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1
A 'Happier' Path
When Paul says a widow is “happier” if she remains single, he isn't forbidding remarriage. Commentators agree he's offering practical, Spirit-guided advice. The “happiness” he refers to is a life with fewer worldly cares and distractions, allowing for greater freedom and focus in serving the Lord. This is a recommendation for spiritual advantage, not a moral command.
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Book Overview
1 Corinthians
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On 1 Corinthians 7:40
18th Century
Theologian
If she so abide. If she remains a widow, even if she could be married to a Christian.
After my judgment. In my opinion ([R…
AT Robertson
On 1 Corinthians 7:40
Happier (μακαριωτερα). Comparative of μακαριος used in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3ff.).
After my judgme…
Charles Ellicott
On 1 Corinthians 7:39–40
19th Century
Bishop
The wife.—The question of the remarriage of widows is considered here. It was probably a matter on which his opinion had been aske…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On 1 Corinthians 7:40
In climaxing the discussion, Paul states that marriage is a life-long contract. If a woman marries, she is to cleave to her husband till he dies ([…
John Calvin
On 1 Corinthians 7:40
16th Century
Theologian
But she is happier if she so abide. Why? Is it because widowhood is in itself a virtue? No; but because it will have less to distract, and…
John Gill
On 1 Corinthians 7:40
17th Century
Pastor
But she is happier if she so abide
That is, a widow, in an unmarried state; which is to be understood not of the hap…
Matthew Henry
On 1 Corinthians 7:36–40
17th Century
Minister
The apostle is thought to give advice here about arranging the marriages of children. In this view, the general meaning is clear. Children should s…