Most translations that we consulted add the word “cannot” or an equivalent expression. This is not in the Greek text, and since sexual immorality was certainly known within the church at Corinth (see 5.1; 7.2), a translation such as “if they are not living continently” (Barrett; similarly New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible) gives the literal meaning. However, cannot is implied; they do not live continently because they cannot do so. Therefore we recommend that translators follow Revised Standard Version and Good News Bible‘s model.

Should marry: the context makes it close in meaning to a direct command by Paul.

The verb marry, in Greek as in English, could be used with either men or women as its subject. The context shows that both are intended here.

In the second half of the sentence some manuscripts (not mentioned in the UBS Greek text) have the present tense, “to be in the married state,” instead of the aorist, meaning “to get married.” However, the manuscript evidence for the aorist is better. The difference in meaning between the two is probably not enough for an alternative translation to be given in a footnote.

Aflame with passion: with passion is clearly implied by the context. Some commentators have thought that aflame referred to “burning in hell,” but most modern commentators reject this interpretation. One may also express aflame with passion as “to have sexual passion burning in you” or “to have hearts that burn with sexual passion.” Thai Common Language Version says “better than to have a heart hot with sexual passion.” In some languages passion is said to “oppress” or “trouble.”

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .