1 Corinthians 7:7 Meaning: Your Own Gift from God
Yet I wish that all men were like me. However, each man has his own gift from God, one of this kind, and another of that kind.
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.
Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.
for I wish all men to be even as I myself am ; but each his own gift hath of God, one indeed thus, and one thus.
Now I wish all men to be even as myself: but every one has his own gift of God: one man thus, and another thus.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul wished all had his self-control, but each person receives their own gift from God, whether for marriage or singleness.
Context
This verse sits in the middle of Paul's careful answer to the Corinthians about marriage. He had just told married couples not to deprive each other except by agreement for prayer. That was a concession, not a command (verse 6). Now Paul shares his personal wish: if only everyone had the same freedom from marital concerns that he enjoyed. But he adds an important limit. Not everyone has the same ability to remain single. The "present distress" (verse 26) made singleness helpful for focusing on the Lord's work, but God hands out different gifts. Paul does not turn his own situation into a rule for everyone. Instead, he points to the Giver behind each person's circumstances.
Key Words
The word translated "gift" is the Greek charisma, a favor given freely, not earned. In Paul's letters this word usually refers to gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4), but here it describes the capacity for marriage or singleness. The phrase "his own gift" includes the word idion, meaning "one's own, particular to oneself." Paul is saying that each person receives a tailor-made gift from God. The verb "I wish" (thelō) carries a sense of desire, not command. Paul wanted everyone to have the same self-control he had, but he knew better than to force it. Jesus himself said, "Not all men can receive this saying, but those to whom it is given" (Matthew 19:11). Both marriage and singleness are charismata, undeserved gifts that come from the same generous hand.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have seen this verse as a key for understanding marriage and celibacy. Many Reformed and Protestant commentators, including Calvin, have pointed out that Paul here denies any universal ability to stay single, celibacy is a special gift, not a command. Catholic teaching has historically honored celibacy as a higher calling for some, while insisting it is not required of all. Matthew Henry, writing from a Presbyterian perspective, says every person has a "proper gift" from God, whether for marriage or singleness. Both traditions agree: Paul does not elevate one state above the other for everyone. The gift determines the way, not the other way around.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is that Paul wished everyone were unmarried, so singleness is holier than marriage. In fact, Paul immediately adds that each person has a different gift from God. His wish is about self-control, not marital status. He is not saying marriage is inferior. He is acknowledging that God equips people differently.
Living This Out
You may feel pressure to be married, or pressure to stay single, as if one path makes you more spiritual. This verse sets you free from that. Your situation right now, whether married or single, is a place where God's grace is at work. Rather than wishing for someone else's gift, look at what God has given you. Ask Him to help you see the gift in your current season. Then live it with gratitude, not regret.
Main takeaway: God gives each person a unique gift, marriage or singleness, and we can trust His wisdom in how He distributes.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God made each person different. Some people get married, some stay single. Both are good because God gives them a special gift just for them.
For ages 9, 12
Paul wanted everyone to have self-control like he had, but he knew that God gives different gifts to different people. So if you get married someday, that's your gift. If you stay single, that's your gift too. Don't compare yourself to others. Thank God for what He gave you.
Questions People Ask
Did Paul think everyone should stay single?
No. He clarifies that each person has their own gift from God. His wish for all to be like him refers to self-control, not to being unmarried.
What is the 'gift' Paul is talking about?
The Greek word is charisma. It includes both the ability to remain single (continence) and the ability to be married. Both are grace-gifts from God, not achievements.
Does this meant that marriage is less spiritual than singleness?
Not at all. Paul says both are gifts from God. The advantage of singleness in this context is practical, not moral. Each person should live in the gift God has given them.
What does 'one of this kind, another of that kind' mean?
It means variety. Some people have the gift of singleness, others the gift of marriage. Paul draws a contrast between different distributions from the same Giver.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study