1 Corinthians 7:38

Contextual Overview

³⁶ A man might think that he is not doing the right thing with his fiancée. She might be almost past the best age to marry. So he might feel that he should marry her. He should do what he wants. It is no sin for them to get married. ³⁶ If any one thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry--it is no sin. ³⁶ If eny man thinke that it is vncomly for his virgin if she passe the tyme of mariage ad if so nede requyre let him do what he listeth he synneth not: let the be coupled in mariage. ³⁶ But if any man thinks that he is behaving inappropriately toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of her age, and if need so requires, let him do what he desires. He doesn't sin. Let them marry. ³⁶ If a man thinks he is not behaving properly toward his virgin,[fn] and if his passion is too strong and he feels he ought to, let him do what he wants; he isn't sinning. Let them get married. ³⁶ But if anyone thinks that he is acting dishonorably toward his virgin, if she is past her youth and it ought to be so, let him do what he wishes, he is not sinning; let them marry. ³⁶ If a man thinks he is not doing the right thing with the girl he is engaged to, if she is almost past the best age to marry and he feels he should marry her, he should do what he wants. They should get married. It is no sin. ³⁶ But if any man thinks that he behaves himself unseemly toward his virgin [daughter], if she is past the flower of her age, and if need so requires, let him do what he will; he does not sin; let them marry. ³⁶ But if any man thinketh that he behaveth himself uncomely towards his virgin, if she hath passed the flower of [her] age, and need so requireth, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. ³⁶ If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry—it is no sin.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

then: 1 Corinthians 7:28

doeth well: 1 Corinthians 7:2, Hebrews 13:4

doeth better: 1 Corinthians 7:1, 1 Corinthians 7:8, 1 Corinthians 7:26, 1 Corinthians 7:32-34, 1 Corinthians 7:37

Reciprocal: Genesis 21:21 - a wife Acts 21:9 - virgins

Gill's Notes on the Bible

So then he that giveth [her] in marriage doth well,.... Does that which is in its own nature good; that which is agreeable to the will of God, is of his institution and appointment, and therefore must be good, and answer many good ends and purposes. Such an one that marries his daughter, he seeing a necessity for it, and a propriety in it, does a very good thing; secures her chastity, and his own credit; prevents fornication, and other evils that might follow; consults the good of mankind, and the honour of religion.

But he that giveth [her] not in marriage doth better; not a better action in itself, simply considered; but more profitable and advantageous under such and such circumstances, with such and such conditions and consequences; since hereby a single person is more fit to encounter with and endure persecutions, is freer from the cares of life, and more at liberty to wait upon the Lord, and give up himself to his service.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Doeth well - Does right; violates no law in it, and is not to be blamed for it.

Doeth better - Does that which is on the whole to be preferred, if it can be done. He more certainly, in the present circumstances, consults her happiness by withholding her from the marriage connection than he could by allowing her to enter it.