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

36 But if anyone thinks he is behaving dishonorably concerning his virgin, if she is past her prime[a] and it ought to be thus, let him do what he wishes. He does not sin. Let them marry. 37 But he who stands firm in his heart, not having necessity, but has authority concerning his own will, and has decided this in his own heart, to keep his own virgin, he will do well. 38 So then, the one who marries[b] his own virgin does well, and the one who does not marry her will do better.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:36 Or “if his passions are strong” (it is not clear in context whether this term refers to the man or to the woman)
  2. 1 Corinthians 7:38 Or perhaps “the one who gives in marriage”