1 Corinthians 7:26

Authorized King James Version

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I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.

Original Language Analysis

Νομίζω I suppose G3543
Νομίζω I suppose
Strong's: G3543
Word #: 1 of 15
properly, to do by law (usage), i.e., to accustom (passively, be usual); by extension, to deem or regard
οὖν therefore G3767
οὖν therefore
Strong's: G3767
Word #: 2 of 15
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τοῦτο that this G5124
τοῦτο that this
Strong's: G5124
Word #: 3 of 15
that thing
καλὸν good G2570
καλὸν good
Strong's: G2570
Word #: 4 of 15
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
ὑπάρχειν is G5225
ὑπάρχειν is
Strong's: G5225
Word #: 5 of 15
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
διὰ for G1223
διὰ for
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 6 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐνεστῶσαν the present G1764
ἐνεστῶσαν the present
Strong's: G1764
Word #: 8 of 15
to place on hand, i.e., (reflexively) impend, (participle) be instant
ἀνάγκην distress G318
ἀνάγκην distress
Strong's: G318
Word #: 9 of 15
constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress
ὅτι I say that G3754
ὅτι I say that
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 10 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καλὸν good G2570
καλὸν good
Strong's: G2570
Word #: 11 of 15
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
ἀνθρώπῳ for a man G444
ἀνθρώπῳ for a man
Strong's: G444
Word #: 12 of 15
man-faced, i.e., a human being
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὕτως so G3779
οὕτως so
Strong's: G3779
Word #: 14 of 15
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
εἶναι to be G1511
εἶναι to be
Strong's: G1511
Word #: 15 of 15
to exist

Analysis & Commentary

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress—the verb nomizō (νομίζω, "I think/consider") introduces Paul's judgment. The phrase tēn enestōsan anankēn (τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν ἀνάγκην, "the present necessity/distress") refers to circumstances making singleness advantageous. This could mean persecution, famine, eschatological expectation (v. 29), or Corinthian-specific troubles.

Paul's counsel: I say, that it is good for a man so to be—remaining as he is (single or married). The term kalón (καλόν, "good") again indicates practical advantage (vv. 1, 8) rather than moral superiority. Given anankē (pressing circumstances), maintaining one's current status is wise. This does not forbid marriage but recognizes singleness offers advantages during difficult times.

The "present distress" suggests Paul expected near-term difficulties—perhaps persecution or Christ's imminent return. His counsel is situational: given these circumstances, singleness is advantageous. This does not establish universal superiority of celibacy but recognizes that crisis situations may make marriage burdensome (v. 28, "trouble in the flesh").

Historical Context

Early Christians expected Christ's imminent return (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17), which shaped practical decisions. Paul's counsel reflects eschatological urgency—with time short (v. 29), undistracted devotion to the Lord (vv. 32-35) through singleness offered advantages. Persecution also made family obligations dangerous.

Questions for Reflection