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36 But if one[a] thinks that he is behaving-dishonorably[b] toward his virgin daughter— if she is beyond-the-bloom-of-youth[c], and it ought[d] to be so— let him do what he wants. He is not sinning. Let them marry. 37 But he who stands steadfast[e] in his heart, not having a necessity[f], and has authority[g] concerning[h] his own will, and has determined this in his own heart, to keep[i] his virgin daughter— he will do well[j]. 38 So then, both the one giving his virgin daughter in marriage is doing well, and the one not giving-in-marriage will do better.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:36 That is, a father who must decide what to do with his daughter.
  2. 1 Corinthians 7:36 Or, behaving improperly, disgracefully, indecently. That is, by not permitting his daughter to wed.
  3. 1 Corinthians 7:36 That is, she is of marriageable age.
  4. 1 Corinthians 7:36 That is, if the marriage is right and ought to take place, all things considered.
  5. 1 Corinthians 7:37 That is, believing it is best for his daughter to remain single.
  6. 1 Corinthians 7:37 Or, constraint, obligation, compulsion. That is, outside forces, including his daughter’s wishes, are not compelling the father to do otherwise.
  7. 1 Corinthians 7:37 That is, freedom to act as he thinks best in the case of his daughter.
  8. 1 Corinthians 7:37 Or, in relation to, with regard to.
  9. 1 Corinthians 7:37 That is, keep her in his household, keep her as she is.
  10. 1 Corinthians 7:37 That is, he is doing a good and commendable thing.

36 If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong[a] and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning.(A) They should get married. 37 But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing. 38 So then, he who marries the virgin does right,(B) but he who does not marry her does better.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:36 Or if she is getting beyond the usual age for marriage
  2. 1 Corinthians 7:38 Or 36 If anyone thinks he is not treating his daughter properly, and if she is getting along in years (or if her passions are too strong), and he feels she ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. He should let her get married. 37 But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind to keep the virgin unmarried—this man also does the right thing. 38 So then, he who gives his virgin in marriage does right, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.