1 Corinthians 7:36 Meaning: When to Marry
But if any man thinks that he is behaving inappropriately toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of her age, and if need so requires, let him do what he desires. He doesn’t sin. Let them marry.
But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
But if any man thinketh that he behaveth himself unseemly toward his virgin daughter, if she be past the flower of her age, and if need so requireth, let him do what he will; he sinneth not; let them marry.
and if any one doth think it to be unseemly to his virgin, if she may be beyond the bloom of age, and it ought so to be, what he willeth let him do; he doth not sin--let him marry.
But if any one think that he behaves unseemly to his virginity, if he be beyond the flower of his age, and so it must be, let him do what he will, he does not sin: let them marry.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul gives freedom to marry when circumstances require it, whether for a father deciding for his daughter or a man for his betrothed.
Context
Paul has been writing to the Corinthian church about marriage, singleness, and the challenges of living for the Lord in a difficult time. He made it clear that staying unmarried has advantages for undivided devotion to God. But not everyone is called to that path. In this section, he turns to a specific situation: someone who is responsible for a virgin, whether a daughter under his authority or a woman he is betrothed to. The question is what to do when waiting seems to cause harm or dishonor. Paul wants them to know that marriage is permitted in such cases, and it is not a sin to choose it.
Key Words
The Greek word for behaving inappropriately is aschēmoneō. It means to act in an unbecoming or shameful way. Paul is not talking about sexual sin here, but about treating someone poorly by forcing them to remain unmarried when it causes real difficulty. The word for past the flower of her age is huperakmos, literally, beyond the prime of youth. In that culture, a woman who remained unmarried past a certain age risked disgrace, and a father who delayed her marriage could be seen as neglectful. Paul uses the ordinary Greek word for sin, hamartanō, which means to miss the mark. His point is clear: choosing to let them marry in this situation does not miss God’s will at all. It is a good and permissible choice, free from guilt.
How Christians Read This Verse
Most historic Protestant commentators, Calvin, Matthew Henry, Barnes, read this as a father deciding whether to give his daughter in marriage. The Cambridge Bible and Gill also take this view, noting that in that era the father held authority over a daughter’s marriage. Other interpreters, including some modern translations like the BSB, see it as a man with his betrothed, weighing whether to go ahead with the wedding. Adam Clarke mentions both interpretations. The key word parthenos can mean either daughter or betrothed virgin. Both readings agree on Paul’s main point: the decision is not a sin, and love and practical need should guide it.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers take this verse to mean it is always wrong to keep a daughter unmarried. But Paul says the opposite in the very next verse: the man who decides to keep his virgin unmarried does well (v.37). The situation here is when there is a genuine need, such as the daughter’s own desires or the risk of disgrace, then allowing marriage is not a sin. Neither choice is wrong; both are open to the believer, guided by wisdom and love.
Living This Out
Maybe you are a parent wondering whether to encourage your child toward marriage or to delay it for spiritual reasons. This verse gives you room to consider their heart, their situation, and what is truly best for them. You do not have to force a path of singleness if it will cause harm. The same freedom applies if you are a young person deciding about marriage: Paul says it is not a sin to marry, even when others view singleness as the higher way. Let love and wise judgment lead you, without guilt.
Main takeaway: Choosing to marry when genuine need arises is not a sin, even in a season when Paul encourages singleness as a preference.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
This verse says that parents can let their children get married when it’s the right time. God wants parents to think about what is best for their kids.
For ages 9, 12
Paul is helping parents think through decisions about marriage. He personally thinks it’s better to stay single, but he says there is nothing wrong with letting your child marry when they are ready. The important thing is to consider the person’s needs and not force a situation that would be hard for them.
Questions People Ask
Does 'his virgin' in 1 Corinthians 7:36 refer to a man's daughter or his fiancée?
The Greek word parthenos can mean either a marriageable daughter or a betrothed virgin. Many early commentators, including Calvin and Matthew Henry, understood it as a daughter. Other interpreters and some modern translations (like the BSB) read it as a man's betrothed. Both views are held by faithful Christians, and the main point remains the same: marriage is permissible in this situation.
What does 'past the flower of her age' mean?
The Greek term is huperakmos, meaning beyond the prime of youth. In that culture, a woman who remained unmarried past a certain age risked social disgrace, and her family might be seen as neglectful. Paul uses this to describe a situation where waiting has become difficult or harmful.
Does 1 Corinthians 7:36 contradict Paul's earlier advice to stay single?
No. Paul has been clear that singleness is good for undivided devotion to the Lord, especially given the hardships of the time. But he is not commanding it. Here he addresses a specific case where not marrying could harm someone. He confirms that marriage is not a sin in such a case, showing that both paths remain open to believers.
Is it a sin to let a daughter marry according to this verse?
No. Paul explicitly says the man who allows the marriage 'does not sin.' At the same time, in the next verse he says the man who decides to keep his virgin unmarried 'does well.' Neither choice is sinful; both can be done in faith, depending on the circumstances and the needs of the people involved.
What is the 'need' that makes marriage permissible in this verse?
Paul mentions two conditions: she is past the flower of her age (the prime of youth), and 'need so requires.' Many commentators understand this as a need arising from her own desires, the risk of shame, or the danger of sexual temptation. The 'need' is not an absolute command to marry, but a practical recognition that sometimes it is the kindest and wisest choice.
For pastors & researchers
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