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1 Corinthians 7:38

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:38 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “So then both he that giveth his own virgin [daughter] in marriage doeth well; and he that giveth her not in marriage shall do better.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

So then both he that giveth his own virgin [daughter] in marriage doeth well; and he that giveth her not in marriage shall do better.
1 Corinthians 7:38 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
35And this I say for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is seemly, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.
36But if any man thinketh that he behaveth himself unseemly toward his virgin [daughter], if she be past the flower of her age, and if need so requireth, let him do what he will; he sinneth not; let them marry.
37But he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power as touching in his own heart, to keep his own virgin [daughter], shall do well.
38So then both he that giveth his own virgin [daughter] in marriage doeth well; and he that giveth her not in marriage shall do better.
39A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
40But she is happier if she abide as she is, after my judgment: and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“So then he that giveth [her] in marriage doth well, etc.] Does that which is in its own nature good; that which is agreeable to the will of God, is of his institution and appointment, and therefore must be good, and answer many good ends and purposes. Such an one that marries his daughter, he seeing a necessity for it, and a propriety in it, does a very good thing; secures her chastity, and his own credit; prevents fornication, and other evils that might follow; consults the good of mankind, and the honour of religion. But he that giveth [her] not in marriage doth better; not a better action in itself, simply considered; but more profitable and advantageous under such and such circumstances,…”
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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
“her--The oldest manuscripts have "his own virgin daughter." but--The oldest manuscripts have "and."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Doeth well - Does right; violates no law in it, and is not to be blamed for it. Doeth better - Does that which is on the whole to be preferred, if it can be done. He more certainly, in the present circumstances, consults her happiness by withholding her from the marriage connection than he could by allowing her to enter it. return to 'Top of Page'”
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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
“Doeth better - If there be no necessity. 1 Corinthians 7:39”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“then: Co1 7:28 doeth well: Co1 7:2; Heb 13:4 doeth better: Co1 7:1, Co1 7:8, Co1 7:26, Co1 7:32-34, Co1 7:37 1 Corinthians 7:39”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Corinthians 7 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification