1 Corinthians 7:36 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:36 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:36 says that if a man feels he is not acting properly toward his fiancée (referred to as "his virgin") and she is getting older, and if circumstances require it, he is not sinning if he allows them to marry. The verse gives permission for marriage in situations where it seems necessary, especially if waiting longer would be inappropriate.

Paul is writing to the Corinthians, addressing questions about marriage and singleness. In this verse, Paul recognizes that sometimes engagement or betrothal can become difficult if the woman is past the usual age for marriage, and he reassures that choosing marriage in such cases is not sinful. The advice is practical, allowing for flexibility based on personal situations.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 7:36

• "Uncomely" (ἀσχημονέω, aschēmoneō) means behaving in a way that is improper or not fitting. Here, it refers to a man feeling he is not treating his fiancée appropriately by delaying marriage.
• "Virgin" (παρθένος, parthenos) is used for an unmarried woman, specifically the man's betrothed. The word highlights the cultural expectation of marriage for women of a certain age.
• "Pass the flower of her age" (ὑπέρακμος, huperakmos) refers to a woman being past the prime age for marriage. This detail helps explain why delaying marriage might be considered improper.
• "Let them marry" (γαμέω, gameō) is a straightforward term for entering into marriage, emphasizing that such a decision is permitted and not sinful in this context.

Why 1 Corinthians 7:36 matters

• This verse clarifies that marriage is not sinful, even if it happens because of practical or social pressures, countering any idea that singleness is always the higher or only spiritual path.
• The verse shows Paul's sensitivity to real-life situations and cultural expectations, allowing for personal judgment rather than imposing a rigid rule.
• 1 Corinthians 7:36 fits into Paul's larger discussion about marriage, singleness, and personal conscience, showing that Christian life allows for flexibility based on individual needs and circumstances.