1 Corinthians 7:9 web — But if they don't have self-control, let them marry. For it's better to marry than to burn.

World English Bible

"But if they don't have self-control, let them marry. For it's better to marry than to burn."

— 1 Corinthians 7:9, World English Bible

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1 Corinthians 7:9 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

1 Corinthians 7 — Context

6

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

7

Yet I wish that all men were like me. However each man has his own gift from God, one of this kind, and another of that kind.

8

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

9

But if they don't have self-control, let them marry. For it's better to marry than to burn.

10

But to the married I command--not I, but the Lord--that the wife not leave her husband

11

(but if she departs, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband not leave his wife.

12

But to the rest I--not the Lord--say, if any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she is content to live with him, let him not leave her.

1 Corinthians 7:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Corinthians 7:9 say?
1 Corinthians 7:9 in the World English Bible reads: “But if they don't have self-control, let them marry. For it's better to marry than to burn.”
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 (WEB): “But if they don't have self-control, let them marry. For it's better to marry than to burn.” 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.
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