1 Corinthians 7:9 nasb — But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

NASB

"But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion."

— 1 Corinthians 7:9, NASB

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

1 Corinthians 7:9 in Other Translations

4 versions All translations

1 Corinthians 7 — Context

6

But this I say by way of concession, not of command.

7

Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am. However, each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that.

8

But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I.

9

But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

10

But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband

11

(but if she does leave, she must remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not divorce his wife.

12

But to the rest I say, not the Lord, that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he must not divorce her.

1 Corinthians 7:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Corinthians 7:9 say?
1 Corinthians 7:9 in the NASB reads: “But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
Where is 1 Corinthians 7:9 in the Bible?
1 Corinthians 7:9 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 7, verse 9.
Who wrote 1 Corinthians?
1 Corinthians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 55.
What is the book of 1 Corinthians about?
Paul writes to a gifted but fractured church wrestling with divisions, sexual sin, lawsuits, marriage questions, food offered to idols, and disorder in worship. Through every issue he points back to the cross, the Spirit, and the resurrection — and gives us the church's greatest chapter on love.
What are the major themes of 1 Corinthians?
1 Corinthians explores themes including Unity, Cross, Spiritual Gifts, Love, Resurrection. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Corinthians 7:9.
What translation should I read 1 Corinthians 7:9 in?
1 Corinthians 7:9 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Corinthians 7:9?
1 Corinthians 7:9 reads (NASB): “But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2