Scripture Spot Logo

Verse of the Day

WEB

Author Spotlight

Loading featured author...

Report Issue

See a formatting issue or error?

Let us know →

But if they don`t have self-control, let them marry. For it`s better to marry than to burn.

Verse Takeaways

1

What "To Burn" Really Means

Commentators explain that "to burn" signifies more than a passing temptation. It describes being consumed by intense, uncontrollable sexual passion. John Calvin distinguishes between "feeling heat," which all may experience and can be resisted, and "burning," a state of boiling lust that overwhelms the will, disturbs one's conscience, and hinders pure prayer. This is the condition for which marriage is prescribed.

See 3 Verse Takeaways

Book Overview

1 Corinthians

Author

Audience

Composition

Teaching Highlights

Outline

+ 5 more

See Overview

Commentaries

7

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On 1 Corinthians 7:9

18th Century

Theologian

But if they cannot contain. If they have not the gift of continence; if they cannot be secure against temptation; if they have not strengt…

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On 1 Corinthians 7:9

But if they have not continency (ε δε ουκ εγκρατευοντα). Condition of the first class, assumed as true. Direct middle voice εγκρατ…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On 1 Corinthians 7:9

19th Century

Bishop

It is better . . .—Because to be influenced by unlawful desire is a sin, and to marry is no sin.

Premium

Go Ad-Free

Go ad-free and create your own bookmark library

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On 1 Corinthians 7:9

Paul now gives advice to those who are single, whom he classifies as the unmarried and the widows. It is good or advisable for them to remain in th…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On 1 Corinthians 7:9

16th Century

Theologian

But if they cannot contain While he advises abstaining from marriage, he always speaks conditionally—if it can be done, if there is ab…

John Gill

John Gill

On 1 Corinthians 7:9

17th Century

Pastor

But if they cannot contain Or "if they do not contain", as the words may be rendered, and as almost all versions do rende…

Subscriber

Join Our Newsletter

Get curated content & updates

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On 1 Corinthians 7:1–9

17th Century

Minister

The apostle tells the Corinthians that it was good, at that particular time, for Christians to keep themselves single. Yet he says that marriage, a…