“To Be Thus Is Good”: Verbal Infinitives and Temporal Crisis in 1 Corinthians 7:26

Νομίζω οὖν τοῦτο καλὸν ὑπάρχειν διὰ τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν ἀνάγκην, ὅτι καλὸν ἀνθρώπῳ τὸ οὕτως εἶναι.
(1 Corinthians 7:26)

Paul’s Ethical Judgment in Light of Present Distress

In 1 Corinthians 7:26, Paul offers a pastoral judgment — not a universal law — rooted in situational wisdom. The verse is syntactically intricate, balancing infinitival clauses with causal subordination, and using repetition of the adjective καλὸν (“good”) to guide both logic and tone. Paul’s Greek here models a nuanced blend of reasoned opinion and theological caution.

Stating the Judgment: νομίζω τοῦτο καλὸν ὑπάρχειν

The core statement begins:

νομίζω οὖν τοῦτο καλὸν ὑπάρχειν
“Therefore, I think this is good to be”

νομίζω

This is a present active indicative, 1st person singular of νομίζω, “I consider” or “I judge.” It introduces a personal opinion, often reasoned and reflective, rather than an authoritative decree. The verb signals deliberative counsel rather than command.

τοῦτο καλὸν ὑπάρχειν

This phrase contains an accusative + infinitive construction, common in indirect discourse.

– τοῦτο (“this”) functions as the subject of the infinitive.
– ὑπάρχειν (present active infinitive of ὑπάρχω) means “to be” or “to exist.” It is slightly more formal or philosophical than εἶναι.
– καλὸν (“good”) is the predicate adjective, modifying τοῦτο.

This yields: I consider this to be good.

The Circumstantial Clause: διὰ τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν ἀνάγκην

Paul gives a reason for his judgment:

διὰ τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν ἀνάγκην
“because of the present distress”

– διὰ + accusative indicates causal reasoning — “on account of.”
– τὴν ἀνάγκην refers to necessity, compulsion, or pressure — often external and severe.
– ἐνεστῶσαν is the perfect active participle (feminine accusative singular) of ἐνίστημι, meaning “to be present” or “to threaten.” Its perfect tense emphasizes a current and enduring state of pressure.

This phrase is crucial: Paul is not presenting an eternal ethic but a contextual judgment based on a moment of distress.

Reinforcing the Judgment: ὅτι καλὸν ἀνθρώπῳ τὸ οὕτως εἶναι

Paul restates his conclusion in a causal clause introduced by ὅτι:

ὅτι καλὸν ἀνθρώπῳ τὸ οὕτως εἶναι
“that it is good for a person to be thus”

– καλὸν again appears first, continuing the judgment motif.
– ἀνθρώπῳ is dative singular — the recipient of the “good,” i.e., for a human being.
– τὸ οὕτως εἶναι is a neuter articular infinitive phrase:
– τὸ + infinitive = substantival clause (“the being”)
– οὕτως (“thus”) refers back to the previous discussion — likely singleness or remaining as one is.
– εἶναι (present infinitive of εἰμί) expresses state of being.

This clause reframes the earlier thought from a general “this is good” to a more personal “this is good for a man to be thus.”

Table: Structural and Semantic Analysis

Goodness in Context: Wisdom for the Pressured Heart

Paul’s Greek in 1 Corinthians 7:26 is not abstract philosophy but compassionate realism. The repetition of καλὸν, the use of two infinitives, and the balance between νομίζω and ὅτι all shape an ethical perspective bound to context — the “present distress.” The articular infinitives (τὸ… εἶναι) lend weight and precision, emphasizing the state of being rather than specific actions.

This verse models pastoral discernment. Paul does not legislate, he reasons. He does not impose a timeless rule but urges believers to read their context wisely and embrace what is “good” — even if that goodness is conditional, situational, and difficult.

To be “thus” — single, stable, undistracted — is not universally required, but in times of trouble, Paul says, it is truly good.