King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:40 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:40 in the King James Version says “But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.”

1 Corinthians 7:40 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

38

So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

39

The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

40

But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment—Paul gives personal counsel that widows are makariōtera (μακαριωτέρα, "more blessed/happier") remaining single. The phrase kata tēn emēn gnōmēn (κατὰ τὴν ἐμὴν γνώμην, "according to my judgment") echoes verse 25, distinguishing apostolic counsel from dominical command. Paul's opinion carries authority but is not prescriptive.

Paul concludes: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God (dokō de kagō pneuma theou echein, δοκῶ δὲ κἀγὼ πνεῦμα θεοῦ ἔχειν). This is not uncertain humility but confident assertion: "I too have the Spirit." Paul claims his counsel is Spirit-inspired, matching the authority of those in Corinth claiming spiritual superiority. His teaching on singleness reflects divine wisdom, not merely human opinion.

This verse concludes Paul's extended treatment of marriage and singleness (chapter 7). His message throughout: both callings are good gifts, marriage is permanent and honorable, singleness offers practical advantages for ministry, and believers should remain content in their calling while serving God with undivided devotion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's appeal to having the Spirit responds to Corinthian pneumatics who claimed superior spiritual insight. His teaching on marriage and singleness comes with apostolic authority, not as legalistic requirement but Spirit-guided wisdom for serving Christ faithfully in urgent times.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's claim to "have the Spirit" establish authority for his teaching without creating legalistic requirements?
  2. Why does Paul think widows are "happier" remaining single—what advantages does he have in mind?
  3. How do Paul's counsel and Christ's commands work together to guide believers in marriage and singleness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
μακαριωτέρα1 of 16

“happier”

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

δὲ2 of 16

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐστιν3 of 16

“she is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐὰν4 of 16

“if”

G1437

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

οὕτως5 of 16

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

μείνῃ6 of 16

“abide”

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

κατὰ7 of 16

“after”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν8 of 16
G3588

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

ἐμὴν9 of 16

“my”

G1699

my

γνώμην·10 of 16

“judgment”

G1106

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

δοκῶ11 of 16

“I think”

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

δὲ12 of 16

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

κἀγὼ13 of 16

“also”

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

πνεῦμα14 of 16

“the Spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

θεοῦ15 of 16

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἔχειν16 of 16

“that I have”

G2192

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

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 7:40 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 7:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 3:15-161 Corinthians 7:352 Corinthians 10:8-101 Corinthians 7:81 Corinthians 7:25-261 Corinthians 7:1

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