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1 Corinthians 7

Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.

Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

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 will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

What does 1 Corinthians 7:27 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 7:27 is a directive given by the Apostle Paul addressing marital status in the Christian life.

It is part of a larger discussion within the chapter regarding marriage, celibacy, and the concerns of earthly and spiritual responsibilities.

In this particular verse, Paul seems to be advising believers not to be overly concerned with changing their marital status.

The literal meaning implies that if one is married, they should not seek to be separated or divorced ("seek not to be loosed").

Conversely, if one is not married, they should not feel compelled to find a spouse ("seek not a wife").

The deeper meaning suggests contentment with one's current situation and a focus on one's relationship with God, rather than being preoccupied with marital affairs.

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

During the time Paul wrote 1 Corinthians, the early Christian community in Corinth was amidst a pagan society filled with various cultural and religious influences. The city was known for its wealth, diversity, and moral laxity.

Christians in Corinth were trying to navigate their faith within this complex social setting.

Paul's advice reflects an attempt to guide the Corinthian believers to live lives that are consistent with their new faith amid uncertainty, including the expectation of the imminent return of Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives consider the emphasis of Paul's advice differently.

Some may argue that Paul is emphasizing the eschatological (end times) urgency, suggesting that earthly matters such as marriage will soon be irrelevant with the coming of Christ.

Others may view it as practical guidance for a life of devotion, without the added cares and concerns that marriage can bring.

Furthermore, Paul's directive can also be interpreted within the context of Christian freedom, where one's status, whether married or single, is not a barrier to living a life pleasing to God.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life by encouraging individuals to find contentment in whatever state they are in.

For married people, it is an encouragement to work on their marriage and not hastily seek a way out.

For singles, it is a reminder that one's worth and calling are not defined by marital status, and they can pursue a fulfilling life without feeling pressured to marry.

For both groups, the underlying principle is to prioritize one's commitment to God rather than societal expectations.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 7:20 - "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called."
1 Corinthians 7:24 - "Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God."
Matthew 19:10-12 - Discourse on marriage and celibacy.
Philippians 4:11 - "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

Language Study

The key phrases here are "bound unto a wife," "seek not to be loosed," "loosed from a wife," and "seek not a wife." In the original Greek text:

"Bound" (δεδέσαι, dedesai) conveys being tied or obligated.
"Seek" (ζήτει, zetei) implies an active endeavor or quest.
"Loosed" (λέλυσαι, lelusai) suggests being released or freed.

By examining these Greek words, the force of Paul's exhortation to remain in one’s current state becomes clearer, it's as if he’s telling the Corinthians to not actively disrupt their current obligations or lack thereof.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Greco-Roman society, marital status could affect social status and inheritance rights.

Paul's advice shifts the focus from social to spiritual concerns.

Comparing this to other ancient religions, Judaism placed a high value on marriage and procreation, seen in the commandment to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28).

In contrast, some sects like the Essenes practiced celibacy. Paul’s directive in Christianity introduces a radical middle ground, placing one’s spiritual life above marital status.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific correlation to the advice not to seek marriage or dissolution, contemporary psychology acknowledges the importance of contentment and the psychological impacts of significant life changes, like marriage or divorce.

Studies on wellbeing suggest that stable relationships can lead to increased happiness but also recognize the value of individual fulfillment outside of marital status.

Commentaries

According to the Expositor's Bible Commentary, Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 7:27 is part of the "principle of remaining in one's situation," where the apostle urges believers that their calling to Christ can be lived out in any condition, married or single.

Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that the focus should be on pleasing God, rather than relatively trivial concerns such as marital status.

The Pulpit Commentary notes that Paul does not prohibit marriage or divorce under all circumstances, but that he speaks against actively seeking change for the sake of change.

These perspectives highlight the Apostle's balancing of earthly roles and spiritual priorities.

1 Corinthians 7

1 Corinthians 7

What does 1 Corinthians 7:27 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does 1 Corinthians 7:27 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?