1 Corinthians 7:25
Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
Original Language Analysis
Περὶ
concerning
G4012
Περὶ
concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιταγὴν
commandment
G2003
ἐπιταγὴν
commandment
Strong's:
G2003
Word #:
5 of 17
an injunction or decree; by implication, authoritativeness
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἔχω
I have
G2192
ἔχω
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
8 of 17
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
γνώμην
my judgment
G1106
γνώμην
my judgment
Strong's:
G1106
Word #:
9 of 17
cognition, i.e., (subjectively) opinion, or (objectively) resolve (counsel, consent, etc.)
δίδωμι
I give
G1325
δίδωμι
I give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
11 of 17
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
12 of 17
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἠλεημένος
one that hath obtained mercy
G1653
ἠλεημένος
one that hath obtained mercy
Strong's:
G1653
Word #:
13 of 17
to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
14 of 17
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
15 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:6But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.1 Corinthians 4:2Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.1 Corinthians 7:40But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.1 Corinthians 7:12But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
Historical Context
Paul's distinction between dominical commands and apostolic counsel shows the early church's careful preservation of Jesus' teaching while recognizing apostolic authority to apply gospel principles to new situations. Paul's humility models faithful leadership that neither overstates nor understates its authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's distinction between Christ's commands and his own counsel model theological and pastoral integrity?
- What does it mean that Paul's "judgment" still carries inspired authority even when not quoting Jesus?
- How should Christians evaluate different levels of biblical authority while affirming Scripture's full inspiration?
Analysis & Commentary
Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord—Paul returns to marriage/singleness, specifically addressing parthenōn (παρθένων, "virgins"), likely never-married young people. Unlike divorce (v. 10), Jesus gave no explicit teaching on whether virgins should marry. The phrase epitagēn kyriou ouk echō (ἐπιταγὴν κυρίου οὐκ ἔχω, "I have no command of the Lord") distinguishes this from dominical instruction.
However, yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. Paul's gnōmēn (γνώμην, "opinion/judgment") carries apostolic authority. The phrase hos ēleēmenos hypo kyriou pistos einai (ὡς ἠλεημένος ὑπὸ κυρίου πιστὸς εἶναι, "as one shown mercy by the Lord to be trustworthy") indicates Paul writes as a reliable apostle, though not quoting Jesus directly.
This verse exemplifies Paul's humility and integrity in distinguishing different levels of authority. His counsel on singleness (vv. 25-38) is inspired apostolic teaching but not direct quotation of Jesus. Paul's advice will reflect practical wisdom for "the present distress" (v. 26) while maintaining that both singleness and marriage are legitimate.