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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 7:29 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 7:29 presents a complex and somewhat counterintuitive instruction from the Apostle Paul concerning marital relationships.

It suggests an attitude of detachment or disengagement towards marital affairs by those who are married, which, at first glance, seems contrary to the typically encouraged deep emotional investment in one's spouse.

What Paul is emphasizing here is the necessity of prioritizing spiritual matters over earthly ties, given the "shortness" of time, which is often interpreted as the impending end of the age or the nearness of Christ's return.

The deeper meaning implies an urgency in focusing on one's relationship with God and the matters of the spirit, instead of becoming overly consumed with worldly matters, even such important ones as marriage.

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Corinthians, authored by Paul, was written to the church in Corinth, a cosmopolitan Greek city known for its wealth, diversity, and moral laxity.

During the first century, there was a prevalent belief among Christians that the return of Christ was imminent.

This belief influenced their daily living and the instruction they received from their leaders.

The context of this particular passage is Paul addressing various questions concerning marriage, celibacy, and related topics as they live in anticipation of the eschaton (end of the current age).

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints offer varying interpretations of this verse:

The Preterist viewpoint may suggest that Paul was speaking to a reality specific to his time, expecting the end of the age within his own generation.
Historicist or mainstream Christian theology would interpret this as relevant to all Christians, irrespective of the age, as it reflects the principle of living with an eternal perspective.
Some eschatological views point to this as indicative of a "last days" mindset, applicable to all who await Christ’s return.
The existentialist Christian perspective emphasizes living authentically in the present moment with an awareness of the temporal nature of this world.

Practical Applications

From a practical standpoint, the teachings could be applied in several ways:

Balancing priorities by ensuring that one's spiritual life is not neglected in favor of marital or familial concerns.
Living with an understanding that material and relational ties are temporary, and thus holding them loosely.
Fostering a constant readiness for the return of Christ or the end of one's life, leading to a life lived with purpose and urgency.

Cross-References

Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Luke 14:26: "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple."
Matthew 24:42: "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."

Language Study

The key word in the original Greek text is "καιρὸς" (kairos), which translates as "time" in English.

However, kairos implies a special, opportune time, distinct from chronological time (chronos).

Additionally, "ὡς μὴ ἔχοντες" (hōs mē echontes) means "as though they had none," indicating a manner of living that is not defined by one's marital state.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The religious perspectives found in Buddhism and Stoicism have parallels to this verse in their calls for detachment from earthly desires and relationships.

The Buddhist concept of impermanence (anicca) and the Stoic practice of apatheia (absence of passion) both echo the sentiment of living with an understanding of life’s transient nature resembling Paul's exhortation.

Scientific Perspectives

Contemporary scientific understandings of time perception, human behavior, and relationships can provide insights into this verse.

The sense of urgency Paul advocates can influence people's time perception and priorities.

Psychological studies on human attachment and relationships show that a balanced approach to attachments can contribute to a healthier life.

Commentaries

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible suggests that the phrase reflects the necessity of being prepared for afflictions, persecutions, and the challenges that Christians would face.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the need for Christians not to be overly engrossed in worldly affairs, as nothing on earth should take precedence over serving God.
The IVP New Testament Commentary Series proposes that it’s about maintaining a proper perspective on all relationships, viewing them through the lens of God's ultimate claim on our lives.

1 Corinthians 7

1 Corinthians 7

What does 1 Corinthians 7:29 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 7:29 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?