King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:25 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:25 in the King James Version says “Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

1 Corinthians 7:25 · KJV


Context

23

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

24

Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

25

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

26

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

27

Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord—Paul returns to marriage/singleness, specifically addressing parthenōn (παρθένων, "virgins"), likely never-married young people. Unlike divorce (v. 10), Jesus gave no explicit teaching on whether virgins should marry. The phrase epitagēn kyriou ouk echō (ἐπιταγὴν κυρίου οὐκ ἔχω, "I have no command of the Lord") distinguishes this from dominical instruction.

However, yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. Paul's gnōmēn (γνώμην, "opinion/judgment") carries apostolic authority. The phrase hos ēleēmenos hypo kyriou pistos einai (ὡς ἠλεημένος ὑπὸ κυρίου πιστὸς εἶναι, "as one shown mercy by the Lord to be trustworthy") indicates Paul writes as a reliable apostle, though not quoting Jesus directly.

This verse exemplifies Paul's humility and integrity in distinguishing different levels of authority. His counsel on singleness (vv. 25-38) is inspired apostolic teaching but not direct quotation of Jesus. Paul's advice will reflect practical wisdom for "the present distress" (v. 26) while maintaining that both singleness and marriage are legitimate.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's distinction between dominical commands and apostolic counsel shows the early church's careful preservation of Jesus' teaching while recognizing apostolic authority to apply gospel principles to new situations. Paul's humility models faithful leadership that neither overstates nor understates its authority.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's distinction between Christ's commands and his own counsel model theological and pastoral integrity?
  2. What does it mean that Paul's "judgment" still carries inspired authority even when not quoting Jesus?
  3. How should Christians evaluate different levels of biblical authority while affirming Scripture's full inspiration?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Περὶ1 of 17

concerning

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

δὲ2 of 17

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

τῶν3 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παρθένων4 of 17

virgins

G3933

a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter

ἐπιταγὴν5 of 17

commandment

G2003

an injunction or decree; by implication, authoritativeness

κυρίου6 of 17

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

οὐκ7 of 17

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔχω8 of 17

I have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

γνώμην9 of 17

my judgment

G1106

cognition, i.e., (subjectively) opinion, or (objectively) resolve (counsel, consent, etc.)

δὲ10 of 17

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

δίδωμι11 of 17

I give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ὡς12 of 17

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἠλεημένος13 of 17

one that hath obtained mercy

G1653

to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)

ὑπὸ14 of 17

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

κυρίου15 of 17

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

πιστὸς16 of 17

faithful

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

εἶναι17 of 17

to be

G1511

to exist


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 7:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 7:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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