1Cor 7:36-38 | RWP | e4.org | That he behaveth himself unseemly ( ασχημονειν ). Old verb, here only in N.T., from ασχημων ( ), from α privative and σχημα . Occurs in the papyri. Infinitive in indirect discourse after νομιζε (thinks) with ε (condition of first class, assumed as true). If she be past the flower of her age ( εαν η υπερακμος ). Old word, only here in N.T., from υπερ (over) and ακμη (prime or bloom of life), past the bloom of youth, superadultus (Vulgate). Compound adjective with feminine form like masculine. Apparently the Corinthians had asked Paul about the duty of a father towards his daughter old enough to marry. If need so requireth ( κα ουτως οφειλε γινεσθα ). "And it ought to happen." Paul has discussed the problem of marriage for virgins on the grounds of expediency. Now he faces the question where the daughter wishes to marry and there is no serious objection to it. The father is advised to consent. Roman and Greek fathers had the control of the marriage of their daughters. "My marriage is my father's care; it is not for me to decide about that" (Hermione in Euripides' Andromache , 987). Let them marry ( γαμειτωσαν ). Present active plural imperative (long form).

‏ 1 Corinthians 7:36-38

That he behaveth himself unseemly ( ασχημονειν ). Old verb, here only in N.T., from ασχημων (1Co 12:23), from α privative and σχημα. Occurs in the papyri. Infinitive in indirect discourse after νομιζε (thinks) with ε (condition of first class, assumed as true).

If she be past the flower of her age ( εαν η υπερακμος ). Old word, only here in N.T., from υπερ (over) and ακμη (prime or bloom of life), past the bloom of youth, superadultus (Vulgate). Compound adjective with feminine form like masculine. Apparently the Corinthians had asked Paul about the duty of a father towards his daughter old enough to marry.

If need so requireth ( κα ουτως οφειλε γινεσθα ). "And it ought to happen." Paul has discussed the problem of marriage for virgins on the grounds of expediency. Now he faces the question where the daughter wishes to marry and there is no serious objection to it. The father is advised to consent. Roman and Greek fathers had the control of the marriage of their daughters. "My marriage is my father's care; it is not for me to decide about that" (Hermione in Euripides' Andromache, 987).

Let them marry ( γαμειτωσαν ). Present active plural imperative (long form).

To keep his own virgin daughter ( τηρειν την εαυτου παρθενον ). This means the case when the virgin daughter does not wish to marry and the father agrees with her,

he shall do well ( καλως ποιησε ).

Doeth well ( καλως ποιε ). So Paul commends the father who gives his daughter in marriage ( γαμιζε ). This verb γαμιζω has not been found outside the N.T. See on Mt 22:30.

Shall do better ( κρεισσον ποιησε ). In view of the present distress (7:26) and the shortened time (7:29). And yet, when all is said, Paul leaves the whole problem of getting married an open question to be settled by each individual case.