The Meaning of 1 Corinthians 7:25 Explained

1 Corinthians 7:25

KJV: Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

YLT: And concerning the virgins, a command of the Lord I have not; and I give judgment as having obtained kindness from the Lord to be faithful:

Darby: But concerning virgins, I have no commandment of the Lord; but I give my opinion, as having received mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

ASV: Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Now  concerning  virgins  I have  no  commandment  of the Lord:  yet  I give  my judgment,  as  one that hath obtained mercy  of  the Lord  to be  faithful. 

What does 1 Corinthians 7:25 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The "virgins" (Gr. parthenoi) were a group within the "unmarried" (agamoi) of 1 Corinthians 7:8. Paul used the feminine gender in five out of the six uses of this noun in 1 Corinthians 7:25-38. Consequently it seems clear that he was speaking of female virgins in particular.
There are three major views about the identity of these virgins. One view is that they were the virgin daughters of men in the Corinthian church and that these fathers had questions about giving their daughters in marriage. A second view is that the virgins were both men and women who were living together in a "spiritual marriage" (i.e, without sexual relations). A third view is that the virgins were females who were engaged, or thinking of becoming engaged, but were experiencing pressure from the "spiritual" in the church to forgo marriage. I believe the text supports the third view best.
The Lord Jesus had not addressed this problem during His earthly ministry as far as Paul knew (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:12). Paul gave his inspired opinion as a trustworthy (wise) steward of the Lord who had received mercy to be such ( 1 Corinthians 4:2). Note that Paul appealed to the Lord"s mercy, not His command. As in the first part of this chapter, Paul was offering good advice, but he was not commanding that everyone do the same thing. Thus to choose not to follow Paul"s advice did not amount to sinning.

Context Summary

1 Corinthians 7:25-40 - Counsel For Times Of Emergency
The virgin here referred to is probably the young woman who was engaged to be married, and the counsel is expressly defined to be advice, and given only under the pressure of the times, when the dissolution of all things seemed at hand. It seemed wiser not to enter upon matrimony because everything was in flux, but no sin was contracted if marriage took place, so long as it was only in the Lord, 1 Corinthians 7:39. As pilgrims we should hold all earthly things but lightly, 1 Corinthians 7:30.
The allusion of 1 Corinthians 7:31 is to the shifting scenery of a theater. The fashion of the age is like the ever-changing moving-picture films that flash before the audience and cannot be arrested or recalled. Surely the unmarried among us should ponder carefully the recommendations of 1 Corinthians 7:32-34, the first of which refers to the man and the second to the wife. Where both are Christians, however, surely there may be union in caring for the things of the Lord, that the great cause of His Kingdom may be expedited rather than hindered. But everything in this chapter, as well as the general New Testament teaching, emphasizes the absolute importance of marriage being only in the Lord, 1 Corinthians 7:39. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Corinthians 7

1  He discusses marriage;
4  showing it to be a remedy against sinful desires,
10  and that the bond thereof ought not lightly to be dissolved
20  Every man must be content with his vocation
25  Virginity wherefore to be embraced;
35  and for what respects we may either marry, or abstain from marrying

Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 7:25

I have no commandment of the Lord [επιταγην Κυριου ουκ εχω]
A late word from επιτασσω — epitassō old Greek verb to enjoin, to give orders to. Paul did have (1 Corinthians 7:10) a command from the Lord as we have in Matthew and Mark. It was quite possible for Paul to know this command of Jesus as he did other sayings of Jesus (Acts 20:35) even if he had as yet no access to a written gospel or had received no direct revelation on the subject from Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23). Sayings of Jesus were passed on among the believers. But Paul had no specific word from Jesus on the subject of virgins. They call for special treatment, young unmarried women only Paul means (1 Corinthians 7:25, 1 Corinthians 7:28, 1 Corinthians 7:34, 1 Corinthians 7:36-38) and not as in Revelation 14:4 (metaphor). It is probable that in the letter (1 Corinthians 7:1) the Corinthians had asked about this problem. [source]
But I give my judgment [γνωμην δε διδωμι]
About mixed marriages (1 Corinthians 7:12) Paul had the command of Jesus concerning divorce to guide him. Here he has nothing from Jesus at all. So he gives no “command,” but only “a judgment,” a deliberately formed decision from knowledge (2 Corinthians 8:10), not a mere passing fancy. As one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful (ως ηλεημενος υπο κυριου πιστος ειναι — hōs ēleēmenos hupo kuriou pistos einai). Perfect passive participle of ελεεω — eleeō old verb to receive mercy (ελεος — eleos). Πιστος — Pistos is predicate nominative with infinitive ειναι — einai This language, so far from being a disclaimer of inspiration, is an express claim to help from the Lord in the forming of this duly considered judgment, which is in no sense a command, but an inspired opinion. [source]
As one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful [ως ηλεημενος υπο κυριου πιστος ειναι]
Perfect passive participle of ελεεω — eleeō old verb to receive mercy Πιστος — Pistos is predicate nominative with infinitive ειναι — einai This language, so far from being a disclaimer of inspiration, is an express claim to help from the Lord in the forming of this duly considered judgment, which is in no sense a command, but an inspired opinion. [source]
Virgins [παρθένων]
Not the unmarried of both sexes, as Bengel. The use of the word by ecclesiastical writers for an unmarried man has no warrant in classical usage, and may have arisen from the misinterpretation of Revelation 14:4, where it is employed adjectivally and metaphorically. In every other case in the New Testament the meaning is unquestionable. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 7:25

1 Corinthians 7:8 To the unmarried and to the widows [τοις αγαμοις και ταις χηραις]
It is possible that by “the unmarried” (masculine plural) the apostle means only men since widows are added and since virgins receive special treatment later (1 Corinthians 7:25) and in 1 Corinthians 7:32 ο αγαμος — ho agamos is the unmarried man. It is hardly likely that Paul means only widowers and widows and means to call himself a widower by ως καγω — hōs kagō (even as I). After discussing marital relations in 1 Corinthians 7:2-7 he returns to the original question in 1 Corinthians 7:1 and repeats his own personal preference as in 1 Corinthians 7:7. He does not say that it is better to be unmarried, but only that it is good (καλον — kalon as in 1 Corinthians 7:1) for them to remain unmarried. Αγαμος — Agamos is an old word and in N.T. occurs only in this passage. In 1 Corinthians 7:11, 1 Corinthians 7:34 it is used of women where the old Greeks would have used ανανδρος — anandros without a husband. [source]
1 Corinthians 7:25 I have no commandment of the Lord [επιταγην Κυριου ουκ εχω]
A late word from επιτασσω — epitassō old Greek verb to enjoin, to give orders to. Paul did have (1 Corinthians 7:10) a command from the Lord as we have in Matthew and Mark. It was quite possible for Paul to know this command of Jesus as he did other sayings of Jesus (Acts 20:35) even if he had as yet no access to a written gospel or had received no direct revelation on the subject from Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23). Sayings of Jesus were passed on among the believers. But Paul had no specific word from Jesus on the subject of virgins. They call for special treatment, young unmarried women only Paul means (1 Corinthians 7:25, 1 Corinthians 7:28, 1 Corinthians 7:34, 1 Corinthians 7:36-38) and not as in Revelation 14:4 (metaphor). It is probable that in the letter (1 Corinthians 7:1) the Corinthians had asked about this problem. [source]
1 Corinthians 7:40 After my judgment [κατα την εμην γνωμην]
The same word used in 1 Corinthians 7:25, not a command. I think (δοκω — dokō). From δοκεω — dokeō not νομιζω — nomizō of 1 Corinthians 7:26. But he insists that he has “the spirit of God” (πνευμα τεου — pneuma theou) in the expression of his inspired judgment on this difficult, complicated, tangled problem of marriage. But he has discharged his duty and leaves each one to decide for himself. [source]
2 Corinthians 4:1 As we have received mercy []
Construe with we have this ministry. Having this ministry as a gift of divine mercy. Compare 1 Corinthians 7:25. Bengel says: “The mercy of God, by which the ministry is received, makes us earnest and sincere.” [source]
2 Corinthians 8:10 Judgment [γνωμην]
Deliberate opinion, but not a “command” Cf. 1 Corinthians 7:25. [source]
1 Thessalonians 4:15 By the word of the Lord [ἐν λόγῳ κυρίου]
Or in the word. Λόγος of a concrete saying, Romans 9:9; Romans 13:9. We do not say this on our own authority. Comp. 1 Corinthians 7:10, 1 Corinthians 7:12, 1 Corinthians 7:25. No recorded saying of the Lord answers to this reference. It may refer to a saying transmitted orally, or to a direct revelation to Paul. Comp. Galatians 1:12; Galatians 2:2; Ephesians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 12:1, 2 Corinthians 12:9. [source]
1 Timothy 1:13 I obtained mercy [ἠλεήθην]
Comp. 1 Timothy 1:16. In speaking of his conversion, Paul uses χάρις graceSee 1 Timothy 1:14, and the apostleship he speaks of himself as one who has obtained mercy ( ἠλεημένος ) of the Lord to be faithful. 1 Corinthians 7:25; comp. 2 Corinthians 4:1. [source]
Philemon 1:14 Without thy mind [χωρις της σης γνωμης]
Judgment, purpose (1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 7:25). Ablative case with χωρις — chōris (apart from). [source]
Revelation 17:13 Mind [γνώμην]
Meaning primarily the faculty of knowing, mind, reason; then that which is thought or known; opinion, purpose. See Acts 20:3; 1 Corinthians 7:25; Philemon 1:14. [source]
Revelation 1:5 The faithful witness [ὁ μάρτυς ὁ πιστὸς]
For the phraseology see on 1 John 4:9. For witness, see on John 1:7; see on 1 Peter 5:1. As applied to the Messiah, see Psalm 89:37; Isaiah 55:4. The construction again departs from the grammatical rule. The words witness, first-born, ruler, are in the nominative case, instead of being in the genitive, in apposition with Jesus Christ. This construction, though irregular, nevertheless gives dignity and emphasis to these titles of the Lord. See on Revelation 1:4. The word πιστὸς , faithful is used (1), of one who shows Himself faithful in the discharge of a duty or the administration of a trust (Matthew 24:45; Luke 12:42). Hence, trustworthy (1 Corinthians 7:25; 2 Timothy 2:2). Of things that can be relied upon (1 Timothy 3:1; 2 Timothy 2:11). (2), Confiding; trusting; a believer (Galatians 3:9; Acts 16:1; 2 Corinthians 6:15; 1 Timothy 5:16). See on 1 John 1:9. The word is combined with ἀληθινός , true, genuine in Revelation 3:14; Revelation 19:11; Revelation 21:5; Revelation 22:6. Richard of St. Victor (cited by Trench) says: “A faithful witness, because He gave faithful testimony concerning all things which were to be testified to by Him in the world. A faithful witness, because whatever He heard from the Father, He faithfully made known to His disciples. A faithful witness, because He taught the way of God in truth, neither did He care for any one nor regard the person of men. A faithful witness, because He announced condemnation to the reprobate and salvation to the elect. A faithful witness, because He confirmed by miracles the truth which He taught in words. A faithful witness, because He denied not, even in death, the Father's testimony to Himself. A faithful witness, because He will give testimony in the day of judgment concerning the works of the good and of the evil.” [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Corinthians 7:25 mean?

Concerning now the virgins a commandment of [the] Lord not I have judgment however I give as having received mercy from [the] Lord trustworthy to be
Περὶ δὲ τῶν παρθένων ἐπιταγὴν Κυρίου οὐκ ἔχω γνώμην δὲ δίδωμι ὡς ἠλεημένος ὑπὸ Κυρίου πιστὸς εἶναι

Περὶ  Concerning 
Parse: Preposition
Root: περί 
Sense: about, concerning, on account of, because of, around, near.
δὲ  now 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
παρθένων  virgins 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root: παρθένος  
Sense: a virgin.
ἐπιταγὴν  a  commandment 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἐπιταγή  
Sense: an injunction, mandate, command.
Κυρίου  of  [the]  Lord 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: κύριος  
Sense: he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord.
ἔχω  I  have 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ἔχω  
Sense: to have, i.e. to hold.
γνώμην  judgment 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: γνώμη  
Sense: the faculty of knowledge, mind, reason.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
δίδωμι  I  give 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: διδῶ 
Sense: to give.
ἠλεημένος  having  received  mercy 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἐλεέω 
Sense: to have mercy on.
Κυρίου  [the]  Lord 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: κύριος  
Sense: he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord.
πιστὸς  trustworthy 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: πιστός  
Sense: trusty, faithful.
εἶναι  to  be 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.