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1 Corinthians 7:9

1 Corinthians 7:9 in Multiple Translations

But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

But if they have not continency, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

But if they have not self-control let them get married; for married life is better than the burning of desire.

But if they lack self-control, then they should get married—for it is better to marry than burn with desire.

But if they cannot abstaine, let them marrie: for it is better to marrie then to burne.

and if they have not continence — let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn;

But if they don’t have self-control, let them marry. For it’s better to marry than to burn with passion.

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

But if they do not contain themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to be burnt.

But if you cannot control your sexual desires [EUP], you should get married. It is better to be married so that you can satisfy your sexual desires with your spouse than to constantly have a strong desire [EUP] for sexual relations.

But you have to control yourself properly. If that is too hard for you, then marry somebody. If you are always wanting to sleep with somebody and do what married people do together, don’t try to stay single.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 7:9

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1 Corinthians 7:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ει δε ουκ εγκρατευονται γαμησατωσαν κρεισσον γαρ εστιν γαμησαι η πυρουσθαι
ει ei G1487 if COND
δε de G1161 then Conj
ουκ ou G3756 no Particle-N
εγκρατευονται egkrateuomai G1467 to self-control Verb-PNI-3P
γαμησατωσαν gameō G1060 to marry Verb-AAM-3P
κρεισσον kreissōn G2908 greater Adj-NSN-C
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
εστιν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-3S
γαμησαι gameō G1060 to marry Verb-AAN
η ē G2228 or Particle
πυρουσθαι puroō G4448 to burn Verb-PPN
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 7:9

ει ei G1487 "if" COND
This word means 'if' and is used to express conditions or questions. It appears in many Bible verses, such as Matthew 11:14 and Romans 8:25, introducing a condition or hypothesis.
Definition: εἰ, conjunctive particle, used in conditions and in indirect questions. __I. Conditional, if; __1. with indic, expressing a general assumption; __(a) pres.: before indic, pres., Mat.11:14, Rom.8:25, al.; before imperat., Mrk.4:23 9:22, Jhn.15:18, 1Co.7:9, al.; before fut. indic., Luk.16:31, Rom.8:11, al.; before pf. or aor., with negation in apodosis, Mat.12:26, Rom.4:14, al.; similarly, before impf., Luk.17:6, Jhn.8:39; before quæst., Mat.6:23, Jhn.5:47 7:23 8:46, 1Pe.2:20; __(b) fut.: Mat.26:33, 1Pe.2:20; __(with) pf.: Jhn.11:12, Rom.6:5, al.; __(d) aor.: Luk.16:11 19:8, Jhn.13:32, 18:23, Rev.20:15, al. __2. Where the assumption is certain = ἐπεί: Mat.12:28, Jhn.7:4, Rom.5:17, al. __3. Of an unfulfilled condition, with indic, impf., aor. or plpf., before ἄν, with imp. or aor. (see: ἄν, I, i). __4. C. indic., after verbs denoting wonder, etc., sometimes, but not always, coupled with an element of doubt: Mrk.15:44, 1Jn.3:13, al. __5. C. indic., as in LXX (Num.14:3o, 1Ki.14:45, al. = Heb. אִם), in oaths, with the formula of imprecation understood in a suppressed apodosis (WM, 627; Burton, §272): Mrk.8:12, Heb.3:11" (LXX) 4:3 (LXX). __6. Rarely (cl.) with optative, to express a merely possible condition: Act.24:19 27:39, 1Co.14:10 15:37, I Pe3:14, 17. __II. Interrogative, if, whether. __1. As in cl., in indir. questions after verbs of seeing, asking, knowing, saying, etc.: with indic. pres., Mat.26:63, Mrk.15:36, Act.19:2, 2Co.13:5, al.; fut., Mrk.3:2, Act.8:22, al.; aor., Mrk.15:44, 1Co.1:16, al.; with subjc. aor. (M, Pr., 194), Php.3:12. __2. As in LXX (= Heb. אִם and interrog. הֲ, Gen.17:17, al.; see WM, 639f.; Viteau, i, 22), in direct questions: Mrk.8:23 (Tr., WH, txt.), Luk.13:23, 22:49, Act.19:2, al. __III. With other particles. __1. εἰ ἄρα, εἴγε, εἰ δὲ μήγε, see: ἄρα, γε. __2. εἰ δὲ καί, but if also: Luk.11:18; but even if, 1Co.4:7, 2Co.4:3 11:16. __3. εἰ δὲ μή, but if not, but if otherwise: Mrk.2:21, 22 Jhn.14:2, Rev.2:5, al. __4. εἰ καί, if even, if also, although: Mrk.14:29, Luk.11:8, 1Co.7:21, 2Co.4:16, Php.2:17, al. __5. καὶ εἰ, even if, see: καί __6. εἰ μή, if not, unless, except, but only: Mat.24:22, Mrk.2:26 6:5, Jhn.9:33, 1Co.7:17 (only), Gal.1:19 (cf. ἐὰν μή, 2:16; see Hort., Ja., xvi); ἐκτὸς εἰ μή, pleonastic (Bl., §65, 6), 1Co.14:5 15:2, 1Ti.5:19. __7. εἰ μήν = cl. ἦ μήν (M, Pr., 46), in oaths, surely (Eze.33:27, al.): Heb.6:14. __8. εἴ πως, if haply: Act.27:12, Rom.1:10. __9. εἴτε . . . εἴτε, whether . . . or; Rom.12:6-8, 1Co.3:22 13:8, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 459 NT verses. KJV: forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 10:7; 1 Peter 1:6.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
ουκ ou G3756 "no" Particle-N
This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.
Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.
εγκρατευονται egkrateuomai G1467 "to self-control" Verb-PNI-3P
This word means to have self-control, like in 1 Corinthians 7:9 where it talks about controlling your desires. It's about being in charge of your actions and emotions.
Definition: ἐγκρατεύομαι, depon., [in LXX for אפק, Gen.43:31, 1Ki.13:12, Est.5:10 א 3 * ;] to exercise self-control: 1Co.7:9; with accusative, πάντα (see Bl., 91), 1Co.9:25.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: can(-not) contain, be temperate See also: 1 Corinthians 7:9; 1 Corinthians 9:25.
γαμησατωσαν gameō G1060 "to marry" Verb-AAM-3P
To marry means to wed, as seen in Matthew 19:10 and 1 Corinthians 7:28. This term is used for both men and women, describing the act of getting married. It signifies a union between two people.
Definition: γαμέω, -ῶ, [in LXX: Est.10:3, 2Ma.14:25, 4Ma.16:9 * ;] to marry; __1. of the man, to marry, take to wife (ducere): absol., Mat.19:10 22:25, 30 24:38, Mrk.12:25, Luk.17:27, 20:34, 35, 1Co.7:28, 33; with accusative: Mat.5:32 19:9, Mrk.6:17 10:11, Luk.14:20 16:18. __2. Of the woman, __(a) mid. (and in late writers, pass.), to give oneself in marriage, marry (nubere): 1Co.7:39; __(b) in Hellenistic (M, Pr., 159), act. (as of the man), to marry: absol., 1Co.7:28, 34 1Ti.5:11, 14. with accusative, Mrk.10:12. __3. Of both sexes: absol., 1Ti.4:3, 1Co.7:9, 10 36.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 25 NT verses. KJV: marry (a wife) See also: 1 Corinthians 7:9; Luke 17:27; Matthew 24:38.
κρεισσον kreissōn G2908 "greater" Adj-NSN-C
The Greek word for better or greater, often referring to something that is more useful or advantageous, as seen in 1 Corinthians 11:17 and Hebrews 11:40. It can also describe something that is more excellent, like in Hebrews 1:4. This word is used to compare things.
Definition: κρείσσων (Epic and old Att..) and κρείττων (later Att..), prop. comparat. of κρατύς, strong, but in sense often (as in cl., see LS, see word) as comparat. of ἀγαθός, [in LXX chiefly for טוֹב ;] better; __(a) as to ad­vantage or usefulness: 1Co.11:17, Heb.11:40 12:24; πολλῷ μᾶλλον κ., Php.1:23; κρεῖσσον ποιεῖν, 1Co.7:38; ἐστιν, before inf., 1Co.7:9, 2Pe.2:21; __(b) as to excellence: Heb.1:4 6:9 7:7, 19 7:22 8:6 9:23 10:34 11:16, 35; κ. ἐστι, before inf., 1Pe.3:17.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: better See also: 1 Corinthians 7:9; Hebrews 6:9; Philippians 1:23.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
εστιν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-3S
To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.
Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.
γαμησαι gameō G1060 "to marry" Verb-AAN
To marry means to wed, as seen in Matthew 19:10 and 1 Corinthians 7:28. This term is used for both men and women, describing the act of getting married. It signifies a union between two people.
Definition: γαμέω, -ῶ, [in LXX: Est.10:3, 2Ma.14:25, 4Ma.16:9 * ;] to marry; __1. of the man, to marry, take to wife (ducere): absol., Mat.19:10 22:25, 30 24:38, Mrk.12:25, Luk.17:27, 20:34, 35, 1Co.7:28, 33; with accusative: Mat.5:32 19:9, Mrk.6:17 10:11, Luk.14:20 16:18. __2. Of the woman, __(a) mid. (and in late writers, pass.), to give oneself in marriage, marry (nubere): 1Co.7:39; __(b) in Hellenistic (M, Pr., 159), act. (as of the man), to marry: absol., 1Co.7:28, 34 1Ti.5:11, 14. with accusative, Mrk.10:12. __3. Of both sexes: absol., 1Ti.4:3, 1Co.7:9, 10 36.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 25 NT verses. KJV: marry (a wife) See also: 1 Corinthians 7:9; Luke 17:27; Matthew 24:38.
η ē G2228 "or" Particle
Or is a word used to show a choice between two things, like in Matthew 5:17 where it's either obey God's law or not. It's also used to compare things, like in Romans 1:21 where it's one thing or another.
Definition: ἤ, disjunctive and comparative particle (Bl., §36, 12; 77, 11); __1. disjunctive, or; __(a) between single words: Mat.5:17 Mrk.6:56, Luk.2:24, Jhn.6:19, Rom.1:21, al.; __(b) before a sentence expressing a variation, denial or refutation of a previous statement, frequently in interrog. form: Mat.7:4, 9 Mrk.12:14, Luk.13:4, Rom.3:29 6:3 9:21, 1Co.6:9, 16 9:6, 2Co.11:7; ἤ . . . ἤ, either . . . or, Mat.6:24, Luk.16:13, 1Co.14:6; __(with) in a disjunctive question (as Lat. an after utrum): Mat.9:5, Mrk.2:9, Luk.7:19, al.; after πότερον, Jhn.7:17; μή, 1Co.9:8; μήτι, 2Co.1:17; ἤ . . . ἤ . . . ἤ, Mrk.13:35. __2. Comparative, than: after comparatives, Mat.10:15, Luk.9:13, Jhn.3:19, Rom.13:11, al.; after ἕτερον, Act.17:21; θέλω (Khüner 3, iv, 303), 1Co.14:19; πρὶν ἤ, before, before accusative and inf., Mat.1:18 Mrk.14:30; after a positive adj. (Gen.49:12; cf. Robertson, Gr., 661), Mat.18:8, 9 Mrk.9:43, 45 47. __3. with other particles: ἀλλ᾽ ἤ, see: ἀλλά; ἤ γάρ, see: γάρ; ἢ καί, or even, or also, Mat.7:10, Luk.11:11, 12 Rom.2:15 4:9, al; ἤτοι . . . ἤ, Rom.6:16 (cf. Wis.11:19). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 281 NT verses. KJV: and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea See also: 1 Corinthians 1:13; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 1:11.
πυρουσθαι puroō G4448 "to burn" Verb-PPN
To burn means to set something on fire or be ignited. In Ephesians 6:16, it describes being protected from fiery darts. It can also mean being refined or purified like metals in a fire.
Definition: πυρόω, -ῶ (πῦρ) [in LXX chiefly for צָרַף ;] to set on fire, burn up. In NT always pass., __1. to be set on fire, to burn: Eph.6:16, 2Pe.3:12; ptcp., glowing, Rev.1:15. Metaphorical, of grief or indignation, 2Co.11:29; of lust, 1Co.7:9. __2. Of metals (cf. Job.22:25, Psa.12:7, Zec.13:9), to be refined or purified by fire: Rev.3:18 (and so in RV, Rev.1:15, but see supr.).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: burn, fiery, be on fire, try See also: 1 Corinthians 7:9; Ephesians 6:16; Revelation 1:15.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 7:9

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Corinthians 7:2 But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.
2 1 Timothy 5:14 So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.
3 1 Timothy 5:11 But refuse to enroll younger widows. For when their passions draw them away from Christ, they will want to marry,
4 1 Corinthians 7:28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned. And if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.
5 1 Corinthians 7:36 However, if someone thinks he is acting inappropriately toward his betrothed, and if she is beyond her youth and they ought to marry, let him do as he wishes; he is not sinning; they should get married.
6 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7:9 Summary

This verse is saying that if someone is struggling with strong desires and can't control themselves, it's better for them to get married than to give in to those desires and sin, as warned against in 1 Corinthians 6:18. Marriage is a way for people to fulfill their desires in a healthy and God-honoring way, as seen in Ephesians 5:31. It's not saying that marriage is the answer to all problems, but rather that it's a way for people to live out their desires in a way that pleases God, as taught in Hebrews 13:4. By seeking to honor God in our relationships and desires, we can live a life that is pleasing to Him, as encouraged in Colossians 1:10.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'burn with passion' in 1 Corinthians 7:9?

To 'burn with passion' refers to the intense, uncontrolled desires that can lead to sin, as warned against in Genesis 39:9 and 1 Thessalonians 4:5. It emphasizes the importance of self-control in our lives.

Is the apostle Paul saying that marriage is the solution to all passion and desire?

No, Paul is not saying that marriage is the solution to all passion and desire, but rather that for those who cannot control themselves, marriage is a better alternative than giving in to sinful desires, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.

How does this verse relate to the concept of self-control in the Bible?

This verse highlights the importance of self-control, a fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, and encourages believers to exercise self-control in their desires and actions, as taught in 1 Corinthians 9:27 and Proverbs 25:28.

Does this verse imply that it's wrong to remain single?

No, this verse does not imply that it's wrong to remain single, as Paul himself was single and considered it a gift from God, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 7:7-8. It simply provides guidance for those who are struggling with self-control.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I struggle with self-control, and how can I seek God's help in those areas?
  2. How can I balance the desire for intimacy and connection with the need for self-control and purity, as taught in Song of Solomon 8:4 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7?
  3. In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with God and seek to honor Him in my desires and actions, as encouraged in Psalm 37:4 and Matthew 6:33?
  4. What are some practical steps I can take to cultivate self-control in my life, such as those mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7 and Titus 2:11-12?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 7:9

But if they cannot contain, c. Or "if they do not contain", as the words may be rendered, and as almost all versions do render them if they have not the gift of continency; if they are not willing,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 7:9

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. If they cannot contain (1 Corinthians 7:5). Burn - with the flame of lust, which consumes the whole inner man.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:9

That St. Paul’ s saying: It is good, & c. did not signify, it is the will of God, or, (as the papists would have it), it is my counsel in order to your further perfection, is plain by his precept for them to marry if they could not contain; and this likewise lets us see that second marriages are not only lawful, but may be an incumbent duty, that is, if they who are concerned as to them cannot contain themselves within the bounds and rule of chastity, which must not only be interpreted with reference to acts of uncleanness. This is contradicted by the reason given by the apostle, determining that marriage was much more eligible than burning, which term signifies the inward fervour and eager inclinations of the mind, not the acts only of the outward man.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:9

9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. Ver. 9. Let them marry] There is no lust so hot and violent, but God’ s medicines rightly applied will cool and heal. Only remember that it is not the having, but the loving of a wife that keepeth a man chaste and clean. And that God doth use to correct excess and dalliance between married couples, with strong temptations after strange flesh. Better to marry than burn] As an oven heated by the baker, Hosea 7:4. As those pagans were scalded, Romans 1:27, and these papagans still are, that are forbidden to marry, and yet cannot contain. Papist, Popish (with allusion to pagan). ŒD

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:9

(9) It is better . . .—Because to be influenced with unlawful desire is a sin, and to marry is no sin.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:9

Verse 9. But if they cannot contain] If they find it inconvenient and uncomfortable to continue as widowers and widows, let them remarry. It is better to marry than to burn.] Bishop Pearce translates the original thus: For it is better to marry than to be made uneasy. πυρουσθαι, says he, "signifies primarily to burn; but in a metaphorical sense, to be troubled, vexed, or made uneasy. So in 2 Corinthians 11:29: Who is offended and I burn not, καιουκεγωπυρουμαι, and I am not troubled. So in Terence, Uro hominem, is I vex him." It would be well to soften the sense of this word in reference to the subject of which the apostle speaks. He cannot mean burning with lust, no more than Virgil means so when he says, AEn. iv. ver. 68: Uritur infelix Dido, the unfortunate Dido is tormented; and in Eccl. ii. 68: Me tamen urit amor, love torments me. All this may be said with the strictest truth in such cases where the impure fire referred to above has no existence. A curious story, which certainly casts light on the phraseology of this place, is related by Dr. Lightfoot, from the tract Kiddushin, fol. 81. "Some captive women were brought to Nehardea, and disposed in the house and the upper room of Rabbi Amram. They took away the ladder [that the women might not get down, but stay there till they were ransomed.] As one of these captives passed by the window, the light of her great beauty shined into the house. Amram [captivated] set up the ladder; and when he was got to the middle of the steps [checked by his conscience] he stopped short, and with a loud voice cried out FIRE! FIRE! in the house of Amram! [This he did that, the neighbours flocking in, he might be obliged to desist from the evil affection which now prevailed in him.] The rabbins ran to him, and [seeing no fire] they said, Thou hast disgraced us. To which he replied: It is better that ye be disgraced in the house of Amram in this world, then that ye be disgraced by me in the world to come. He then adjured that evil affection to go out of him, and it went out as a pillar of FIRE. Amram said: Thou art FIRE, and I am FLESH; yet for all that I have prevailed against thee." From this story much instruction may be derived.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 7:9

But if they cannot contain - If they have not the gift of continence; if they cannot be secure against temptation; if they have not strength of virtue enough to preserve them from the danger of sin,

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:9

9. Cannot—The cannot is not in the apostle’s Greek. The true rendering is, If they do not be continent—if experience shows the certainty of failure.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 7:9

SermonDescription
Erlo Stegen Do Not Fear to Take Mary by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his search for a wife. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in relationships and shares how God spoke to
Ron Bailey Church Live Re-Visited: Session Seven - Part 2 by Ron Bailey This sermon delves into the significance of the phrase 'bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh' in Genesis chapter 2, highlighting how it symbolizes family and belonging rather than o
Jim Cymbala Heart to Heart Talk on Marriage by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the speaker starts by sharing a personal anecdote about watching a nature channel and being disturbed by the aggressive behavior of wild dogs in South Africa. He th
Tim Conway Freedom From Masterbation and Sensuality by Tim Conway This sermon emphasizes the need to flee from sin, particularly addressing the issue of justifying masturbation as not a sin. It highlights the importance of seeking biblical guidan
George Verwer Fiery Darts of Immorality by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of using sex to communicate the gospel. He mentions a group that taught girls how to use sex to evangelize and shares examples of gi
Zac Poonen (Through the Bible) 1 Corinthians - Part 2 by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the importance of understanding and applying the teachings from 1 Corinthians, emphasizing the need to overcome temptations, maintain purity in relationship
Ernest C. Reisinger Self-Examination by Ernest C. Reisinger In this sermon, the speaker begins by reflecting on the uniqueness and special qualities of the people he sees passing by. He then discusses the importance of approaching the Bible

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