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.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 7:9
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1 Corinthians 7:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 7:9
Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 7:9
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Corinthians 7:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 7:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 7:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:9
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:9
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 7:9
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:9
- Sermons on 1 Corinthians 7:9
Context — Principles of Marriage
9But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
10To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. 11But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.Cross References
| Reference | Text (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
- What are some areas in my life where I struggle with self-control, and how can I seek God's help in those areas?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 7:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:9
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:9
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:9
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:9
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 7:9
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:9
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 7:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
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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 |
|
(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 |
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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 |







