1 Corinthians 7:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 7:28
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.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 7 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, worship, love. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 7:28
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 7:26, 2 Corinthians 1:23, Hebrews 13:4