1 Corinthians 7:37Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Verses 36b-37. Notice how at first he admires the one who keeps his virgin. He calls him firm, steadfast, and acting with discernment in his own matter, for he says: "being steadfast in heart." Therefore he who gives his virgin in marriage is not steadfast. By the words "being under no necessity," he shows that the father has authority to give his daughter a husband, and no one can compel him not to give her in marriage. Therefore honor belongs to him if he leaves his daughter unmarried. For this reason the apostle praises him, saying that he does well.

But he who has determined in his spirit, and faces no danger of desire to change his decision, and has resolved this in his heart, to keep his virgin, does well.

Above he spoke expressively and precisely: "He who marries does not sin." Here he says: "He who keeps his virgin does well." Scripture says, "Depart from evil, and do good" (Ps 36:27). In the former case we turn aside. In the latter we follow. In the one there is a beginning, in the other perfection.

It is evident that the one who yielded because of apparent impropriety and gave his virgin in marriage does not remain steadfast in the work of God.

On the basis of what has been said above, it would be better for virgins to remain in virginity, although it is also good for them to be given in marriage (1 Cor 7:36-38). Bringing forward for example and comparison two fathers who care for the arrangement of their daughters, the Apostle says that "he who gives his virgin in marriage does well, but he who does not give her does better."

Applying his general thoughts and particular views to individual circumstances, the Apostle gives fathers counsel concerning virgins. When possible, they should hold to the better course, that is, help their daughters remain in virginity. They should not be constrained by the customary view of the pagan Corinthians, who, by contrast, considered it more fitting for every adult virgin to marry.

The Apostle does not condemn this custom. He even advises that it be followed when this is recognized as necessary. He only requires that everything be weighed, so that the final decision be founded on full conviction of its rightness. Essential attention must be given to the agreement with this decision of the person whom it concerns.

"He who stands firm in heart" is one who has a firm conviction about the superiority of virginity and courageously resists the pressure of human opinions (Oecumenius). "Having no necessity" means that he has no necessity to give his daughter in marriage, whether because of family affairs, such as supporting the family, or because of external relations, such as when marriage negotiations have taken place and matters have gone far. He is not compelled by his daughter's unwillingness or by anxieties about her.