37 But he who stands firm in his heart (who is under no compulsion, but has control over his own will(A)) and has decided in his heart to keep her as his fiancée, will do well. 38 So, then, he who marries his fiancée does well, but he who does not marry will do better.[a]

39 A wife is bound[b] as long as her husband is living. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to anyone she wants—only in the Lord.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 7:36–38 Or 36 If any man thinks he is acting improperly toward his virgin daughter, if she is getting beyond the usual age for marriage, and he feels she should marry—he can do what he wants. He is not sinning; she can get married. 37 But he who stands firm in his heart (who is under no compulsion, but has control over his own will) and has decided in his heart to keep his own virgin daughter will do well. 38 So then he who gives his own virgin daughter in marriage does well, but he who does not give his own virgin daughter in marriage will do better.
  2. 7:39 Other mss add by law

Bible Gateway Recommends

CSB Spurgeon Study Bible--soft leather-look, navy blue
CSB Spurgeon Study Bible--soft leather-look, navy blue
Retail: $69.99
Our Price: $51.99
Save: $18.00 (26%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB Outreach Bible, Large Print Edition
CSB Outreach Bible, Large Print Edition
Retail: $7.99
Our Price: $5.19
Save: $2.80 (35%)
3.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB (in)courage Devotional Bible, green cloth over board
CSB (in)courage Devotional Bible, green cloth over board
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $15.49
Save: $34.50 (69%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather
CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather
Retail: $79.99
Our Price: $24.49
Save: $55.50 (69%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars