1 Corinthians 7:36
But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
Original Language Analysis
ἀσχημονεῖν
that he behaveth himself uncomely
G807
ἀσχημονεῖν
that he behaveth himself uncomely
Strong's:
G807
Word #:
4 of 22
to be (i.e., act) unbecoming
ἐπὶ
toward
G1909
ἐπὶ
toward
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
νομίζει
think
G3543
νομίζει
think
Strong's:
G3543
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, to do by law (usage), i.e., to accustom (passively, be usual); by extension, to deem or regard
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
10 of 22
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ᾖ
G5600
ᾖ
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
11 of 22
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
ὑπέρακμος
she pass the flower of her age
G5230
ὑπέρακμος
she pass the flower of her age
Strong's:
G5230
Word #:
12 of 22
beyond the "acme", i.e., figuratively (of a daughter) past the bloom (prime) of youth
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὀφείλει
need
G3784
ὀφείλει
need
Strong's:
G3784
Word #:
15 of 22
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
γίνεσθαι
require
G1096
γίνεσθαι
require
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
16 of 22
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὃ
what
G3739
ὃ
what
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
17 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
θέλει
he will
G2309
θέλει
he will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
18 of 22
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ποιείτω
let him do
G4160
ποιείτω
let him do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
19 of 22
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:9But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.1 Corinthians 7:37Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.
Historical Context
In ancient culture, fathers arranged daughters' marriages, and unmarried women past prime marrying age faced social shame. Paul permits fathers to arrange marriages without guilt, even after recommending singleness. His teaching protects both the legitimacy of marriage and the honor of daughters.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse balance Paul's preference for singleness with recognition of cultural realities and individual needs?
- What does "acting improperly" toward one's virgin mean—why might fathers feel this obligation?
- How does Paul protect the honor of both singleness and marriage as equally legitimate choices?
Analysis & Commentary
But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin—this difficult verse likely addresses fathers (or possibly engaged men) concerned about daughters (or fiancées) remaining unmarried. The phrase aschēmonein epi tēn parthenon autou (ἀσχημονεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν παρθένον αὐτοῦ, "acting improperly toward his virgin") suggests shame or impropriety in not marrying her. If she pass the flower of her age (ean ē hypérakmos, ἐὰν ᾖ ὑπέρακμος, "if she is past her prime").
Paul's counsel: and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry (gameitōsan, γαμειτωσαν, "let them marry"). If the father (or fiancé) feels obligated by cultural expectations or the woman's need, marriage is not sinful. Paul permits marriage even after recommending singleness (vv. 25-35), maintaining that marriage is good and legitimate.
The phrase ho thelei poieitō (ὃ θέλει ποιείτω, "let him do what he wishes") indicates liberty in this matter. Neither marrying nor remaining single is sinful; both are permissible. Paul's counsel throughout the chapter balances preference for singleness with strong affirmation of marriage's goodness.