1 Corinthians 7:9

Translations

Modern

But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

Traditional

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

Literal

But if they do not have self-control, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn.

Latin

Quod si non se continent, nubant. Melius est enim nubere, quam uri.

Original

Greek

English

But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

Notes

1 Corinthians 7:8–9

Paul advises that staying unmarried is better because it allows more opportunities to serve Christ without distraction (1 Corinthians 7:32–35). However, even with its distractions, an honorable marriage is much better than living with unsatisfied sexual desire.

1 Corinthians 7:1–40

Paul often says that true Christians, as servants of Christ, belong completely to Christ for his service. Because of this, he suggests Christians stay single. However, he admits that getting married is not a sin.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Biblical Marriage Holiness and Sexual Purity Human Sexuality

Related verses

1 Corinthians 7:2
But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.
1 Timothy 5:14
So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.
1 Timothy 5:11
But refuse to enroll younger widows. For when their passions draw them away from Christ, they will want to marry,
1 Corinthians 7:28
But if you do marry, you have not sinned. And if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.
1 Corinthians 7:36
However, if someone thinks he is acting inappropriately toward his betrothed, and if she is beyond her youth and they ought to marry, let him do as he wishes; he is not sinning; they should get married.
1 Corinthians 7:39
A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Divorce First Letter to the Corinthians Love Virgin

Topics

Celibacy: General Scriptures Concerning Chastity: General Scriptures Concerning Continence: General Scriptures Concerning Crushes Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Premarital Sex Promiscuity Sex before Marriage Shacking Up Stoicism: Paul Teaches: Celibacy Virginity Wanting to Get Married Widow: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

1 Corinthians 7:9

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