1 Corinthians 7:38

38 Therefore he that joineth his virgin in matrimony, doeth well; and he that joineth not, doeth better.

1 Corinthians 7:38 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 7:38

So then he that giveth [her] in marriage doth well
Does that which is in its own nature good; that which is agreeable to the will of God, is of his institution and appointment, and therefore must be good, and answer many good ends and purposes. Such an one that marries his daughter, he seeing a necessity for it, and a propriety in it, does a very good thing; secures her chastity, and his own credit; prevents fornication, and other evils that might follow; consults the good of mankind, and the honour of religion.

But he that giveth [her] not in marriage doth better;
not a better action in itself, simply considered; but more profitable and advantageous under such and such circumstances, with such and such conditions and consequences; since hereby a single person is more fit to encounter with and endure persecutions, is freer from the cares of life, and more at liberty to wait upon the Lord, and give up himself to his service.

1 Corinthians 7:38 In-Context

36 And if any man guesseth himself to be seen foul on his virgin, that she is full waxen [that she is well old], and so it behooveth to be done, do she that that she will [+do she what she will/do her keeper what she will/do she that he will]; she sinneth not, if she be wedded [+s/he sinneth not, if s/he be wedded].

37 For he that ordained stably in his heart [For why he that ordained stably, or steadfast, in his heart], not having need, but having power of his will, and hath deemed in his heart this thing, to keep his virgin [for to keep his virginity], doeth well.

38 Therefore he that joineth his virgin in matrimony, doeth well; and he that joineth not, doeth better.

39 The woman is bound to the law, as long time as her husband liveth; and if her husband is dead, she is delivered from the law of the husband [she is delivered from the law], be she wedded to whom she will, only in the Lord.

40 But she shall be more blessed, if she dwelleth thus [if she shall thus dwell], after my counsel; and I ween, that I have the Spirit of God.