1 Corinthians 7:28
But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 24
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἥμαρτεν
she hath
G264
ἥμαρτεν
she hath
Strong's:
G264
Word #:
6 of 24
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
8 of 24
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἥμαρτεν
she hath
G264
ἥμαρτεν
she hath
Strong's:
G264
Word #:
13 of 24
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκὶ
in the flesh
G4561
σαρκὶ
in the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
17 of 24
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
ἕξουσιν
shall have
G2192
ἕξουσιν
shall have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
18 of 24
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 13:4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.1 Corinthians 7:26I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.2 Corinthians 1:23Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.
Historical Context
During times of persecution, Christian families faced unique dangers—arrest, separation, martyrdom. Paul's warning of "trouble in the flesh" for married believers reflects the added burden of protecting and providing for family during such distress. His counsel aimed to spare believers unnecessary hardship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's explicit affirmation that marriage is not sinful protect against false asceticism?
- What "trouble in the flesh" do married believers face that singles avoid?
- How should we balance Paul's pastoral care to "spare" believers with legitimate desires for marriage?
Analysis & Commentary
But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned—Paul immediately clarifies that his preference for singleness (vv. 26-27) does not make marriage sinful. The phrase ouch hēmartes (οὐχ ἥμαρτες, "you have not sinned") directly counters ascetic Corinthians who viewed marriage as spiritually inferior or even immoral. Paul affirms marriage's goodness (Genesis 2:18; Hebrews 13:4).
Similarly, and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. The repetition emphasizes that neither men nor women sin by marrying. However, Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh (thlipsin tē sarki, θλῖψιν τῇ σαρκί, "tribulation in the flesh"). Thlipsis means affliction, distress, or trouble—likely referring to the hardships of married life during persecution or the "present distress" (v. 26).
Paul adds but I spare you (egō de hymōn pheidomai, ἐγὼ δὲ ὑμῶν φείδομαι, "I am trying to spare you"). His counsel to remain single is motivated by pastoral care, not by viewing marriage as sinful. Married believers face anxieties and difficulties singles avoid (vv. 32-34), especially during crisis times. Paul's advice is practical and compassionate.