1 Corinthians 7:40
New International Version
In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

New Living Translation
But in my opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am giving you counsel from God’s Spirit when I say this.

English Standard Version
Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

Berean Standard Bible
In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

Berean Literal Bible
But she is more blessed if she should remain in the same manner, according to my judgment; and I think myself also to have the Spirit of God.

King James Bible
But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

New King James Version
But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment—and I think I also have the Spirit of God.

New American Standard Bible
But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

NASB 1995
But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

NASB 1977
But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

Legacy Standard Bible
But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

Amplified Bible
But in my opinion a widow is happier if she stays as she is. And I think that I also have the Spirit of God [in this matter].

Christian Standard Bible
But she is happier if she remains as she is, in my opinion. And I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But she is happier if she remains as she is, in my opinion. And I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

American Standard Version
But she is happier if she abide as she is, after my judgment: and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

Contemporary English Version
However, I think I am obeying God's Spirit when I say she would be happier to stay single.

English Revised Version
But she is happier if she abide as she is, after my judgment: and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
However, she will be more blessed if she stays as she is. That is my opinion, and I think that I, too, have God's Spirit.

Good News Translation
She will be happier, however, if she stays as she is. That is my opinion, and I think that I too have God's Spirit.

International Standard Version
However, in my opinion she will be happier if she stays as she is. And in saying this, I think that I, too, have God's Spirit.

Majority Standard Bible
In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

NET Bible
But in my opinion, she will be happier if she remains as she is--and I think that I too have the Spirit of God!

New Heart English Bible
But she is happier if she stays as she is, in my judgment, and I think that I also have God's Spirit.

Webster's Bible Translation
But she is happier if she so remain, after my judgment; and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

Weymouth New Testament
But in my judgement, her state is a more enviable one if she remains as she is; and I also think that I have the Spirit of God.

World English Bible
But she is happier if she stays as she is, in my judgment, and I think that I also have God’s Spirit.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and she is happier if she may so remain—according to my judgment; and I think I also have the Spirit of God.

Berean Literal Bible
But she is more blessed if she should remain in the same manner, according to my judgment; and I think myself also to have the Spirit of God.

Young's Literal Translation
and she is happier if she may so remain -- according to my judgment; and I think I also have the Spirit of God.

Smith's Literal Translation
And she is happier if she so remain, according to my opinion: and I also think to have the Spirit of God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But more blessed shall she be, if she so remain, according to my counsel; and I think that I also have the spirit of God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But she will be more blessed, if she remains in this state, in accord with my counsel. And I think that I, too, have the Spirit of God.

New American Bible
She is more blessed, though, in my opinion, if she remains as she is, and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

New Revised Standard Version
But in my judgment she is more blessed if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But in my opinion, she is happier to remain as she is. And I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But she is blessed if she remains in this way, according to my mind, but I think also that The Spirit of God is in me.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But she is happier, in my judgment, if she remains as she is; and I think that I have, also, the Spirit of God.

Godbey New Testament
But she is happier if she may so remain, according to my opinion: but I realize that I truly have the Spirit of God.

Haweis New Testament
But she is more blessed if she abide as she is, in my opinion: and I think I have the spirit of God.

Mace New Testament
but she will be happier, if she remain a widow, in my opinion: and I think the divine spirit suggests the same.

Weymouth New Testament
But in my judgement, her state is a more enviable one if she remains as she is; and I also think that I have the Spirit of God.

Worrell New Testament
But she is happier, if she abides as she is, according to my judgment; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

Worsley New Testament
but she is happier, in my opinion, if she continue as she is: and I think I have the Spirit of God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Unmarried and Widowed
39A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord. 40In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:15
The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment.

Romans 8:9
You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

1 Thessalonians 4:8
Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit.

John 14:17
the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you.

Acts 15:28
It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements:

Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

1 John 2:20
You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.

1 John 4:13
By this we know that we remain in Him, and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit.

2 Corinthians 1:12
For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.

Philippians 1:9-10
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

Ephesians 5:9
for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.


Treasury of Scripture

But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

she.

1 Corinthians 7:1,8,26,35
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman…

I think.

1 Corinthians 7:25
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.

1 Corinthians 9:1-3
Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? …

1 Corinthians 14:36,37
What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? …

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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.














In my judgment
The phrase "In my judgment" reflects the Apostle Paul's personal discernment and wisdom. The Greek word used here is "gnōmē," which implies a thoughtful opinion or decision. Paul, as an apostle, is offering his considered advice, not as a command from the Lord but as a wise counselor. This highlights the importance of godly wisdom and discernment in making life decisions, especially in matters not explicitly addressed by divine command.

she is happier
The term "happier" is translated from the Greek word "makarios," which often denotes a state of blessedness or contentment. Paul suggests that the widow or unmarried woman may find greater peace and fulfillment in remaining single. This reflects a broader biblical principle that true happiness is found not in external circumstances but in one's relationship with God and alignment with His will.

if she remains as she is
This phrase suggests a state of contentment and stability. The Greek word "menō" means to abide or remain. Paul is advocating for the value of singleness, particularly in the context of the "present distress" (1 Corinthians 7:26). This advice is not a denouncement of marriage but an acknowledgment of the unique opportunities for undivided devotion to the Lord that singleness can offer.

And I think
The phrase "And I think" indicates Paul's humility and self-awareness. The Greek word "dokeō" means to seem or to suppose. Paul is careful to distinguish between his inspired teachings and his personal opinions, showing a model of humility and integrity in leadership. This serves as a reminder that spiritual leaders must rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance while also acknowledging their human limitations.

that I too have the Spirit of God
Here, Paul asserts his confidence in being led by the Holy Spirit. The phrase "Spirit of God" refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who guides and empowers believers. Paul's statement underscores the belief that the Holy Spirit provides wisdom and insight to those who seek God's will. It also affirms the authority of Paul's teachings, as they are not merely human opinions but are informed by divine inspiration.

Verse 40. - Happier. Freer from cares, distractions, and entanglements. If she so abide. If she remain a widow. I think also that I have the Spirit of God; rather, I think that I also, as well as the other teachers who have claimed spiritual authority for the rules they have given you about these subjects. The claim to authoritative decision is obviously less emphatic than it is in 1 Corinthians 14:37; still, it is an expression of personal conviction that he has the Spirit, not an implied doubt of the fact.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
In
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

my
ἐμὴν (emēn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1699: My, mine. From the oblique cases of ego; my.

judgment,
γνώμην (gnōmēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1106: Opinion, counsel, judgment, intention, decree. From ginosko; cognition, i.e. opinion, or resolve.

however,
δέ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

she is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

happier
μακαριωτέρα (makariōtera)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 3107: Happy, blessed, to be envied. A prolonged form of the poetical makar; supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off.

if
ἐὰν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

she remains
μείνῃ (meinē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3306: To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.

as she is.
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

And
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

I think that
δοκῶ (dokō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1380: A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.

I too
κἀγὼ (kagō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2504: To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me.

have
ἔχειν (echein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

[the] Spirit
Πνεῦμα (Pneuma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

of God.
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she stays (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 7:39
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