1 Corinthians 7:9

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. IF THEY CANNOT CONTAIN (). BURN - with the flame of lust, which consumes the whole inner man. The dew of God's must stifle the flame, or it will thrust men into hell-fire....

9._But if they cannot contain _While he advises to abstain from marriage, he always speaks conditionally — _if it can be done, if there is ability_; but where the infirmity of the flesh does not allow of that liberty, he expressly enjoins marriage as a thing that is not in the least doubtful. For this is said _by way of commandment_, that no one may look upon it as mere advice. Nor is it merely fornicators that he restrains, but those also who are defiled in the sight of God by inward lust; and assuredly he that _cannot contain _tempts God, if he neglects the remedy of marriage. This matter requires — not advice, but strict prohibition. _For it is better _There is not strictly a comparison here, inasmuch as lawful _marriage is honorable in all things_, (Hebrews 13:4,) but, on the other hand, _to burn _is a thing that is exceedingly wrong. The Apost

1-9 The apostle tells the Corinthians that it was good, in that juncture of time, for Christians to keep themselves single. Yet he says that marriage, and the comforts of that state, are settled by Divine wisdom. Though none may break the law of God, yet that perfect rule leaves men at liberty to serve him in the way most suited to their powers and circumstances, of which others often are very unfit judges. All must determine for themselves, seeking counsel from God how they ought to act....

Verse 1 Corinthians 7:9. _BUT IF THEY CANNOT CONTAIN_] If they find it inconvenient and uncomfortable to continue as widowers and widows, let them remarry. _IT IS BETTER TO MARRY THAN TO BURN._] Bishop Pearce translates the original thus: _For it is better to marry than to be made_ _uneasy_. πυρουσθαι, says he, "signifies primarily _to burn_; but in a metaphorical sense, to be _troubled, vexed_, or _made uneasy_. So in 2 Corinthians 11:29: _Who is offended and I burn not_, και ουκ εγω πυρουμαι, _and I am not_ _troubled_. So in _Terence, Uro hominem_, is _I vex him_." It would be well to _soften_ the sense of this word in reference to the subject of which the apostle speaks. He cannot mean bu

BUT IF THEY CANNOT CONTAIN - If they have not the gift of continence; if they cannot be secure against temptation; if they have not strength of virtue enough to preserve them from the danger of sin, and of bringing reproach and scandal on the church. IT IS BETTER - It is to be preferred. THAN TO BURN - The passion here referred to is often compared to a fire; see Virgil, _Aeneas_ 4:68. It is better to marry, even with all the inconveniences attending the marriage life in a time of distress and persecution in the church 1 Corinthians 7:26, than to be the prey of raging, consuming, and exciting passions....

EXPOSITION 1 CORINTHIANS 7:1 _Answers to the inquiries of the Corinthians respecting marriage._ 1 CORINTHIANS 7:1 _The_ _lawfulness of marriage, and its duties._ 1 CORINTHIANS 7:1 NOW CONCERNING. This refers to questions of the Corinthians. It is GOOD FOR A MAN NOT TO TOUCH A WOMAN. The word used is not _agathon, _good, but _kalon, _fair; "an excellent thing." In 1 Corinthians 7:26 he limits the word by the clause, "good for the p

BUT IF THEY CANNOT CONTAIN, c. Or "if they do not contain", as the words may be rendered, and as almost all versions do render them if they have not the gift of continency; if they are not willing, and do not think fit to contain, for none are to be compelled; if either therefore they want a will or power to contain, let them marry; it is not only lawful for them to marry, but it is right and best for them; hence it appears that second marriages are lawful, which were condemned by some of the ancients: for it is better to marry than to burn; or be burnt; not with material fire, as Judah ordered Tamar to be brought forth and burnt with, for whoredom; nor with hell fire, the just demerit of uncleanness; but with the fire of lust itself; and so the Syriac version reads it, "it is better to marry than to be burnt" ברגתא, "with lust"; when persons not only find in them some lustful motions an...

4. CONCERNING THE RELATIONSHIP OF MAN AND WOMAN CHAPTER 7 _ 1. The Single and the Married Life. (1 Corinthians 7:1)._ 2. Separation and Divorce. (1 Corinthians 7:10). 3. Abiding in the Different Callings. (1 Corinthians 7:17). 4. The Unmarried and Married in Contrast. (1 Corinthians 7:25). It is evident from the first verse that the Corinthians had inquired of the Apostle about marriage and the relationship of man and woman. It was an important question in a city of the character of Corinth, so full of immorality. This chapter answers their questi

He now passes on to special classes. First, those who are unmarried or have lost their partners. It would be best for them to follow Paul's example and remain as they are. But if they have not the gift of continence, it would be better to marry than to be inflamed with illicit desire. The married must abide in the married state, as Jesus Himself commands. If the wife should leave her husband, she must refrain from contracting a new union, or, if she feels she must have a man to live with, she must make it up with her husband. Similarly, the husband must not desert the wife. So much for the case where both are Christians. But for the cases where one is a heathen, no command of Jesus can be quoted. If the heathen is willing to continue the relationship, the Christian is not to dissolve it. It was natural for a Christian to feel that the continuance of the relation involved defilement and m...

COMPLETE ASCETICISM (1 Corinthians 7:1-2)...