1 Corinthians 7:8
I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
Original Language Analysis
Λέγω
I say
G3004
Λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χήραις
widows
G5503
χήραις
widows
Strong's:
G5503
Word #:
7 of 14
a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively
καλὸν
good
G2570
καλὸν
good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
αὐτοῖς
for them
G846
αὐτοῖς
for them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 14
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
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
11 of 14
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μείνωσιν
they abide
G3306
μείνωσιν
they abide
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
12 of 14
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:32But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:1 Corinthians 7:7For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
Historical Context
Widows faced economic vulnerability in the ancient world, making remarriage often necessary for survival. Paul's counsel that widows may remain single (if able) and his instructions for church support of widows (1 Timothy 5:3-16) reflect Christian community's responsibility to care for the vulnerable.
Questions for Reflection
- Why might Paul recommend singleness to widows and the never-married, given his positive view of marriage?
- How does the church support single believers so that singleness is a viable and honored calling?
- What "advantages" of singleness does Paul have in mind when he calls it "good"?
Analysis & Commentary
I say therefore to the unmarried and widows—Paul addresses agamois (ἀγάμοις, "unmarried"), likely referring to those never married, divorced, or widowed. Including chērais (χήραις, "widows") specifically acknowledges their situation. His counsel is It is good for them if they abide even as I—remaining single like Paul himself.
The term kalón (καλόν, "good") again indicates practical advantage rather than moral superiority (cf. v. 1). Paul's recommendation reflects the benefits of singleness for focused ministry and the avoidance of "trouble in the flesh" (v. 28). This verse anticipates his fuller discussion of the advantages of singleness for undistracted devotion to the Lord (vv. 32-35).
Paul does not forbid remarriage for widows (v. 39) or demand permanent singleness for the never-married. Rather, he offers pastoral counsel that singleness can be "good" when accepted as God's gift. The conditional "if they abide" suggests this is a viable path for those with the gift of celibacy, not a universal prescription.