not a lesser or incomplete status but a valid and honorable choice for some believers.
  • Paul's Personal Example: The phrase "even as I" highlights Paul's own celibacy as a practical model. He demonstrates that a life fully dedicated to God can be lived effectively and fruitfully outside of marriage. Paul considers his singleness a spiritual gift, which he alludes to in 1 Corinthians 7:7.
  • Freedom for Undivided Devotion: While not directly detailed in this specific verse, the broader context of Paul's teaching in this chapter reveals that a primary benefit of singleness is the ability to offer undivided devotion and service to the Lord without the additional cares and distractions that can accompany marriage.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "unmarried" (Greek: agamois) is a broad category referring to those who are not currently married, which could include virgins, divorcees, or those who have never married.
  • "Abide" (Greek: menousin) signifies to remain or continue in a particular state, emphasizing the choice and stability of maintaining one's single status.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement and validation for single individuals and widows within the Christian community today. It affirms that singleness is not merely a temporary waiting period but can be a divinely appointed and purposeful path, allowing for focused ministry, deeper spiritual growth, and a unique capacity for service. It reminds believers that one's marital status does not define their worth or their potential for impacting God's kingdom. Instead, the emphasis is on living out one's calling with wholehearted devotion to the Lord, whether one is married or single.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 7:32 (6 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 7:35 (4 votes)

    And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:26 (3 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 7:27 (3 votes)

    Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:7 (3 votes)

    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 7:1 (1 votes)

    ¶ Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: [It is] good for a man not to touch a woman.