36 If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed,[a] if his[b] passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry—it is no sin. 37 But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. 38 So then he who marries his betrothed (A)does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:36 Greek virgin; also verses 37, 38
  2. 1 Corinthians 7:36 Or her

36 But if any man thinks he is acting improperly toward his virgin,[a] if she is past marriageable age,[b] and so it must be, he can do what he wants. He is not sinning; they can get married. 37 But he who stands firm in his heart (who is under no compulsion, but has control over his own will(A)) and has decided in his heart to keep his own virgin, will do well. 38 So then he who marries[c] his virgin does well, but he who does not marry[d] will do better.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:36 = a man’s fiancée, or his daughter, or his Levirate wife, or a celibate companion
  2. 1 Corinthians 7:36 Or virgin, if his passions are strong,
  3. 1 Corinthians 7:38 Or marries off
  4. 1 Corinthians 7:38 Or marry her off