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 7:28KJV
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1 Corinthians 7:28 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:28 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:28 says that if someone chooses to marry, they have not committed a sin, and the same is true for a woman who has not been married before. However, Paul warns that those who marry will face difficulties in life, and he wishes to spare his readers from these troubles.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, answering questions about marriage and singleness. He reassures believers that marriage itself is not wrong or sinful, but he also gives a realistic warning that married life brings its own set of challenges. Paul’s advice is shaped by the practical concerns of his time and his desire to help the Corinthians avoid unnecessary hardship.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 7:28

  • "trouble" (θλῖψιν, thlipsin): This word means pressure, distress, or hardship. Paul uses it to describe the kinds of difficulties that often come with married life, suggesting that marriage is not just a source of joy but can also bring real challenges.
  • "flesh" (σάρξ, sarx): In this context, "flesh" refers to everyday, human life and its practical realities, not just physical bodies. Paul is pointing out that the troubles he mentions are not spiritual failings but ordinary, earthly difficulties.
  • "I spare you" (ἐγὼ ὑμῶν φείδομαι, egō hymōn pheidomai): The phrase means "I am trying to spare you" or "I want to save you from this." Paul’s motivation is pastoral care—he wants to protect his readers from extra burdens, not to forbid marriage.

Why 1 Corinthians 7:28 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that marriage is somehow sinful or less spiritual than singleness; Paul affirms that both choices are acceptable.
  • Paul’s warning about "trouble in the flesh" highlights his practical, honest approach to Christian life, acknowledging that following Jesus does not remove ordinary human challenges.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Paul discusses the benefits and difficulties of marriage and singleness, showing his balanced and caring guidance for believers facing real-life decisions.

Where else these words appear

“spare” Greek G5339 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
  • Romans 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

“virgin” Greek G3933 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
  • Luke 1:27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
  • 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.

“marry” Greek G1060 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
  • Mark 10:12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

“hast” Greek G264 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
  • Romans 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
  • Titus 3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.