1 Corinthians 7:36-38 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

But if any man Who is a parent or guardian; think that he behaveth himself uncomely That he should act indecently, or in a manner unbecoming his character, or unsuitably to her credit and reputation; toward his virgin By hindering her from marriage; if she pass, &c. Greek, εαν η υπερακμος, if she be above age, or of full age; and need so require Και ουτως οφειλει γινεσθαι, and it be necessary to be so done, whether the necessity ariseth from her conscience and inclination, or her being sought in marriage; let him do what he will As he sees occasion, according to circumstances, either to marry her, or keep her single. Or, as the words may be rendered, Let him do what she inclineth to; he sinneth not In complying with her inclination in such a case: let them Let such virgin daughters, marry See on 1 Corinthians 7:9. “As both the Jews and Gentiles reckoned celibacy dishonourable, some fathers might think it sinful to restrain their daughters from marriage; while others, following the opinion of the Essenes and rigid philosophers, fancied they acted properly in restraining them. The Corinthians, therefore, had judged it necessary to consult the apostle on that head.” Nevertheless Or but; he that standeth steadfast, &c. Who continueth firmly persuaded in his mind, that it is no sin in his daughter to remain unmarried; having no necessity From her opinion, or inclination, or circumstances, to give her in marriage; and hath power over his own will Which would incline him to desire the increase of his family, and the strengthening of it by new relations; or, who hath the direction of his own will In that affair, being a freeman, and not a slave; and hath so decreed, &c. Hath determined this in his mind; to keep his virgin Unmarried, agreeably to her own inclination; doeth well Doeth what is preferable. So then he that giveth her in marriage When need so requires, doeth well Doth what is lawful, and in his daughter's case is, on the whole, proper, even in the present distress; but he that giveth her not doeth better What is better for her, more for her spiritual improvement; because if she agrees to it, by keeping her in his own family unmarried, she will be exposed to fewer temptations than if she were married, and in a better condition for acquiring that knowledge of, and faith in, the gospel, with holiness in heart and life, which will enable her to adhere to and adorn the cause of Christ in a time of persecution.