What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 7:40? In my judgment, however Paul has just said that a widow “is free to marry anyone she wishes, only in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39). With the words, “In my judgment, however,” he offers pastoral counsel, not a legalistic command. • 1 Corinthians 7:6–7 shows the same pattern—permission to marry, yet counsel to remain single. • He distinguishes between his apostolic command (“I, not the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 7:12) and a Spirit-guided opinion aimed at the believer’s good. • Proverbs 11:14 reminds us that wise counsel protects; Paul is functioning as that counselor here. she is happier if she remains as she is The line reads in full: “she is happier if she remains as she is.” Paul believes singleness will yield greater contentment for the widow under Corinth’s present pressures (1 Corinthians 7:26). • Remaining single allows undivided devotion to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32–35). • A widow “left all alone” can set her hope on God and persist in prayer (1 Timothy 5:5). • Freedom from marital obligations may spare her the “distress” of the times (1 Corinthians 7:28). Yet this is counsel, not compulsion. If she chooses to remarry “in the Lord,” she does not sin (1 Corinthians 7:39–40). Scripture holds both paths as righteous, while calling one “happier” under certain circumstances. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God Paul closes with a gentle yet firm assertion of Spirit-given authority. • Earlier he wrote, “We have the mind of Christ” (1 Colossians 2:16), stressing that his teaching flows from the Spirit. • Jesus promised the Spirit would guide His apostles into all truth (John 16:13); Paul claims that promise here. • By saying “I too,” he reminds the Corinthians that their own spiritual gifts (1 Colossians 1:5–7) do not eclipse his apostolic role. His counsel therefore carries divine weight, even when labeled as personal judgment. summary Paul’s Spirit-guided opinion is that a widow will enjoy greater happiness and freedom for devoted service if she stays single, especially in challenging times. This advice is tender and pastoral, not a legal requirement, yet it comes with apostolic authority. The widow is free to choose; whichever path she walks in obedience to Christ will be honored, but Paul points to singleness as the sweeter blessing in the present situation. |
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