1 Corinthians 7:1

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
1 Corinthians 7:1 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me, etc.] Though the false apostles had greatly influenced the members of this church, yet there were many among them that had a very great respect for the apostle, and kept up a correspondence with him, though at a distance from him, by writing; in which way they informed him of their doubts and difficulties, that arose in their minds about certain things, and desired his judgment in them, to which they paid a very great deference. The things they wrote to him about, here referred to, may be collected from the contents of this chapter, and some others following; as whether a Christian man ought not to abstain from the use of women; whether a…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“REPLY TO THEIR INQUIRIES AS TO MARRIAGE; THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE IN OTHER THINGS IS, ABIDE IN YOUR STATION, FOR THE TIME IS SHORT. (1Co. 7:1-40) The Corinthians in their letter had probably asked questions which tended to disparage marriage, and had implied that it was better to break it off when contracted with an unbeliever. good--that is, "expedient," because of "the present distress"; that is, the unsettled state of the world, and the likelihood of persecutions tearing rudely asunder those bound by marriage ties. Heb 13:4, in opposition to ascetic and Romish notions of superior sanctity in celibacy, declares, "Marriage is HONORABLE IN ALL." Another reason why in some cases celibacy may be…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Now, concerning ... - In reply to your inquiries. The first, it seems, was in regard to the propriety of marriage; that is, whether it was lawful and expedient. It is good - It is well. It is fit, convenient, or, it is suited to the present circumstances, or, the thing itself is well and expedient in certain circumstances. The apostle did not mean that marriage was unlawful, for he says Hebrews 13:4 that “marriage is honorable in all.” But he here admits, with one of the parties in Corinth, that it was well, and proper in some circumstances, not to enter into the marriage relation; see 1 Corinthians 7:7-8, 1Co 7:26, 1 Corinthians 7:28, 1 Corinthians 7:31-32. Not to touch a woman - Not to be…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“It is good for a man - Who is master of himself. Not to touch a women - That is, not to marry. So great and many are the advantages of a single life. 1 Corinthians 7:2”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“7:1–16:4 Paul now addresses the questions the Corinthians had asked him by letter, beginning with the question of marriage (cp. 7:25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1). 7:1-40 Paul consistently states his strong conviction that true Christians, as slaves of Christ, are wholly claimed by Christ the Lord for his own service. Because of this, he recommends that Christians remain single, but concedes that getting married is no sin. 7:1 it is good to abstain from sexual relations: Both Paul and Jesus encouraged the ideal of a celibate life for God’s sake (cp. Matt 19:10-12). Paul’s emphasis on celibacy is shaped by his expectation that the end of the age is near (see 1 Cor 7:29-31).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“good: Co1 7:8, Co1 7:26, Co1 7:27, Co1 7:37, Co1 7:38; Mat 19:10, Mat 19:11 touch: Gen 20:6; Rut 2:9; Pro 6:29 1 Corinthians 7:2”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification