1 Corinthians 7:9

But if they have not continency (ei de ouk egkrateuontai). Condition of the first class, assumed as true. Direct middle voice egkrateuontai, hold themselves in, control themselves. Let them marry (gamhsatwsan). First aorist (ingressive) active imperative. Usual Koin form in -twsan for third plural. Better (kreitton). Marriage is better than continued sexual passion. Paul has not said that celibacy is better than marriage though he has justified it and expressed his own personal preference for it. The metaphorical use of purousqai (present middle infinitive) for sexual passion is common enough as also for grief ( 2 Corinthians 11:29 ).