THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS - Chapter 7 - Verse 37

Verse 37. Nevertheless. But. The apostle in this verse states some instances where it would not be proper to give a daughter in marriage; and the verse is a kind of summing up of all that he had said on the subject.

That standeth steadfast in his heart, etc. Most commentators have understood this of the father of the virgin, and suppose that it refers to his purpose of keeping her from the marriage connexion. The phrase, to stand stedfast, is opposed to a disposition that is vacillating, unsettled, etc., and denotes a man who has command of himself, who adheres to his purpose, a man who has hitherto adhered to his purpose, and to whose happiness and reputation it is important that he should be known as one who is not vacillating, or easily moved.

Having no necessity. Where there is nothing in her disposition or inclination that would make marriage necessary, or when there is no engagement or obligation that would be violated if she did not marry.

But hath power over his own will. Hath power to do as he pleases; is not bound in the case by another. When there is no engagement, or contract, made in childhood, or promise made in early life that would bind him. Often daughters were espoused, or promised, when they were very young; and in such a case a man would be bound to adhere to his engagement; and much as he might desire the reverse, and her celibacy, yet he would not have power over his own will, or be at liberty to withhold her.

¶And hath so decreed in his heart. Has so judged, determined, resolved.

That he will keep his virgin. His daughter, or ward, in an unmarried state. He has power and authority to do it, and if he does it he will not sin.

Doeth well. In either of these cases, he does well. If he has a daughter, and chooses to retain her in an unmarried state, he does well or right.

{&} "decreed" "determined"