The Meaning of 1 Corinthians 7:26 Explained

1 Corinthians 7:26

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

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

Darby: I think then that this is good, on account of the present necessity, that it is good for a man to remain so as he is.

ASV: 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.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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

What does 1 Corinthians 7:26 Mean?

Verse Meaning

What is the present distress or crisis (Gr. anagke) to which the apostle referred? It may have been a crisis in the Corinthian church or in Corinth, about which we have no more specific information. However in view of Paul"s description of this distress ( 1 Corinthians 7:29-31) it seems as though he was speaking of the fact that we live in the last days. [1] They are last days because the Lord"s return for us could end them at any time.
If this is correct, we live in the same present distress as the Corinthian believers did. It is a time of distress because of the hostility of unbelievers and increasing apostasy (cf1Timothy4; 2 Timothy 3). Committed Christians constantly face opposition, antagonism, and stress because we hold values, morals, and priorities that the world rejects. The Apostle Paul consistently viewed the inter-advent age as a time of crisis and distress.
The last part of the verse restates Paul"s basic principle of abiding in one"s calling ( 1 Corinthians 7:17; 1 Corinthians 7:20; 1 Corinthians 7:24). "Man" (NASB) or "you" (NIV) is anthropos, meaning "person."

Context Summary

1 Corinthians 7:25-40 - Counsel For Times Of Emergency
The virgin here referred to is probably the young woman who was engaged to be married, and the counsel is expressly defined to be advice, and given only under the pressure of the times, when the dissolution of all things seemed at hand. It seemed wiser not to enter upon matrimony because everything was in flux, but no sin was contracted if marriage took place, so long as it was only in the Lord, 1 Corinthians 7:39. As pilgrims we should hold all earthly things but lightly, 1 Corinthians 7:30.
The allusion of 1 Corinthians 7:31 is to the shifting scenery of a theater. The fashion of the age is like the ever-changing moving-picture films that flash before the audience and cannot be arrested or recalled. Surely the unmarried among us should ponder carefully the recommendations of 1 Corinthians 7:32-34, the first of which refers to the man and the second to the wife. Where both are Christians, however, surely there may be union in caring for the things of the Lord, that the great cause of His Kingdom may be expedited rather than hindered. But everything in this chapter, as well as the general New Testament teaching, emphasizes the absolute importance of marriage being only in the Lord, 1 Corinthians 7:39. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Corinthians 7

1  He discusses marriage;
4  showing it to be a remedy against sinful desires,
10  and that the bond thereof ought not lightly to be dissolved
20  Every man must be content with his vocation
25  Virginity wherefore to be embraced;
35  and for what respects we may either marry, or abstain from marrying

Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 7:26

I think therefore [νομιζω ουν]
Paul proceeds to express therefore the previously mentioned judgment (γνωμην — gnōmēn) and calls it his opinion, not because he is uncertain, but simply because it is not a command, but advice. [source]
By reason of the present distress [δια την ενεστωσαν αναγκην]
The participle ενεστωσαν — enestōsan is second perfect active of ενιστημι — enistēmi and means “standing on” or “present” (cf. Galatians 1:4; Hebrews 9:9). It occurs in 2 Thessalonians 2:2 of the advent of Christ as not “present.” Whether Paul has in mind the hoped for second coming of Jesus in this verse we do not certainly know, though probably so. Jesus had spoken of those calamities which would precede his coming (Matthew 24:8.) though Paul had denied saying that the advent was right at hand (2 Thessalonians 2:2). Αναγκη — Anagkē is a strong word (old and common), either for external circumstances or inward sense of duty. It occurs elsewhere for the woes preceding the second coming (Luke 21:23) and also for Paul‘s persecutions (1 Thessalonians 3:7; 2 Corinthians 6:4; 2 Corinthians 12:10). Perhaps there is a mingling of both ideas here. Namely. This word is not in the Greek. The infinitive of indirect discourse (υπαρχειν — huparchein) after νομιζω — nomizō is repeated with recitative οτι — hoti “That the being so is good for a man” (οτι καλον αντρωπωι το ουτως ειναι — hoti kalon anthrōpōi to houtōs einai). The use of the article το — to with ειναι — einai compels this translation. Probably Paul means for one (αντρωπωι — anthrōpōi generic term for man or woman) to remain as he is whether married or unmarried. The copula εστιν — estin is not expressed. He uses καλον — kalon (good) as in 1 Corinthians 7:1. [source]
Namely []
. This word is not in the Greek. The infinitive of indirect discourse The use of the article το — to with ειναι — einai compels this translation. Probably Paul means for one (αντρωπωι — anthrōpōi generic term for man or woman) to remain as he is whether married or unmarried. The copula εστιν — estin is not expressed. He uses καλον — kalon (good) as in 1 Corinthians 7:1. [source]
The present distress [τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν ἀνάγκην]
Ἑνεστῶσαν presentmay also express something which is not simply present, but the presence of which foreshadows and inaugurates something to come. Hence it may be rendered impending or setting in. See on Romans 8:38. Ἁνάγκη means originally force, constraint, necessity, and this is its usual meaning in classical Greek; though in the poets it sometimes has the meaning of distress, anguish, which is very common in Hellenistic Greek. Thus Sophocles, of the approach of the crippled Philoctetes: “There falls on my ears the sound of one who creeps slow and painfully ( κατ ' ἀνάγκην .” “Philoctetes,” 206); and again, of the same: “Stumbling he cries for pain ( ὑπ ' ἀνάγκας ,” 215). In the Attic orators it occurs in the sense of blood-relationship, like the Latin necessitudo a binding tie. In this sense never in the New Testament. For the original sense of necessity, see Matthew 18:7; Luke 14:18; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 9:16. For distress, Luke 21:23; 1 Thessalonians 3:7. The distress is that which should precede Christ's second coming, and which was predicted by the Lord himself, Matthew 24:8sqq. Compare Luke 21:23-28. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 7:26

1 Corinthians 7:37 Necessity [ἀνάγκην]
Either outward or moral constraint. See on 1 Corinthians 7:26, and note on Luke 14:18. [source]
1 Corinthians 7:1 It is good [καλὸν]
See on John 10:11. Not merely expedient, but morally salutary. The statement, however, is made in the light of circumstances, see 1 Corinthians 7:26, and is to be read with others, such as 2 Corinthians 11:2; Romans 7:4; Ephesians 5:28-33, in all which marriage is made the type of the union between Christ and His Church. See also Hebrews 13:4. [source]
1 Corinthians 10:11 The ends of the ages have come [τα τελη των αιωνων κατηντηκεν]
Cf. Hebrews 9:26 η συντελεια των αιωνων — hē sunteleia tōn aiōnōn the consummation of the ages (also Matthew 13:40). The plural seems to point out how one stage succeeds another in the drama of human history. Κατηντηκεν — Katēntēken is perfect active indicative of κατανταω — katantaō late verb, to come down to (see note on Acts 16:1). Does Paul refer to the second coming of Christ as in 1 Corinthians 7:26 ? In a sense the ends of the ages like a curtain have come down to all of us. [source]
1 Corinthians 7:7 Yet I would [τελω δε]
“But I wish.” Followed by accusative and infinitive This is Paul‘s personal preference under present conditions (1 Corinthians 7:26). [source]
1 Corinthians 7:21 Use it rather []
Whether the apostle means, use the bondage or use the freedom - whether, take advantage of the offer of freedom, or, remain in slavery - is, as Dean Stanley remarks, one of the most evenly balanced questions in the interpretation of the New Testament. The force of καὶ evenand the positive injunction of the apostle in 1 Corinthians 7:20and 1 Corinthians 7:24, seem to favor the meaning, remain in slavery. The injunction is to be read in the light of 1 Corinthians 7:22, and of Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11; 1 Corinthians 12:13, that freeman and slave are one in Christ; and also of the feeling pervading the Church of the speedy termination of the present economy by the second coming of the Lord. See 1 Corinthians 7:26, 1 Corinthians 7:29. We must be careful to avoid basing our conclusion on the modern sentiment respecting freedom and slavery. [source]
1 Corinthians 10:11 By way of example [τυπικως]
Adverb in sense of τυποι — tupoi in 1 Corinthians 10:6. Only instance of the adverb except in ecclesiastical writers after this time, but adjective τυπικος — tupikos occurs in a late papyrus. For our admonition (προς νουτεσιαν ημων — pros nouthesian hēmōn). Objective genitive (ημων — hēmōn) again. Νουτεσια — Nouthesia is late word from νουτετεω — noutheteō (see note on Acts 20:31; note on 1 Thessalonians 5:12 and note on 1 Thessalonians 5:14) for earlier νουτετησις — nouthetēsis and νουτετια — nouthetia The ends of the ages have come Cf. Hebrews 9:26 η συντελεια των αιωνων — hē sunteleia tōn aiōnōn the consummation of the ages (also Matthew 13:40). The plural seems to point out how one stage succeeds another in the drama of human history. Κατηντηκεν — Katēntēken is perfect active indicative of κατανταω — katantaō late verb, to come down to (see note on Acts 16:1). Does Paul refer to the second coming of Christ as in 1 Corinthians 7:26 ? In a sense the ends of the ages like a curtain have come down to all of us. [source]
1 Corinthians 7:27 Seek not to be loosed [μη ζητει λυσιν]
Present active imperative with negative μη — mē “Do not be seeking release” Same construction, Do not be seeking a wife. Bachelors as well as widowers are included in λελυσαι — lelusai (loosed, perfect passive indicative of λυω — luō). This advice of Paul he only urges “because of the present necessity” (1 Corinthians 7:26). Whether he held on to this opinion later one does not know. Certainly he gives the noblest view of marriage in Ephesians 5:22-33. Paul does not present it as his opinion for all men at all times. Men feel it their duty to seek a wife. [source]
1 Corinthians 7:27 Seek not a wife [μη ζητει γυναικα]
Same construction, Do not be seeking a wife. Bachelors as well as widowers are included in λελυσαι — lelusai (loosed, perfect passive indicative of λυω — luō). This advice of Paul he only urges “because of the present necessity” (1 Corinthians 7:26). Whether he held on to this opinion later one does not know. Certainly he gives the noblest view of marriage in Ephesians 5:22-33. Paul does not present it as his opinion for all men at all times. Men feel it their duty to seek a wife. [source]
1 Corinthians 7:38 Shall do better [κρεισσον ποιησει]
In view of the present distress (1 Corinthians 7:26) and the shortened time (1 Corinthians 7:29). And yet, when all is said, Paul leaves the whole problem of getting married an open question to be settled by each individual case. [source]
1 Corinthians 7:40 After my judgment [κατα την εμην γνωμην]
The same word used in 1 Corinthians 7:25, not a command. I think (δοκω — dokō). From δοκεω — dokeō not νομιζω — nomizō of 1 Corinthians 7:26. But he insists that he has “the spirit of God” (πνευμα τεου — pneuma theou) in the expression of his inspired judgment on this difficult, complicated, tangled problem of marriage. But he has discharged his duty and leaves each one to decide for himself. [source]
1 Corinthians 7:40 I think [δοκω]
From δοκεω — dokeō not νομιζω — nomizō of 1 Corinthians 7:26. But he insists that he has “the spirit of God” (πνευμα τεου — pneuma theou) in the expression of his inspired judgment on this difficult, complicated, tangled problem of marriage. But he has discharged his duty and leaves each one to decide for himself. [source]
2 Corinthians 6:4 Necessities [ἀνάγκαις]
See on 1 Corinthians 7:26. [source]
Galatians 1:4 Out of this present evil world [ἐκ τοῦ αἰῶνος τοῦ ἐνεστῶτος πονηροῦ]
Lit. out of the world, the present (world which is ) evil. For αἰών ageor period, see John 1:9, and additional note on 2 Thessalonians 1:9. Here it has an ethical sense, the course and current of this world's affairs as corrupted by sin. Comp. 2 Corinthians 4:4. Ἑνεστῶτος , present, as contrasted with the world to come. Elsewhere we have ὁ νῦν αἰών thenow world (1 Timothy 6:17); ὁ αἰὼν τοῦκοσμοῦ theperiod of this world (Ephesians 2:2); ὁ αἰὼν οὗτος thisworld or age (Romans 7:2). Ἑνεστῶτος , not impending, as some expositors, - the period of wickedness and suffering preceding the parousia (2 Thessalonians 2:3), which would imply a limitation of Christ's atoning work to that period. Comp. 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Timothy 3:1; 1 Corinthians 7:26. The sense of present as related to future is clear in Romans 8:38; 1 Corinthians 3:22; Hebrews 9:9. For the evil character of the present world as conceived by Paul, see Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:6; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2. [source]
Galatians 1:4 Deliver [εχεληται]
Second aorist middle subjunctive (final clause with οπως — hopōs) of εχαιρεω — exaireō old verb to pluck out, to rescue (Acts 23:27). “Strikes the keynote of the epistle. The gospel is a rescue, an emancipation from a state of bondage” (Lightfoot). Out of this present evil world (εκ του αιωνος του ενεστωτος πονηρου — ek tou aiōnos tou enestōtos ponērou). Literally, “out of the age the existing one being evil.” The predicate position of πονηρου — ponērou calls emphatic attention to it. Each word here is of interest and has been already discussed. See Matthew 13:22 for aiōn Matthew 6:23 for ponēros αιων — Enestōtos is genitive masculine singular of πονηρος — enestōs second perfect (intransitive) participle of Ενεστωτος — enistēmi for which see 2 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 3:22; 1 Corinthians 7:26. It is present as related to future (Romans 8:38; Hebrews 9:9). According to the will of God Not according to any merit in us. [source]
Galatians 1:4 Out of this present evil world [εκ του αιωνος του ενεστωτος πονηρου]
Literally, “out of the age the existing one being evil.” The predicate position of πονηρου — ponērou calls emphatic attention to it. Each word here is of interest and has been already discussed. See Matthew 13:22 for aiōn Matthew 6:23 for ponēros αιων — Enestōtos is genitive masculine singular of πονηρος — enestōs second perfect (intransitive) participle of Ενεστωτος — enistēmi for which see 2 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 3:22; 1 Corinthians 7:26. It is present as related to future (Romans 8:38; Hebrews 9:9). [source]
1 Thessalonians 3:7 Affliction [ἀνάγκῃ]
Rev. distress. The derivation from ἄγξειν to press tightly, to choke (Lightfoot, Ellicott) is doubtful. In the sense of urgency, distress, seldom in Class. See 1 Corinthians 7:26; 2 Corinthians 6:4; 2 Corinthians 12:10; Luke 21:23. [source]
1 Timothy 3:2 The husband of one wife [μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα]
Comp. 1 Timothy 3:12; Titus 1:6. Is the injunction aimed (a) at immoralities respecting marriage - concubinage, etc., or (b) at polygamy, or (c) at remarriage after death or divorce? The last is probably meant. Much of the difficulty arises from the assumption that the Pastorals were written by Paul. In that case his views seem to conflict. See Romans 7:2, Romans 7:3; 1 Corinthians 7:39; 1 Corinthians 8:8, 1 Corinthians 8:9, where Paul declares that widows are free to marry again, and puts widows and virgins on the same level; and comp. 1 Timothy 5:9, according to which a widow is to be enrolled only on the condition of having been the wife of but one man. The Pauline view is modified in detail by the writer of the Pastorals. Paul, while asserting that marriage is right and honorable, regards celibacy as the higher state (1 Corinthians 7:1, 1 Corinthians 7:7, 1 Corinthians 7:26, 1 Corinthians 7:34, 1 Corinthians 7:37, 1 Corinthians 7:38). In this the Pastoral writer does not follow him (see 1 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 3:4, 1 Timothy 3:12; 1 Timothy 4:3; 1 Timothy 5:10, 1 Timothy 5:14). The motive for marriage, namely, protection against incontinency, which is adduced by Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:2, 1 Corinthians 7:9, is given in 1 Timothy 5:11-14. As in Paul, the married state is honorable, for Bishops, Deacons, and Presbyters are married (1 Timothy 3:2, 1 Timothy 3:12; Titus 1:6), and the honor of childbearing conferred upon the mother of our Lord is reflected in the Christian woman of later times (1 Timothy 2:15). While Paul advises against second marriages (1 Corinthians 7:8, 1 Corinthians 7:9, 1 Corinthians 7:27, 1 Corinthians 7:39, 1 Corinthians 7:40), in the Pastorals emphasis is laid only on the remarriage of church-officers and church-widows. In the Pastorals we see a reflection of the conditions of the earlier post-apostolic age, when a non-Pauline asceticism was showing itself (see 1 Timothy 4:3, 1 Timothy 4:4, 1 Timothy 4:8; Titus 1:15). The opposition to second marriage became very strong in the latter part of the second century. It was elevated into an article of faith by the Montanists, and was emphasized by Tertullian, and by Athenagoras, who called second marriage “a specious adultery” ( εὐπρεπής μοιχεία )|Vigilant ( νηφάλιον )|Only in the Pastorals. See 1 Timothy 3:11, and Titus 2:2. olxx. The kindred verb νήφειν means to be sober with reference to drink, and, in a metaphorical sense, to be sober and wary; cool and unimpassioned. Thus Epicharmus, νᾶφε καὶ μέμνας ἀπιστεῖν bewary and remember not to be credulous. See on 1 Thessalonians 5:6. In N.T. the meaning of the verb is always metaphorical, to be calm, dispassionate, and circumspect. The A.V. vigilant is too limited. Wise caution may be included; but it is better to render sober, as A.V. in 1 Timothy 3:11and Titus 2:2, in the metaphorical sense as opposed to youthful levity.|Of good behavior ( κόσμιον )|oP. Only here and 1 Timothy 2:9, see note. Rend. orderly.|Given to hospitality ( φιλόξενον )|oP. Comp. Titus 1:8; 1 Peter 4:9. See note on pursuing hospitality, Romans 12:13.|Apt to teach ( διδακτικόν )|oP. Only here and 2 Timothy 2:24. olxx, oClass. In the Pastorals the function of teaching pertains to both Bishops and Elders (see 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:9). It is at this point that the tendency to confound and identify the two reveals itself. Bishops and Presbyters are not identical. Earlier, the teaching function does not seem to have attached to the position of ἐπίσκοπος. The office acquired a different character when it assumed that function, which is not assigned to it in Clement's Epistle to the Corinthians. In the Didache or Teaching of the Twelve Apostles (about 100 a.d.) the ministry of teaching is to be assumed by the Bishops only in the absence of the Prophets and Teachers (xiii., xv).| [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Corinthians 7:26 mean?

I think therefore this good is because of the present necessity that [it is] good for a man - in the same manner to remain
Νομίζω οὖν τοῦτο καλὸν ὑπάρχειν διὰ τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν ἀνάγκην ὅτι καλὸν ἀνθρώπῳ τὸ οὕτως εἶναι

Νομίζω  I  think 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: νομίζω  
Sense: to hold by custom or usage, own as a custom or usage, to follow a custom or usage.
τοῦτο  this 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
καλὸν  good 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: καλός  
Sense: beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable.
διὰ  because  of 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
ἐνεστῶσαν  present 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Active, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἐνίστημι  
Sense: to place in or among, to put in.
ἀνάγκην  necessity 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀνάγκη  
Sense: necessity, imposed either by the circumstances, or by law of duty regarding to one’s advantage, custom, argument.
ὅτι  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὅτι  
Sense: that, because, since.
καλὸν  [it  is]  good 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: καλός  
Sense: beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable.
ἀνθρώπῳ  for  a  man 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: ἄνθρωπος  
Sense: a human being, whether male or female.
τὸ  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
οὕτως  in  the  same  manner 
Parse: Adverb
Root: οὕτως  
Sense: in this manner, thus, so.
εἶναι  to  remain 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.