1 Corinthians 7:26

I suppose. Or, “I think.”

For. Rather, “because of.”

Present. Or, “at hand.” The word thus translated is used in 2 Thess. 2:2 for the second coming of Christ not being “at hand.”

Distress. Gr. anagke, meaning either “need” (ch. 7:37, translated “necessity”) or “distress” (1 Thess. 3:7; etc.). In Luke 21:23 anagke is used of the distress to come upon the land in connection with the destruction of Jerusalem. Paul was doubtless referring to the imminence of a time of great trouble and perplexity for the Christian community.

Good. Gr. kalos (see on v. 1). In studying the counsel concerning marriage the believer should remember that in regulating his conduct it is necessary to give thought, not only to that which is lawful, but also to that which is expedient (see chs. 6:12; 10:23).

Man. Gr. anthropos, generic man, either man or woman.

So to be. This phrase may be understood in two ways: (1) As counsel to remain as they were. Compare the advice relative to changing employment on accepting Christ (see vs. 17, 18, 20, 24). (2) As referring to what follows; that is, to say, the believers are to be guided in matters relative to the unmarried by the instruction given in vs. 27-38. In view of impending calamities, the believers are advised to avoid entering into any condition that would increase their perplexity and distress.