1 Corinthians 7:40
But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.
Original Language Analysis
μακαριωτέρα
happier
G3107
μακαριωτέρα
happier
Strong's:
G3107
Word #:
1 of 16
supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
4 of 16
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μείνῃ
abide
G3306
μείνῃ
abide
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
6 of 16
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
7 of 16
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γνώμην·
judgment
G1106
γνώμην·
judgment
Strong's:
G1106
Word #:
10 of 16
cognition, i.e., (subjectively) opinion, or (objectively) resolve (counsel, consent, etc.)
δοκῶ
I think
G1380
δοκῶ
I think
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
11 of 16
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
κἀγὼ
also
G2504
κἀγὼ
also
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
13 of 16
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
14 of 16
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
Historical Context
Paul's appeal to having the Spirit responds to Corinthian pneumatics who claimed superior spiritual insight. His teaching on marriage and singleness comes with apostolic authority, not as legalistic requirement but Spirit-guided wisdom for serving Christ faithfully in urgent times.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's claim to "have the Spirit" establish authority for his teaching without creating legalistic requirements?
- Why does Paul think widows are "happier" remaining single—what advantages does he have in mind?
- How do Paul's counsel and Christ's commands work together to guide believers in marriage and singleness?
Analysis & Commentary
But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment—Paul gives personal counsel that widows are makariōtera (μακαριωτέρα, "more blessed/happier") remaining single. The phrase kata tēn emēn gnōmēn (κατὰ τὴν ἐμὴν γνώμην, "according to my judgment") echoes verse 25, distinguishing apostolic counsel from dominical command. Paul's opinion carries authority but is not prescriptive.
Paul concludes: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God (dokō de kagō pneuma theou echein, δοκῶ δὲ κἀγὼ πνεῦμα θεοῦ ἔχειν). This is not uncertain humility but confident assertion: "I too have the Spirit." Paul claims his counsel is Spirit-inspired, matching the authority of those in Corinth claiming spiritual superiority. His teaching on singleness reflects divine wisdom, not merely human opinion.
This verse concludes Paul's extended treatment of marriage and singleness (chapter 7). His message throughout: both callings are good gifts, marriage is permanent and honorable, singleness offers practical advantages for ministry, and believers should remain content in their calling while serving God with undivided devotion.