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36 If any man thinks that he is behaving improperly toward his virgin,[a] and if she is past the flower of her youth, and passions so require, let him do what he will. He does not sin. Let them marry. 37 Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart without necessity, and has power over his own will, and has so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well. 38 So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who gives her not in marriage does better.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 7:36 Some versions translate this word as “virgin daughters,” others translate it as “fiancée.” Since the Greek text itself remains unclear, the editors have chosen to keep the literal translation.

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”