I CORINTHIANS 7:36

Q: I have trouble understanding what the first part of this verse refers to. Who is the “virgin?”

Take comfort in the fact that you are not alone in being confused here. Even the translators of the Bible into English don't seem to be in agreement here. So the best I can do is present the major options, as reflected by various translations.

Let's begin with some fairly literal translations: “But if any man thinks that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin...” (KJV)  “If anyone things he is behaving dishonorably toward his virgin...” (NAB)

Next are those who feel that it refers to a father's relationship to his daughter in not letting her get married: “But if any man things that he is acting unbecomingly toward his virgin daughter...” (NAS) “Still, if there is anyone who feels that it would not be fair to his daughter...” (Jerusalem Bible)

Or it may refer to the woman to whom he is engaged: “If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed...” (RSV)  “If anyone thinks he is acting improperly toward the virgin he is engaged to...” (NIV)  “But if any man feels he is not behaving honourably toward the woman he loves...”(J. B. Phillips)

Others feel that a celibacy pact is in mind here: “But if a man has a partner in celibacy and feels that he is not behaving properly toward her...” (NEB)  “In the case of an engaged couple who have decided not to marry, if the man feels that he is not acting properly toward the girl...” (TEV)

And finally there are those who are undecided between the last two options: “But if anyone feels he ought to marry because he has trouble controlling his passions...” (Living Bible)