King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:28 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:28 in the King James Version says “But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have tr...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Corinthians 7:28 · KJV

Context

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.

29

But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth , that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

30

And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned—Paul immediately clarifies that his preference for singleness (vv. 26-27) does not make marriage sinful. The phrase ouch hēmartes (οὐχ ἥμαρτες, "you have not sinned") directly counters ascetic Corinthians who viewed marriage as spiritually inferior or even immoral. Paul affirms marriage's goodness (Genesis 2:18; Hebrews 13:4).

Similarly, and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. The repetition emphasizes that neither men nor women sin by marrying. However, Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh (thlipsin tē sarki, θλῖψιν τῇ σαρκί, "tribulation in the flesh"). Thlipsis means affliction, distress, or trouble—likely referring to the hardships of married life during persecution or the "present distress" (v. 26).

Paul adds but I spare you (egō de hymōn pheidomai, ἐγὼ δὲ ὑμῶν φείδομαι, "I am trying to spare you"). His counsel to remain single is motivated by pastoral care, not by viewing marriage as sinful. Married believers face anxieties and difficulties singles avoid (vv. 32-34), especially during crisis times. Paul's advice is practical and compassionate.

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Historical & Cultural Context

During times of persecution, Christian families faced unique dangers—arrest, separation, martyrdom. Paul's warning of "trouble in the flesh" for married believers reflects the added burden of protecting and providing for family during such distress. His counsel aimed to spare believers unnecessary hardship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's explicit affirmation that marriage is not sinful protect against false asceticism?
  2. What "trouble in the flesh" do married believers face that singles avoid?
  3. How should we balance Paul's pastoral care to "spare" believers with legitimate desires for marriage?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ἐὰν1 of 24

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

δὲ2 of 24

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γήμῃ4 of 24

“marry”

G1060

to wed (of either sex)

οὐχ5 of 24

“not”

G3756

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

ἥμαρτεν6 of 24

“she hath”

G264

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

καὶ7 of 24

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐὰν8 of 24

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

γήμῃ9 of 24

“marry”

G1060

to wed (of either sex)

ἡ10 of 24
G3588

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

παρθένος11 of 24

“a virgin”

G3933

a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter

οὐχ12 of 24

“not”

G3756

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

ἥμαρτεν13 of 24

“she hath”

G264

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

θλῖψιν14 of 24

“trouble”

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)

δὲ15 of 24

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τῇ16 of 24
G3588

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

σαρκὶ17 of 24

“in the flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

ἕξουσιν18 of 24

“shall have”

G2192

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

οἱ19 of 24
G3588

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

τοιοῦτοι20 of 24

“such”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

ἐγὼ21 of 24

“I”

G1473

i, me

δὲ22 of 24

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμῶν23 of 24

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

φείδομαι24 of 24

“spare”

G5339

to be chary of, i.e., (subjectively) to abstain or (objectively) to treat leniently

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 7:28 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 7:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 13:41 Corinthians 7:32-361 Corinthians 7:262 Corinthians 1:23

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