tage under existing circumstances. That is, as he expresses it, his design was to promote what was becoming and jyroper in them ; that is, to promote assiduous, undistracted devotion to the Lord. In other words, that they might be free from any thing to divert their minds from the service of the Lord. The literal translation is, ' For devotion to the Lord without distraction.' Every where the apostle is careful to show that celibacy was preferred merely on the grounds of expediency, and not on the ground of its being a higher state of virtue. All assumption or imposition of vows of celibacy, is a restric- tion of the liberty which the apostle was solicitous not to in- vade. Such vows are a snare ; and those who take them are like an animal in a net.
36. But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of (her) age, and need so require, let him do what he wiQ, he sinneth not : let them marry.
v^ This and the following verse are addressed to fathers, for
-^ with them, according to the usage both of Jews and Greeks, rested the disposal of the daughters of the family. Though the apostle regarded marriage at that time as inexpedient, he tells fathers that they were perfectly free to exercise their own judgment in giving their daughters in marriage, or keeping them single. If any man (i. e. any father) thinketh he behaveth himself uncomely towards his virgin. The word (d(rx>7/Aovc(o) may be taken either actively or passively. The meaning may therefore be, ' If any father think he exposes himself to dis- grace by keeping his daughter unmarried ; ' as it was consid- ered a reproach to be unmarried. Or, ' K he think that he exposes her to disgrace.' The latter interpretation is to be preferred because agreeable to the common use of the word, and because it is required by the preposition (c7rt), which in- dicates the object of the action of the verb. If she pass the flower of her age. This is one of the conditions of the case on which Paul gives his advice. The daughter must be of ftill age ; and secondly, there must be some reason why in her case marriage is necessary : if need so require. ^ The daugh- ter's happiness may be involved. Under these circumstances the father may do what he will; he does not sin in giving his daughter in marriage, and, therefore, let them (i. e. the parties)