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Read the Bible

Easy-to-Read Version

1 Corinthians 7:7

I wish everyone could be like me. But God has given each person a different ability. He makes some able to live one way, others to live a different way.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Celibacy;   Chastity;   Continence;   Example;   Gifts from God;   Marriage;   Stoicism;   Scofield Reference Index - Holy Spirit;   Thompson Chain Reference - Example;   Paul's;   The Topic Concordance - Marriage;   Sexual Activities;   Torrey's Topical Textbook - Gifts of God, the;  

Dictionaries:

- Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Wife;   Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Marriage;   Charles Buck Theological Dictionary - Polygamy;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - Adultery;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Sex, Biblical Teaching on;   1 Corinthians;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Marriage;   Spiritual Gifts;   Woman;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Abstinence;   Eunuch ;   Example;   Gifts;   Marriage;   Marriage (Ii.);   Woman;   Worldliness;   Morrish Bible Dictionary - 11 To Desire, Will, Purpose;   Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary - Corinthians;  

Encyclopedias:

- International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Gift;   Proper;  

Parallel Translations

Christian Standard Bible®
I wish that all people were as I am. But each has his own gift from God, one person has this gift, another has that.
King James Version (1611)
For I would that all men were euen as I my selfe: but euery man hath his proper gift of God, one after this maner, and another after that.
King James Version
For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
English Standard Version
I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.
New American Standard Bible
Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am. However, each has his own gift from God, one in this way, and another in that.
New Century Version
I wish that everyone were like me, but each person has his own gift from God. One has one gift, another has another gift.
Amplified Bible
I wish that all the people were as I am; but each person has his own gift from God, one of this kind and one of that.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am. However, each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that.
Legacy Standard Bible
Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am. However, each man has his own gift from God, one this way, and another that.
Berean Standard Bible
I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.
Contemporary English Version
I wish that all of you were like me, but God has given different gifts to each of us.
Complete Jewish Bible
Actually, I wish everyone were like me; but each has his own gift from God, one this, another that.
Darby Translation
Now I wish all men to be even as myself: but every one has his own gift of God: one man thus, and another thus.
Geneva Bible (1587)
For I woulde that all men were euen as I my selfe am: but euery man hath his proper gift of God, one after this maner, and another after that.
George Lamsa Translation
For I would that all men were like myself in purity. But every man has his proper gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.
Good News Translation
Actually I would prefer that all of you were as I am; but each one has a special gift from God, one person this gift, another one that gift.
Lexham English Bible
I wish all people could be like myself, but each one has his own gift from God, one in this way and another in that way.
Literal Translation
But I desire all men also to be as myself. But each has his own gift from God, one this way, and one that way.
American Standard Version
Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.
Bible in Basic English
It is my desire that all men might be even as I am. But every man has the power of his special way of life given him by God, one in this way and one in that.
Hebrew Names Version
Yet I wish that all men were like me. However each man has his own gift from God, one of this kind, and another of that kind.
International Standard Version
I would like everyone to be like me. However, each person has a special gift from God, one this and another that.Matthew 19:12; Acts 26:29; 1 Corinthians 9:5; 12:11;">[xr]
Etheridge Translation
For I would that all men were as I am, in chastity. But every man hath the gift given to him from Aloha, this one thus, and the other thus.
Murdock Translation
For I would that all men might be like me in purity. But every man is endowed with his gift of God; one thus, and another so.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
For I woulde that all men were as I my selfe [am:] but euery man hath his proper gift of God, one after this maner, another after that.
English Revised Version
Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.
World English Bible
Yet I wish that all men were like me. However each man has his own gift from God, one of this kind, and another of that kind.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
but every one hath his proper gift from God, one after this manner, another after that.
Weymouth's New Testament
Yet I would that everybody lived as I do; but each of us has his own special gift from God--one in one direction and one in another.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
For Y wole, that alle men be as my silf. But eche man hath his propre yifte of God; oon thus, and another thus.
Update Bible Version
Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Nevertheless each man has his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.
Webster's Bible Translation
For I would that all men were as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.
New English Translation
I wish that everyone was as I am. But each has his own gift from God, one this way, another that.
New King James Version
For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.
New Living Translation
But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another.
New Life Bible
I wish everyone were as I am, but each has his own gift from God. One has one gift. Another has another gift.
New Revised Standard
I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has a particular gift from God, one having one kind and another a different kind.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Besides, I desire all men to be, even as myself, - but, each one, hath his, personal, gift from God, one, after this manner, and, another, after that.
Douay-Rheims Bible
For I would that all men were even as myself. But every one hath his proper gift from God: one after this manner, and another after that.
Revised Standard Version
I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own special gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
For I wolde that all men were as I my selfe am: but every man hath his proper gyfte of God one after this maner another after that.
Young's Literal Translation
for I wish all men to be even as I myself [am]; but each his own gift hath of God, one indeed thus, and one thus.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Howbeit I wolde rather yt all me were as I am. Neuertheles euery one hath his proper gifte of God: one thus, another so.
Mace New Testament (1729)
for I wish that all men were as I myself am: but every man hath his proper gift from God, some one way, and some another.
THE MESSAGE
Sometimes I wish everyone were single like me—a simpler life in many ways! But celibacy is not for everyone any more than marriage is. God gives the gift of the single life to some, the gift of the married life to others.
Simplified Cowboy Version
But I'm telling you the truth, it'd be better if y'all were just single like me. It'd save you a whole lot of discomfort. But being single is a special gift from God, no more or less than the other gifts he gives.

Contextual Overview

1 Now I will discuss the things you wrote me about. You asked if it is better for a man not to have any sexual relations at all. 2 But sexual sin is a danger, so each man should enjoy his own wife, and each woman should enjoy her own husband. 3 The husband should give his wife what she deserves as his wife. And the wife should give her husband what he deserves as her husband. 4 The wife does not have power over her own body. Her husband has the power over her body. And the husband does not have power over his own body. His wife has the power over his body. 5 Don't refuse to give your bodies to each other. But you might both agree to stay away from sex for a while so that you can give your time to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not be able to tempt you in your weakness. 6 I say this only to give you permission to be separated for a time. It is not a rule. 7 I wish everyone could be like me. But God has given each person a different ability. He makes some able to live one way, others to live a different way. 8 Now for those who are not married and for the widows I say this: It is good for you to stay single like me. 9 But if you cannot control your body, then you should marry. It is better to marry than to burn with sexual desire.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

I would: St. Paul evidently gave this advice in reference to the necessities of the church, or what he calls - 1 Corinthians 7:26 the present distress; for it would be perfectly absurd to imagine that an inspired apostle would in the general, discountenance marriage, since it was of the greatest importance to the existence and happiness of future generations, and expressly agreeable to a Divine institution. 1 Corinthians 9:5, 1 Corinthians 9:15, Acts 26:29

But: 1 Corinthians 12:11, Matthew 19:11, Matthew 19:12

Reciprocal: Genesis 30:34 - General 1 Corinthians 4:7 - and what 1 Corinthians 7:17 - as God 1 Timothy 2:8 - I will

Cross-References

Genesis 6:18
I will make a special agreement with you. You, your wife, your sons, and their wives will all go into the boat.
Genesis 7:1
Then the Lord said to Noah, "I have seen that you are a good man, even among the evil people of this time. So gather your family, and all of you go into the boat.
Genesis 7:15
All these animals went into the boat with Noah. They came in groups of two from every kind of animal that had the breath of life.
Proverbs 22:3
Wise people see trouble coming and get out of its way, but fools go straight to it and suffer for it.
Matthew 24:38
In those days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving their children to be married right up to the day Noah entered the boat.
Luke 17:27
People were eating, drinking, and getting married even on the day when Noah entered the boat. Then the flood came and killed them all.
Hebrews 6:18
These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he says something, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. So these two things are a great help to us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours.
Hebrews 11:7
Noah was warned by God about things that he could not yet see. But he had faith and respect for God, so he built a large boat to save his family. With his faith, Noah showed that the world was wrong. And he became one of those who are made right with God through faith.
1 Peter 3:20
Those were the spirits who refused to obey God long ago in the time of Noah. God was waiting patiently for people while Noah was building the big boat. And only a few—eight in all—were saved in the boat through the floodwater.
2 Peter 2:5
And God punished the evil people who lived long ago. He brought a flood to the world that was full of people who were against God. But he saved Noah and seven other people with him. Noah was a man who told people about living right.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

For I would that all men were even as I myself,.... The apostle speaks not of his state and condition, as married or unmarried, for it is not certain which he was; some think he had a wife, others not: it looks, however, as if he had not at this time, as appears from 1 Corinthians 7:8 but be it which it will, it can hardly be thought he should wish all men to be in either state, either all married, or all unmarried; but he speaks of the gift of continency, which he had, as the following words show; and this he desires for all men, that they might not be in any danger from Satan's temptations, and that they might be more fit for and intent upon the service of Christ. The Syriac version adds, בדכיותא in "purity", or "chastity"; which may be preserved in a marriage state, as well as in single life:

but every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that: all the gifts of nature and grace which men have, they have of God, and not of themselves; and every man has a gift proper to himself; no one man has all gifts, but some one, and some another; and with respect to the case in hand, one man has the gift of continency, another the gift of marriage; all cannot contain themselves, only to whom it is given: and all are not disposed to marriage; some are inclined to a single life, and some to a marriage state; and of those that are married, some can abstain from the use of the marriage bed longer than others, without being in danger of being tempted by Satan for their incontinency; and such a disposition is desirable.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

For I would ... - I would prefer.

That all men ... - That Paul was unmarried is evident from 1 Corinthians 9:5. But he does not refer to this fact here. When he wishes that all people were like himself, he evidently does not intend that he would prefer that all should be unmarried, for this would be against the divine institution, and against his own precepts elsewhere. But he would be glad if all people had control over their passions and propensities as he had; had the gift of continence, and could abstain from marriage when circumstances of trial, etc., would make it proper. We may add, that when Paul wishes to exhort to anything that is difficult, he usually adduces “his own example” to show that “it may be done;” an example which it would be well for all ministers to be able to follow.

But every man hath his proper gift - Every man has his own special talent, or excellence. One man excels in one thing, and another in another. One may not have this particular virtue, but he maybe distinguished for another virtue quite as valuable. The doctrine here is, therefore, that we are not to judge of others by ourselves, or measure their virtue by ours. We may excel in some one thing, they in another. And because they have not our special virtue, or capability, we are not to condemn or denounce them; compare Matthew 19:11, Matthew 19:12.

Of God - Bestowed by God either in the original endowments and faculties of body or mind, or by his grace. In either case it is the gift of God. The virtue of continence is his gift as well as any other; and Paul had reason, as any other man must have, to be thankful that God had conferred it on him. So if a man is naturally amiable, kind, gentle, large-hearted, tender, and affectionate, he should regard it as the gift of God, and be thankful that he has not to contend with the evils of a morose, proud, haughty, and severe temper. It is true, however, that all these virtues may be greatly strengthened by discipline, and that religion gives vigor and comeliness to them all. Paul’s virtue in this was strengthened by his resolution; by his manner of life; by his frequent fastings and trials, and “by the abundant employment” which God gave him in the apostleship. And it is true still, that if a man is desirous to overcome the lusts of the flesh, industry, and hardship, and trial, and self-denial will enable him, by the grace of God, to do it. idleness is the cause of no small part of the corrupt desires of people; and God kept Paul from these:

  1. By giving him enough to do; and,
  2. By giving him enough to suffer.



Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 1 Corinthians 7:7. For I would that all men, c.] He wished that all that were then in the Church were, like him self, unmarried but this was in reference to the necessities of the Church, or what he calls, 1 Corinthians 7:26, the present distress: for it never could be his wish that marriage should cease among men, and that human beings should no longer be propagated upon earth; nor could he wish that the Church of Christ should always be composed of single persons; this would have been equally absurd; but as the Church was then in straits and difficulties, it was much better for its single members not to encumber themselves with domestic embarrassments.

Every man hath his proper gift of God — Continence is a state that cannot be acquired by human art or industry; a man has it from God, or not at all: and if he have it from God, he has it from him as the author of his nature; for where it does not exist naturally, it never can exist, but either by miraculous interference, which should never be expected, or by chirurgical operation, which is a shocking abomination in the sight of God. Matthew 19:12.


 
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