THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS - Chapter 7 - Verse 36

Verse 36. That he behaveth himself uncomely. Acts an unbecoming part; imposes an unnecessary, painful, and improper constraint; 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 pass the flower of her age. If she pass 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 errs not; 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.

{+} "uncomely" "unbecoming" {++} "virgin" "virgin daughter"