1 Corinthians 7:26

Verse

Because of the present crisis, I think it is good for a man to remain as he is.

American Standard Version (1901)

I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, namely, that it is good for a man to be as he is.

Bible in Basic English

In my opinion then, because of the present trouble, it is good for a man to keep as he is.

Douay-Rheims 1899

I think therefore that this is good for the present necessity, that it is good for a man so to be.

Free Bible Version

Because of the present difficult situation we are in I think it is best to just stay as you are.

Geneva Bible 1599

I suppose then this to bee good for the present necessitie: I meane that it is good for a man so to be.

King James (Authorized) Version

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.

Plain English Version

People everywhere are making trouble for God’s people these days, so I reckon it is best for you to stay the way you are.

Translation for Translators

There are a lot of distressing events happening now (OR, that will soon happen), so I think that it is better for people to remain in the marital status that they now have.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Therefore, I think that because of the disaster that is coming, it is good for a man to remain as he is.

Noah Webster Bible

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say , that it is good for a man so to be.

World English Bible

Therefore I think that because of the distress that is on us, it’s good for a man to remain as he is.

Young's Literal Translation

I suppose, therefore, this to be good because of the present necessity, that [it is] good for a man that the matter be thus: —

Context

The Unmarried and Widowed

²⁵Now about virgins, I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. ²⁶Because of the present crisis, I think it is good for a man to remain as he is.²⁷Are you committed to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you free of commitment? Do not look for a wife.

Summary

In this verse, Paul encourages believers to remain steadfast in their current circumstances, whether married or unmarried, due to the present distress. He advises against making hasty decisions or changes in response to external pressures or challenges. Paul's emphasis is on maintaining a focus on serving the Lord wholeheartedly in whatever situation one finds themselves, trusting in God's guidance and provision amidst difficulties. This verse underscores the importance of faithfulness and contentment in the midst of uncertainty and trials, highlighting the need for believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

This is good for the present distress - There was no period in the heathen times when the Church was not under persecutions and afflictions; on some occasions these were more oppressive than at others. The word αναγκη signifies, necessity, distress, tribulation, and calamity; as it does in Luk 21:23; Co2 6:4; Co2 12:10. In such times, when the people of God had no certain dwelling-place, when they were lying at the mercy of their enemies without any protection from the state - the state itself often among the persecutors - he who had a family to care for, would find himself in very embarrassed circumstances, as it would be much more easy to provide for his personal safety than to have the care of a wife and children. On this account it was much better for unmarried persons to continue for the present in their celibacy.

John Gill Bible Commentary

I suppose, therefore, that this is good,.... The opinion of the apostle, the sentiment of his mind, his judgment in this case were, that it was better, more advisable and eligible, for persons that were single to continue so; his reason for it follows, for the present necessity; by which is meant not the shortness of life, and the necessity of dying, when husband and wife must part, upon which trouble ensues; nor the various sorrows, cares, encumbrances, trials, and exercises that attend a conjugal state, as bearing and bringing forth, and bringing up children, provision for the family, &c. which are common to all, and at all times more or less; but the present time of persecution, under which the churches of Christ were; agreeably the Syriac version reads it, , "because of the necessity of the time", or season: using the very Greek word in text; as the Targumists (q) also have frequently adopted it into their language, and use the phrase , "an hour, or time of necessity", for a time of great affliction and distress, just as the apostle does here; because this was the present case of the Christians, he thought it most prudent for such as were single to remain so; since as they were often obliged to move from place to place, to fly from one city to another, this would be very incommodious for married persons, who might have young children to take care of, and provide for; see Mat 24:19 upon a like account, the Jewish doctors advise to the same the apostle here does (r); "from the day that the empire is extended, which decrees hard decrees upon us, and causes the law and the commandments to cease from us, and does not suffer us to circumcise children; it is right that we agree among ourselves, , not to marry, and beget children:'' I say it is good for a man so to be; to remain unmarried, to live a single life, to be a virgin; for the word "virgin", as here used, relates to men as well as maidens, and denotes the single state of either. The apostle does not add, "even as I"; as he does in Co1 7:8 which seems to confirm the conjecture already made, that he was not a bachelor, but a widower; otherwise he would doubtless have enforced this advice by his own example, as before. (q) Targum Jon. & Hieros. in Gen. xxii. 14. & xxxviii. 25. & Targum Sheni in Esth. v. 1. (r) T. Bab. Bava Bathra, fol. 60. 2.

1 Corinthians 7:26

The Unmarried and Widowed

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

Because of the present crisis, I think it is good for a man to remain as he is.

American Standard Version (1901)

I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, namely, that it is good for a man to be as he is.

Bible in Basic English

In my opinion then, because of the present trouble, it is good for a man to keep as he is.

Douay-Rheims 1899

I think therefore that this is good for the present necessity, that it is good for a man so to be.

Free Bible Version

Because of the present difficult situation we are in I think it is best to just stay as you are.

Geneva Bible 1599

I suppose then this to bee good for the present necessitie: I meane that it is good for a man so to be.

King James (Authorized) Version

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.

Plain English Version

People everywhere are making trouble for God’s people these days, so I reckon it is best for you to stay the way you are.

Translation for Translators

There are a lot of distressing events happening now (OR, that will soon happen), so I think that it is better for people to remain in the marital status that they now have.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Therefore, I think that because of the disaster that is coming, it is good for a man to remain as he is.

Noah Webster Bible

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say , that it is good for a man so to be.

World English Bible

Therefore I think that because of the distress that is on us, it’s good for a man to remain as he is.

Young's Literal Translation

I suppose, therefore, this to be good because of the present necessity, that [it is] good for a man that the matter be thus: —

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

1 Corinthians 7:26

Verse

Context

The Unmarried and Widowed

Summary

Commentary

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

1 Corinthians 7:26

The Unmarried and Widowed

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary