Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 7:36

"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." — 1 Corinthians 7:36 (ASV)

That he behaves himself unbecomingly. He acts an unbecoming part, imposes an unnecessary, painful, and improper constraint, and crosses her inclinations which are in themselves proper.

Toward his virgin. His daughter, or his ward, or any unmarried female committed to his care.

If she passes the flower of her age. If she passes the marriageable age and remains unmarried. It is well known that in the East, it was regarded as peculiarly dishonourable to remain unmarried; and the authority of a father, therefore, might be the means of involving his daughter in shame and disgrace. When this would be the case, it would be wrong to prohibit her marriage.

And need so require. And she ought to be allowed to marry. If it will promote her happiness, and if she would be unhappy and regarded as dishonoured if she remained in a state of celibacy.

Let him do what he will. He has the authority in the case, for in the East the authority resided with the father. He may either give her in marriage or not, as he pleases. But in this case it is advisable that she should marry.

He sinneth not. He does not err; he will do nothing positively wrong in the case. Marriage is lawful, and in this case it is advisable; and he may consent to it, for the reasons above stated, without error or impropriety.