Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

Paul now turns to teaching about virgins of marriageable age, insisting that they must be treated honorably, whether they become married or not. Who is meant by “he” in this verse, the father of the virgin or the man who is engaged to her? Both have been suggested, for in ancient times a father arranged for his daughter’s marriage. But more likely “he” refers to the man who is considering the possibility of marrying his fiancee. Paul is teaching that if the situation in Corinth seems to be unfair to a particular virgin and especially if she is passing her prime marriageable years, then the fiance should go ahead and marry her. There is no sin in their getting married.