He that Gives Her in Marriage Does Well 1 Corinthians 7:38

Because “the time is short”, Paul the apostle gave instructions to those who were “married, unmarried and soon to be married”. He included direction concerning those who either had daughters who were “marriageable” and “marriageable maidens” who were ready for marriage, and in chapter seven and verse thirty-eight of First Corinthians, Paul gave instructions to the church member who “gives” and “does not give in marriage” where we read:

So then he that gives her in marriage does well;

but he that gives her not in marriage does better.

The verse begins, “So then he that giveth her in marriage does well;” Paul began with the words, “So then” or “insomuch that, therefore and wherefore also, even and indeed” “he that gives her in marriage” which refers to “the person who gives his daughter to be married” “does well” or “make, produces and fashions beautifully, finely, excellently, nobly, commendably, honorably and well”. Because there is a choice for the man who has a daughter who is available to be married, Paul declared it to be a good thing to allow her to marry.

The verse goes on to say, “but he that gives her not in marriage does better.” Paul continued with the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “he that gives her not in marriage” which means “the person that does not give his daughter in marriage” “does better” or “make, produces and fashions of a greater advantage”. Paul declared it to be a “better” or “more advantageous” thing if the person who has a daughter who is available to be married to not allow her to do so.

When we consider these words from Paul, we may be a little startled over the power of choice for the father of a “marriageable maiden”. Of course, many things have changed in our day, but there was much to be thought through when a young woman “came of age” to be married. Fathers had a significant role in deciding whether she should or should not be married, and compliance was imperative. We should keep in mind that Paul was mostly concerned about the “gospel of Jesus Christ”, and he meant to keep the church without reproach in all areas of these intimate relationships. If we remember that an “eternal relationship” with God is superior to all others, it helps to understand Paul's desire and directive toward the fathers. If we are in the situation of which Paul is sharing, let us pray and think through this area of scripture and be certain we know whether we are to “do well” or “do better”.

Next time Paul gives instructions to church member “wives” as he writes, “the wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.