King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:26 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:26 in the King James Version says “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,...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

1 Corinthians 7:26 · KJV

Context

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.

28

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress—the verb nomizō (νομίζω, "I think/consider") introduces Paul's judgment. The phrase tēn enestōsan anankēn (τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν ἀνάγκην, "the present necessity/distress") refers to circumstances making singleness advantageous. This could mean persecution, famine, eschatological expectation (v. 29), or Corinthian-specific troubles.

Paul's counsel: I say, that it is good for a man so to be—remaining as he is (single or married). The term kalón (καλόν, "good") again indicates practical advantage (vv. 1, 8) rather than moral superiority. Given anankē (pressing circumstances), maintaining one's current status is wise. This does not forbid marriage but recognizes singleness offers advantages during difficult times.

The "present distress" suggests Paul expected near-term difficulties—perhaps persecution or Christ's imminent return. His counsel is situational: given these circumstances, singleness is advantageous. This does not establish universal superiority of celibacy but recognizes that crisis situations may make marriage burdensome (v. 28, "trouble in the flesh").

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christians expected Christ's imminent return (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17), which shaped practical decisions. Paul's counsel reflects eschatological urgency—with time short (v. 29), undistracted devotion to the Lord (vv. 32-35) through singleness offered advantages. Persecution also made family obligations dangerous.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "present distress" did Paul have in mind—persecution, eschatological urgency, or local circumstances?
  2. How should Paul's situational counsel affect how we apply this passage to contemporary contexts?
  3. In what circumstances might singleness be particularly advantageous for focused ministry today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Νομίζω1 of 15

“I suppose”

G3543

properly, to do by law (usage), i.e., to accustom (passively, be usual); by extension, to deem or regard

οὖν2 of 15

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τοῦτο3 of 15

“that this”

G5124

that thing

καλὸν4 of 15

“good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ὑπάρχειν5 of 15

“is”

G5225

to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip

διὰ6 of 15

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὴν7 of 15
G3588

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

ἐνεστῶσαν8 of 15

“the present”

G1764

to place on hand, i.e., (reflexively) impend, (participle) be instant

ἀνάγκην9 of 15

“distress”

G318

constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress

ὅτι10 of 15

“I say that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καλὸν11 of 15

“good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ἀνθρώπῳ12 of 15

“for a man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τὸ13 of 15
G3588

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

οὕτως14 of 15

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

εἶναι15 of 15

“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 7:26 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 7:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 7:81 Corinthians 7:11 Peter 4:17Luke 23:28-291 Corinthians 7:35-381 Corinthians 7:28

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