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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/7-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/46_1Co_07_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 7:9 - Principles of Marriage" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. 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It’s better to marry than to burn with lust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn <i>with passion.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn <i>with passion.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But if they do not have self-control, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn <i>with passion</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But if they do not have [sufficient] self-control, they should marry; for it is better to marry than to burn <i>with passion</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if they do not have self-control, they should marry, since it is better to marry than to burn with desire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if they do not have self-control, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with desire. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But if they have not continency, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But if you don't have enough self-control, then go ahead and get married. After all, it is better to marry than to burn with desire. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But if they have not continency, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />However, if you cannot control your desires, you should get married. It is better for you to marry than to burn [with sexual desire].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But if you cannot restrain your desires, go ahead and marry--it is better to marry than to burn with passion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />However, if they cannot control themselves, they should get married, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But if they do not have self-control, let them get married. For it is better to marry than to burn with sexual desire. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But if they do not have self-control, let them marry. For it's better to marry than to burn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />If, however, they cannot maintain self-control, by all means let them marry; for marriage is better than the fever of passion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But if they don’t have self-control, let them marry. For it’s better to marry than to burn with passion. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and if they do not have continence—let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and if they have not continence -- let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And if they have not self command, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to be set on fire.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But if they do not contain themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to be burnt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But if they cannot restrain themselves, they should marry. For it is better to marry, than to be burned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />but if they cannot exercise self-control they should marry, for it is better to marry than to be on fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But if they are not practicing self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But if they cannot endure it, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But if they do not endure, let them marry. It is beneficial for them to take a wife rather than to burn with lust.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But if they can not be continent, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />but if they do not contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But if they have not the gift of continence, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but if they have not the gift, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to be in pain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />If, however, they cannot maintain self-control, by all means let them marry; for marriage is better than the fever of passion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />But, if they have not continency let them marry; for <i>it is</i> better to marry than to burn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />But if they have not the gift of continence, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn <i>with lust.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=1228" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Principles of Marriage</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>Now to the unmarried and widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1467.htm" title="1467: enkrateuontai (V-PIM/P-3P) -- To exercise self-control, be continent. Middle voice from egkrates; to exercise self-restraint.">they cannot control themselves,</a> <a href="/greek/1060.htm" title="1060: gamēsatōsan (V-AMA-3P) -- To marry, used of either sex. From gamos; to wed.">let them marry.</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">it is</a> <a href="/greek/2909.htm" title="2909: kreitton (Adj-NNS-C) -- Stronger, more excellent. Comparative of a derivative of kratos; stronger, i.e. better, i.e. Nobler.">better</a> <a href="/greek/1060.htm" title="1060: gamēsai (V-ANA) -- To marry, used of either sex. From gamos; to wed.">to marry</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">than</a> <a href="/greek/4448.htm" title="4448: pyrousthai (V-PNM/P) -- From pur; to kindle, i.e. to be ignited, glow, be refined, or to be inflamed.">to burn with passion.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">10</span>To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-11.htm">Matthew 19:11-12</a></span><br />“Not everyone can accept this word,” He replied, “but only those to whom it has been given. / For there are eunuchs who were born that way; others were made that way by men; and still others live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm">1 Timothy 5:14</a></span><br />So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/2-18.htm">Genesis 2:18</a></span><br />The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/5-18.htm">Proverbs 5:18-19</a></span><br />May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth: / A loving doe, a graceful fawn—may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Hebrews 13:4</a></span><br />Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:3-5</a></span><br />For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; / each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, / not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-31.htm">Ephesians 5:31-33</a></span><br />“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” / This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church. / Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/songs/8-6.htm">Song of Solomon 8:6-7</a></span><br />Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal upon your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as unrelenting as Sheol. Its sparks are fiery flames, the fiercest blaze of all. / Mighty waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If a man were to give all the wealth of his house for love, his offer would be utterly scorned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-3.htm">1 Timothy 4:3</a></span><br />They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/1-28.htm">Genesis 1:28</a></span><br />God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-22.htm">Proverbs 18:22</a></span><br />He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-28.htm">Matthew 5:28</a></span><br />But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-2.htm">1 Peter 4:2</a></span><br />Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/7-2.htm">Romans 7:2</a></span><br />For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9-12</a></span><br />Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. / For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up! / Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.</p><p class="hdg">let.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/7-2.htm">1 Corinthians 7:2,28,36,39</a></b></br> Nevertheless, <i>to avoid</i> fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/5-11.htm">1 Timothy 5:11,14</a></b></br> But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/42-25.htm">Aflame</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">Better</a> <a href="/luke/24-32.htm">Burn</a> <a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/john/21-25.htm">Contain</a> <a href="/romans/6-20.htm">Control</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-7.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/romans/12-7.htm">Exercise</a> <a href="/acts/28-8.htm">Fever</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-7.htm">However</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-7.htm">Life</a> <a href="/romans/6-13.htm">Maintain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-1.htm">Marriage</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-4.htm">Married</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-1.htm">Marry</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-15.htm">Means</a> <a href="/romans/1-27.htm">Passion</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-5.htm">Self-Control</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">Themselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/11-29.htm">Aflame</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-38.htm">Better</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-29.htm">Burn</a> <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/galatians/4-24.htm">Contain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-37.htm">Control</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-12.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">Exercise</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-16.htm">Fever</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-15.htm">However</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-17.htm">Life</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-14.htm">Maintain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-27.htm">Marriage</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">Married</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-28.htm">Marry</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">Means</a> <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Passion</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">Self-Control</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-14.htm">Themselves</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-1.htm">He discusses marriage;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-4.htm">showing it to be a remedy against sinful desires,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">and that the bond thereof ought not lightly to be dissolved.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-20.htm">Every man must be content with his vocation.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-25.htm">Virginity wherefore to be embraced;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-35.htm">and for what respects we may either marry, or abstain from marrying.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But if they cannot control themselves</b><br>This phrase addresses individuals who struggle with self-control regarding sexual desires. In the context of <a href="/1_corinthians/7.htm">1 Corinthians 7</a>, Paul is responding to questions from the Corinthian church about marriage and celibacy. The city of Corinth was known for its immorality and pagan practices, which included temple prostitution. This cultural backdrop made sexual temptation a significant issue for new believers. Paul acknowledges human weakness and the difficulty of maintaining celibacy for those who are not gifted with it, as he mentions earlier in the chapter (<a href="/1_corinthians/7-7.htm">1 Corinthians 7:7</a>). This aligns with the biblical understanding that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>), yet recognizes that not all possess it to the same degree.<p><b>let them marry</b><br>Marriage is presented as a legitimate and honorable solution for those who struggle with sexual self-control. This reflects the biblical view of marriage as a covenant relationship instituted by God (<a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a>). In the Jewish tradition, marriage was highly esteemed, and Paul upholds this view, suggesting that marriage is preferable to falling into sexual sin. The New Testament consistently affirms the sanctity of marriage (<a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Hebrews 13:4</a>), and Paul’s advice here is practical, providing a way to live righteously within the bounds of God’s design for human relationships.<p><b>For it is better to marry than to burn with passion</b><br>The phrase "burn with passion" indicates intense sexual desire that can lead to sin if not properly managed. Paul’s counsel is pragmatic, recognizing that marriage can serve as a safeguard against sexual immorality. This advice is consistent with the broader biblical teaching that sexual relations are to be enjoyed within the confines of marriage (<a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:3-5</a>). The imagery of "burning" suggests the consuming nature of unchecked desire, which can lead to destructive behavior. By advocating for marriage, Paul provides a constructive outlet for these desires, aligning with the biblical principle that God provides a way to escape temptation (<a href="/1_corinthians/10-13.htm">1 Corinthians 10:13</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, providing guidance on issues related to marriage and celibacy.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>A major city in ancient Greece known for its diverse population and moral challenges, including issues related to sexual immorality.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of Paul's letter, a community of believers navigating their faith amidst a culture with differing values.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_gift_of_self-control.htm">The Gift of Self-Control</a></b><br>Not everyone possesses the gift of celibacy. Recognizing one's limitations in self-control is crucial for making wise decisions about marriage.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/marriage_as_a_godly_solution.htm">Marriage as a Godly Solution</a></b><br>Marriage is presented as a legitimate and honorable solution for those who struggle with sexual desires, aligning with God's design for human relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_temptation.htm">Avoiding Temptation</a></b><br>Paul emphasizes the importance of avoiding situations that lead to sin. Marriage can be a protective measure against falling into sexual immorality.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_personal_calling.htm">Understanding Personal Calling</a></b><br>Each believer must discern their calling, whether to marriage or celibacy, and live accordingly to honor God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_passion.htm">The Role of Passion</a></b><br>Passion is a natural part of human experience, but it must be directed in ways that align with God's will, such as within the bounds of marriage.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'marry_than_burn'_mean.htm">What does "Better to marry than to burn" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_shia_islam's_core_beliefs.htm">What does 'Better to marry than to burn' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_grumble_when_gratitude_brings_joy.htm">What does the Bible say about celibacy and abstinence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_celibacy's_benefits.htm">What benefits does celibacy offer to individuals?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">It is better . . .</span>--Because to be influenced with unlawful desire is a sin, and to marry is no sin.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If they cannot contain;</span> rather, <span class="accented">if they have not continency. <span class="cmt_word"></span>Let them marry</span>. In <a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm">1 Timothy 5:14</a> he lays down and justifies the same rule with reference to young widows. <span class="cmt_word">It is better to marry than to burn.</span> The original tenses give greater force and beauty to this obvious rule of Christian common sense and morality. The "marry" is in the aorist - "to marry once for all," and live in holy married union; the "burn" is in the present - "to be on fire with concupiscence." Marriage once for all is better than continuous lust; the former is permitted, the latter sinful. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰ</span> <span class="translit">(ei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they cannot control themselves,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐγκρατεύονται</span> <span class="translit">(enkrateuontai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1467.htm">Strong's 1467: </a> </span><span class="str2">To exercise self-control, be continent. Middle voice from egkrates; to exercise self-restraint.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let them marry.</span><br /><span class="grk">γαμησάτωσαν</span> <span class="translit">(gamēsatōsan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> </span><span class="str2">To marry, used of either sex. From gamos; to wed.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">γάρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστιν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">better</span><br /><span class="grk">κρεῖττον</span> <span class="translit">(kreitton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular - Comparative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2909.htm">Strong's 2909: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stronger, more excellent. Comparative of a derivative of kratos; stronger, i.e. better, i.e. Nobler.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to marry</span><br /><span class="grk">γαμῆσαι</span> <span class="translit">(gamēsai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> </span><span class="str2">To marry, used of either sex. From gamos; to wed.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than</span><br /><span class="grk">ἢ</span> <span class="translit">(ē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> </span><span class="str2">Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to burn with passion.</span><br /><span class="grk">πυροῦσθαι</span> <span class="translit">(pyrousthai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4448.htm">Strong's 4448: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pur; to kindle, i.e. to be ignited, glow, be refined, or to be inflamed.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">1 Corinthians 7:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">1 Corinthians 7:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">1 Corinthians 7:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">1 Corinthians 7:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">1 Corinthians 7:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">1 Corinthians 7:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">1 Corinthians 7:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">1 Corinthians 7:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">1 Corinthians 7:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">1 Corinthians 7:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/7-9.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they don't have self-control let (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 7:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 7:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 7:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 7:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>