1 Corinthians 7:37

Authorized King James Version

Nevertheless 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὃς
he
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
δὲ
Nevertheless
but, and, etc
#3
ἕστηκεν
that standeth
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#4
ἑδραῖος
stedfast
sedentary, i.e., (by implication) immovable
#5
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#6
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
καρδίᾳ
heart
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
#8
μὴ
no
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#9
ἔχει
hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#10
ἀνάγκην
necessity
constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress
#11
ἐξουσίαν
power
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#12
δὲ
Nevertheless
but, and, etc
#13
ἔχει
hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#14
περὶ
over
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#15
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἰδίου
his own
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
#17
θελήματος
will
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
#18
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
τοῦτο
so
that thing
#20
κέκρικεν
decreed
by implication, to try, condemn, punish
#21
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
καρδίᾳ
heart
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
#24
αὐτοῦ
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
#25
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
τηρεῖν
that he will keep
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
#27
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
ἑαυτοῦ
his
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#29
παρθένον
virgin
a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter
#30
καλῶς
well
well (usually morally)
#31
ποιεῖ·
doeth
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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