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, however, she is happier if she remains as she is.
Paul is addressing the issue of remarriage for widows. In the context of 1 Corinthians 7, Paul discusses marriage, singleness, and celibacy, offering guidance to the Corinthian church. His advice is based on the present circumstances of the church, which faced persecution and societal challenges. The phrase "in my judgment" indicates Paul's personal opinion, yet it is informed by his apostolic authority and understanding of the Christian life. The idea that a widow "is happier if she remains as she is" suggests that singleness can offer a greater focus on spiritual matters without the distractions of marital responsibilities. This reflects the cultural context of the time, where marriage was often seen as a social obligation, but Paul emphasizes the value of undivided devotion to the Lord, as seen earlier in the chapter (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).

And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
Paul asserts his confidence in his spiritual discernment, affirming that his guidance is not merely human wisdom but is influenced by the Holy Spirit. This statement underscores the authority of his teachings, aligning them with divine inspiration. The phrase reflects the broader biblical theme of the Holy Spirit guiding believers into truth (John 16:13). It also connects to the idea of spiritual gifts and discernment discussed in 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul elaborates on the role of the Spirit in the life of the church. By stating "I too have the Spirit of God," Paul aligns himself with other spiritual leaders and prophets who are led by the Spirit, reinforcing the legitimacy of his counsel to the Corinthians.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Corinthians, providing guidance on marriage and singleness.

2. The Corinthian Church
The recipients of the letter, a diverse and often troubled early Christian community in Corinth.

3. Widows
Specifically addressed in this verse, as Paul discusses their state and potential remarriage.

4. The Spirit of God
Referenced by Paul as the source of his judgment and guidance.
Teaching Points
Contentment in Singleness
Paul suggests that a widow may be happier remaining single, emphasizing the value of contentment in one's current state. This can apply to anyone considering their life circumstances and seeking fulfillment in God rather than societal expectations.

Guidance of the Holy Spirit
Paul asserts that his advice is Spirit-led, reminding believers to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in making life decisions. This encourages a reliance on spiritual discernment over cultural norms.

The Role of Personal Judgment
Paul uses his judgment, informed by the Spirit, to offer advice. This highlights the importance of developing personal wisdom and discernment through a relationship with God.

The Value of Community Counsel
While Paul offers personal advice, it is within the context of community and scriptural teaching. Believers are encouraged to seek counsel from trusted, Spirit-led individuals within their faith community.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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