1 Corinthians Chapter 7, Verse 36
From BibleWiki
36: ει δε τις ασχημονειν επι την παρθενον αυτου νομιζει εαν η υπερακμος και ουτως οφειλει γινεσθαι ο θελει ποιειτω ουχ αμαρτανει γαμειτωσαν
36: But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward
his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so
require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them
marry.
36: But if any man think that he seemeth dishonoured with regard to
his virgin, for that she is above the age, and it must so be: let him do
what he will. He sinneth not if she marry.
That he behaveth himself uncomely. Acts an unbecoming part; imposes an unnecessary, painful, and improper constraint; crosses her inclinations which are in themselves proper.
Toward his virgin. His daughter, or his ward, or any unmarried female committed to his care.
If she pass the flower of her age. If she pass the marriageable age, and remains unmarried. It is well known that in the east it was regarded as peculiarly dishonourable to remain unmarried; and the authority of a father, therefore, might be the means of involving his daughter in shame and disgrace. When this would be the case, it would be wrong to prohibit her marriage.
And need so require. And she ought to be allowed to marry. If it will promote her happiness; and if she would be unhappy, and regarded as dishonoured, if she remained in a state of celibacy.
Let him do what he will. He has the authority in the case; for in the east the authority resided with the father. He may either give her in marriage or not, as he pleases. But in this case it is advisable that she should marry.
He sinneth not. He errs not; he will do nothing positively wrong in the case. Marriage is lawful, and in this case it is advisable; and he may consent to it, for the reasons above stated, without error or impropriety.
- "uncomely" "unbecoming"
- "virgin" "virgin daughter"
