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 7:26KJV
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1 Corinthians 7:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:26 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:26 means that Paul is giving advice that, because of a difficult situation happening at that time, it is good for a man to remain as he is. Paul is not making a universal rule, but suggesting that, under current hardships, staying in one's present condition is wise.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, answering their questions about marriage and singleness. The "present distress" refers to some kind of trouble or crisis affecting the community, though Paul does not specify exactly what it is. In this context, Paul is saying that, because of these challenges, it might be better not to make major life changes.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 7:26

  • "present" (ἐνεστῶσαν, enestōsan): This Greek word means something that is currently happening or pressing. It highlights that Paul's advice is based on a specific, ongoing situation, not a general principle for all times.
  • "distress" (ἀνάγκην, anankēn): This word often means necessity, hardship, or trouble. Paul is pointing to real difficulties the Corinthians are facing, which shape his advice.
  • "good" (καλὸν, kalon): This Greek word means something beneficial or fitting. Paul is not saying it is morally superior, but rather that it is a sensible or wise choice given the circumstances.

Why 1 Corinthians 7:26 matters

  • This verse helps clear up that Paul’s advice about marriage and singleness in this chapter is shaped by a specific crisis, not meant as a permanent command for all Christians everywhere.
  • The emphasis on the "present distress" shows Paul’s pastoral care—he is thinking about what is most helpful for his readers in their real situation, not just giving abstract rules.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the rest of 1 Corinthians 7, where Paul gives flexible, situational advice rather than strict, one-size-fits-all commands.

Where else these words appear

“present” Greek G1764 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
  • Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
  • 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

“suppose” Greek G3543 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
  • Luke 3:23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being(as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
  • Acts 16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

“distress” Greek G318 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
  • 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.
  • Philemon 1:14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

“is” Greek G5225 · used in 47 verses

  • Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
  • Acts 10:12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
  • Acts 28:7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.