1 Corinthians 7:9

It is a good thing (καλόν) to remain free from every bond, if one can do so without sinning; but if sin is to be the result, it is better to marry; for sin is an evil, while marriage is not. The compound word ἐγκρατεύεσθαι includes three ideas: to possess in oneself (ἐν) the power of (κρατεῖν) controlling oneself (the middle form). It is the opposite of the ἀκρασία of 1 Corinthians 7:5.

The aor. imper. γαμησάτωσαν, let them marry, has something about it abrupt and dry: “Let them marry and have done with it!” The aor. ἐγάμησα in later Greek sometimes takes the place of the primitive aor. ἔγημα, which is found Luke 14:20.

The term πυροῦσθαι, to burn, does not at all apply to the torments of hell, as Tertullian and Pelagius thought. Paul by this word denotes every painful exercise of soul; comp. 2 Corinthians 11:29; here: the fire of inward lusts in conflict with conscience. Comp. the ἐξεκαύθησαν of Romans 1:27, not-withstanding the difference of situation.

The fundamental question regarding the formation of the marriage bond is resolved. The apostle now examines the questions relating to the maintenance or breach of this bond. He here encounters two different positions. The first is that of the married who both belong to the Church (1 Corinthians 7:10-11); the second, that of the married of whom one only is a Christian (1 Corinthians 7:12-16). There follows an appendix relating to some analogous questions (1 Corinthians 7:17-24).