King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:8 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:8 in the King James Version says “I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.”

1 Corinthians 7:8 · King James Version

Context

6

But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

7

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

8

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

9

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

10

And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
I say therefore to the unmarried and widows—Paul addresses agamois (ἀγάμοις, "unmarried"), likely referring to those never married, divorced, or widowed. Including chērais (χήραις, "widows") specifically acknowledges their situation. His counsel is It is good for them if they abide even as I—remaining single like Paul himself.

The term kalón (καλόν, "good") again indicates practical advantage rather than moral superiority (cf. v. 1). Paul's recommendation reflects the benefits of singleness for focused ministry and the avoidance of "trouble in the flesh" (v. 28). This verse anticipates his fuller discussion of the advantages of singleness for undistracted devotion to the Lord (vv. 32-35).

Paul does not forbid remarriage for widows (v. 39) or demand permanent singleness for the never-married. Rather, he offers pastoral counsel that singleness can be "good" when accepted as God's gift. The conditional "if they abide" suggests this is a viable path for those with the gift of celibacy, not a universal prescription.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Widows faced economic vulnerability in the ancient world, making remarriage often necessary for survival. Paul's counsel that widows may remain single (if able) and his instructions for church support of widows (1 Timothy 5:3-16) reflect Christian community's responsibility to care for the vulnerable.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why might Paul recommend singleness to widows and the never-married, given his positive view of marriage?
  2. How does the church support single believers so that singleness is a viable and honored calling?
  3. What "advantages" of singleness does Paul have in mind when he calls it "good"?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Λέγω1 of 14

“I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

δὲ2 of 14

“therefore”

G1161

but, and, etc

τοῖς3 of 14
G3588

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

ἀγάμοις4 of 14

“to the unmarried”

G22

unmarried

καὶ5 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

ταῖς6 of 14
G3588

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

χήραις7 of 14

“widows”

G5503

a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively

καλὸν8 of 14

“good”

G2570

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

αὐτοῖς9 of 14

“for them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐστιν10 of 14

“It is”

G2076

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

ἐὰν11 of 14

“if”

G1437

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

μείνωσιν12 of 14

“they abide”

G3306

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

ὡς13 of 14

“as”

G5613

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

κἀγώ·14 of 14

“I”

G2504

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

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 7:8 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 7:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 7:321 Corinthians 7:34-351 Corinthians 7:71 Corinthians 7:26-271 Corinthians 7:1

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