Many consider this chapter to be very controversial, most of this stems from the doctrines of men, attempting to bring to naught the will of God.
No one in this chapter is allowed to leave or be reconciled to any other than their original scriptural spouse.
Some say celibacy is high and mighty in Paul’s eyes, and it is brought forth as good, better, but it is not high and mighty.
This chapter (as a good portion of this epistle) is the result of questions asked the inspired apostle in a letter they sent to him, this is likened to the game “jeopardy” we can conclude the questions by the answers he gives.
1Co 7:1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
This phrase “now concerning” occurs 5 times in this epistle (7:1; 25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1).
The question that is asked here is likely thus “is marriage in itself approved in the sight of God?”
The word “touch” here refers to sexual intercourse, the bible teaches that marriage is indeed honorable (Heb 13:4) . . .
Heb 13:4 Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
In fact the marriage relationship is so honorable, that it is used as a figure depicting the relationship between Christ and the church (Eph 5:22-33) . . .
Eph 5:22 Wives, be in subjection unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body.
Eph 5:24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their husbands in everything.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it;
Eph 5:26 that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,
Eph 5:27 that he might present the church to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Eph 5:28 Even so ought husbands also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his own wife loveth himself:
Eph 5:29 for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church;
Eph 5:30 because we are members of his body.
Eph 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.
Eph 5:32 This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church.
Eph 5:33 Nevertheless do ye also severally love each one his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she fear her husband.
Let us look at God’s view concerning this matter (Gen 2:18) . . .
Gen 2:18 And Jehovah God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.
And also the forbidding of marriage is one of the signs of the apostate church that was to come (1 Tim 4:1-3) . . .
1Ti 4:1 But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,
1Ti 4:2 through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;
1Ti 4:3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth.
What is spoken here is a defense for celibacy in view of the present “distress” (v 26), more than a discussion about marriage
1Co 7:2 But, because of fornications, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.
“But” here is in contrast, here is one of the purposes for marriage, in (1 Thess 4:3) it is written . . .
1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye abstain from fornication;
“Fornication” is defined by Thayer as . . .
Thayer Definition:
1) illicit sexual intercourse
1a) adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals etc.
1b) sexual intercourse with close relatives; Lev. 18
1c) sexual intercourse with a divorced man or woman;
This command also prohibits “polygamy.”
“His own wife” not wives, “her own husband” not husbands.
From the beginning God has purposed that the marriage relation be “one man’ “one woman” for life (Mt 19:8) . . .
Mat 19:8 He saith unto them, Moses for your hardness of heart suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it hath not been so.
1Co 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife her due: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
In the marriage relationship only do we see this allowed.
“Render” here means “pay, give reward”
This same word is used in regard to a financial debt (Mt 18:28), and to taxes (Rom 13:7).
“Due” (benevolence; KJV) here refers to “conjugal duty” the ESV renders it “conjugal rights”
Eph 5:23 teaches us that the husband is the head of the wife but not in sexual relations.
They are equal, both are heads in view of the other, sexual relations are not something dirty between a scriptural husband and wife, but rather something honorable (Heb 3:4), and privileged by God “only” to them.
Therefore “let them render to each other their conjugal rights, and this will enable them to avoid fornications.”
1Co 7:4 The wife hath not power over her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power over his own body, but the wife.
“Her own body” “his own body” it is their bodies, but in this matter they do not posses authority over it, this is equal and reciprocal (Pro 5:3-8) . . .
Pro 5:3 For the lips of a strange woman drop honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil:
Pro 5:4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword.
Pro 5:5 Her feet go down to death; Her steps take hold on Sheol;
Pro 5:6 So that she findeth not the level path of life: Her ways are unstable, and she knoweth it not.
Pro 5:7 Now therefore, my sons, hearken unto me, And depart not from the words of my mouth.
Pro 5:8 Remove thy way far from her, And come not nigh the door of her house;
Fulfill your conjugal duties and you won’t have this problem.
The word “NO!” concerning marital relations is not found in this text!
1Co 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be by consent for a season, that ye may give yourselves unto prayer, and may be together again, that Satan tempt you not because of your incontinency (“lack of self control” NKJV; NASB; ESV).
There are certain conditions when conjugal duties may be “temporarily” set aside
Three conditions must be met . . .
1) It must be done “by consent” (both parties must agree).
2) It must be done “for a season” (only for a limited time).
3) It must be done in order to more fully attend to spiritual matters (praying and fasting; KJV).
Here is the reason that it is only to be temporary “that Satan tempt you not because of your incontinency (lack of self control).”
In order that you do not want to fulfill this God given desire unlawfully.
If these commands are followed it will solve much of the MDR problems that we see today.
1Co 7:6 But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.
These periods of abstinence are not commanded, but the conditions must be met when abstinence is taking place between a husband and wife.
1Co 7:7 Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.
In the view of the present “distress” (v 26) probably refers to the persecutions brought about by the emperor Nero combined with the unbelieving Jews,
Some individuals are able to live a life without being drawn by that which God has put in individuals to propagate the human race and keep them faithful in their scriptural marriages (Mt 19:10-11).
Mat 19:10 The disciples say unto him, If the case of the man is so with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.
Mat 19:11 But he said unto them, Not all men can receive this saying, but they to whom it is given.
All things come from God, all things are meant to fulfill God’s will (Col 1:16) . . .
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (KJV).
Some people have the ability (gift) to not be pulled into fornication, most do not, Paul had this ability (gift), thus he was able not to be married, and remain faithful.
1Co 7:8 But I say to the unmarried and to widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
Here is another question being answered “should widows and remain unmarried?”
The answer is considering the present “distress” (v 26) it is best not to be married, but . . .
1Co 7:9 But if they have not continency (“self control”; NKJV; NASB; ESV), let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
If they don’t have the self control that is needed to refrain from fornication in that state, if they can’t control their passions and desires,
It is better that they marry, than to have these passions burning within you, leading you away from God and His commands (this could refer to “hellfire” but probably not).
Younger widows were encouraged to marry in Ephesus for basically the same reason (1 Tim 5:14-15) . . .
1Ti 5:14 I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling:
1Ti 5:15 for already some are turned aside after Satan.
1Co 7:10 But unto the married I give charge, yea not I, but the Lord, That the wife depart not from her husband
Here’s the next question “should persons who are married remain married?”
This is not Paul asserting his apostolic authority, but rather the Lord himself commanded this while on earth, the distinction is being made between that which the Lord addressed directly and that which Paul received by revelation (Gal 1:12; Eph 3:3), yet all Scripture is inspired of God (1 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:20-21)
The wife is not to divorce her husband, under the law of Moses divorce was permitted for just about any reason by those that basically misinterpreted the Law, but not any more, Christ brought things back to their original state, one man, one wife, for life (Mk 10:2-9) . . .
Mar 10:2 And there came unto him Pharisees, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? trying him.
Mar 10:3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
Mar 10:4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.
Mar 10:5 But Jesus said unto them, For your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.
Mar 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation, Male and female made he them.
Mar 10:7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife;
Mar 10:8 and the two shall become one flesh: so that they are no more two, but one flesh.
Mar 10:9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Mar 10:10 And in the house the disciples asked him again of this matter.
Mar 10:11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her:
Mar 10:12 and if she herself shall put away her husband, and marry another, she committeth adultery.
False teachers today want to put away these commands and say that they don’t apply to Christians, but just to those under the Law of Moses, yet Paul is clear here, “not I, but the Lord” is a reference to this exact passage (Mk 10:2-12). Also it should be noted that the disciples were instructed by the Lord in this matter (Mk 10:10-12), we are commanded to obey everything that was commanded to them (Mt 28:20), Mt 19:9 was addressing the Pharisees and the Law of Moses, we are not Pharisees nor under that law (Gal 5:4).
Also it should be noted that Mk 10:12 has the wife divorcing her husband, this was not allowed under Jewish law, but was allowed by Roman civil law, thus the Lord’s statement in Mk 10:12 clearly extends to those outside of the law of Moses
1Co 7:11 (but should she depart, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband); and that the husband leave not his wife.
But if divorce does take place, there are only 2 options available
1) Remain unmarried
2) Be reconciled
Note here that in this passage Paul seems to be ignorant of the so called “excepted clause” of Mt 19:9 and reaffirms his position at the end of this chapter in his summing it up (1 Cor 7:39).
1Co 7:39 A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
(It should also be noted that Mt 19:9 also contains a textual variant which has it basically saying what is found in Mt 5:32, “divorce is only allowed for fornication, but remarrying for all involved parties is not allowed.”
1Co 7:12 But to the rest say I, not the Lord: If any brother hath an unbelieving wife, and she is content to dwell with him, let him not leave her.
“To the rest” (of the marriage circumstances) with are included under the question
“should persons who are married remain married?”
Paul now (inspired of the Holy Spirit) will deal with circumstances which the Lord did not.
When a Christian man is married to a non-Christian women, if she is content to live with one that puts God first in all things, and with the present distress in view (v 26), and thus stays with him, he is not to divorce her.
1Co 7:13 And the woman that hath an unbelieving husband, and he is content to dwell with her, let her not leave her husband.
The same goes if the roles are reversed, do not get divorced, as long as the Christian is able to be faithful, and the unbeliever can endure the fact that the Christian loves God and Christ more than them, and is willing to deal with the persecutions (the distress; v 26; 2 Tim 3:12) that is promised to all Christians in one form or another, keep the union intact (Mt 10:36-37; Luke 14:26; 1 Tim 3:12)
Mat 10:36 and a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
Mat 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Luk 14:26 If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
1Co 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
This does not teach that the unbeliever is saved by being married to a Christian, but rather that the marriage relationship should be kept if possible, because marriage is sanctified (set apart) as a holy and ordained of God, as is civil government, as is the church.
And in staying married, God’s will is followed, and God is glorified (1 Cor 1:31; 10:31).
So if you are claiming that your marriage is unholy because one is an unbeliever, you’re wrong, stay married, for otherwise the children that are involved would be ceremonially unclean, as also seen in (Deut 23:2) . . .
Deu 23:2 A bastard (illegitimate child) shall not enter into the assembly of Jehovah; even to the tenth generation shall none of his enter into the assembly of Jehovah.
But children begat in a scriptural marriage are not ceremonially unclean, they are clean, holy.
Thus this passage teaches us that there is no distinction in God’s marriage laws, the individuals may be God’s children or not, but His rules apply to all.
1Co 7:15 Yet if the unbelieving departeth, let him depart: the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us in peace.
But if because of living the demanding life of a Christians, or the present distress (v 26), the unbeliever leaves, and cant bear to be married to “one not of the world yet in the world” let that person go, you are not in slavery to this person in a higher degree than you are to Christ, you are not expected to give up your salvation to keep the marriage intact, but rather stay married to Christ, that relationship that transcends this world and the next, while marriage is only of this world (Mt 22:30) . . .
Mat 22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as angels in heaven.
But those that were called by the gospel (1 Thess 2:14) and responded to that call, posses the peace that is beyond the comprehension of those who do not posses it (Phili 4:7), one is not in bondage to give this up.
The word “depart” here is passive, one is not to initiate this divorce, let him go, let him do it.
The word “bondage” here is “dou-lo-o” is never used of the marriage bond,
Δουλόω; douloō; doo-lo'-o
Thayer Definition:
1) to make a slave of, reduce to bondage
2) metaphorically give myself wholly to one’s needs and service, make myself a bondman to him
Also this word “bondage” “dou-lo-o” is “perfect passive indicative” it refers to something they are not involved in now, nor never have been involved in, thus this cannot be the marriage bond.
1Co 7:16 For how knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? Or how knowest thou, O husband, whether thou shalt save thy wife?
Here is the reason why it is profitable to stay married to the unbeliever, they may be drawn to the truth by your life (1 Pet 3:1-2).
1Pe 3:1 In like manner, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives;
1Pe 3:2 beholding your chaste behavior coupled with fear.
1Co 7:17 Only, as the Lord hath distributed to each man, as God hath called each, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all the churches.
Here is another question being dealt with “does one becoming a Christian have to change his cultural customs that are not wrong in themselves?” (In other words if they are lawful states in the sight of God)
Paul taught the same thing in every congregation (1 Cor 4:17), he bound and loosed that which was already bound and loosed (Mt 16:16; 18:18), forever settled in heaven (Ps 119:89), he revealed the very commands of God (1 Cor 14:37), these are not recommendations, but orders through which Christ exercises His headship over the church (Eph 1:22-23).
1Co 7:18 Was any man called being circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Hath any been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised.
1Co 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God.
Circumcision is nothing and is not sin as long as it is not made a matter of justification (Acts 15:5),
Act 15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, It is needful to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses.
The answer to this was (Acts 15:24) . . .
Act 15:24 Forasmuch as we have heard that certain who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls; to whom we gave no commandment;
Look at Gal 5:1-6 . . .
Gal 5:1 For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.
Gal 5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision (as a matter of justification), Christ will profit you nothing.
Gal 5:3 Yea, I testify again to every man that receiveth circumcision (as a matter of justification), that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
Gal 5:4 Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace.
Gal 5:5 For we through the Spirit by faith wait for the hope of righteousness.
Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.
Circumcision is merely a physical custom in itself, it has nothing to do with your salvation unless you say it saves you, what truly matters is if we posses faith that works, for faith without works is dead (Ja 2:17, 24, 26).
The most important thing one can do is keep the commandments of God, this is the dividing line between the saved and the lost (1 John 2:3-5) . . .
1Jo 2:3 And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;
1Jo 2:5 but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him:
Keeping the commandments of God is how the Christian demonstrates his love (2 John 6) . . .
2Jo 1:6 And this is love, that we should walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, even as ye heard from the beginning, that ye should walk in it.
And here is the commandment (John 14:15) . . .
Joh 14:15 If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.
1Co 7:20 Let each man abide in that calling wherein he was called.
Again this speaks of lawful states, those aligned with God’s commands (Eph 4:28) . . .
Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need.
Did you steal your neighbors cow, car, wife, give it back and keep the commandments of God (Mt 5:32).
Mat 5:32 but I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth (continues to commit) adultery.
Being in a state of adultery is not a lawful state, no matter how many men attempt to do away with this command (1 Cor 6:9-11; Heb 13:4) . . .
Co 6:9 Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men,
1Co 6:10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
1Co 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.
Heb 13:4 Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
1Co 7:21 Wast thou called being a bondservant? Care not for it: nay, even if thou canst become free, use it rather.
If you were called as a slave, don’t be overly concerned by it, even if you can’t legally become free, instead use it to glorify God as depicted in (Eph 6:5-7) . . .
Eph 6:5 Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Eph 6:6 not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
Eph 6:7 with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men:
Its important to note that 60% of the Roman Empire were slaves, thus many, if not most Christians were slaves.
1Co 7:22 For he that was called in the Lord being a bondservant, is the Lord's freedman: likewise he that was called being free, is Christ's bondservant.
Because the slave is free “in Christ” free from sin and death, free from the law of Moses, free from the worry of the troubles of this life, for his sights are on heaven, his true home (Col 3:1-4; Phili 3:20-21; Mt 6:19-21).
Col 3:1 If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.
Col 3:3 For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory.
Phi 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Phi 3:21 who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.
Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal:
Mat 6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Mat 6:21 for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.
And those that are free from slavery, have through the gospel of Christ made themselves a slave of Christ, for in truth all are slaves (Rom 6:16-18) . . .
Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Rom 6:17 But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;
Rom 6:18 and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness.
1Co 7:23 Ye were bought with a price; become not bondservants of men.
The word “Christian” means “one owned by Christ” the Christian has been purchased by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28; Tit 2:14), they are not their own (2 Cor 5:14-15) . . .
2Co 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died;
2Co 5:15 and he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again.
And God’s will is that we “in Christ” spend the rest of our earthly lives doing good works (Eph 2:10) . . .
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them.
And we are to be fervent therein (Tit 2:14) . . .
Tit 2:14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.
1Co 7:24 Brethren, let each man, wherein he was called, therein abide with God.
Therefore whatever lawful state in which a person was called by the gospel (remember “the keeping of the commands of God”; v 19; is our rule of thumb in this section and marriage is the topic being addressed thus “in whatever lawful marriage state you were in when called by the gospel (2 Thess 2:14), stay in”) in that state abide “with God” that denotes fellowship, thus not separated by sin from Him (Isa 59:2), but rather abiding in the doctrine of Christ; John 8:31; 2 John 9).
Joh 8:31 Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples;
2Jo 1:9 Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son.
1Co 7:25 Now concerning virgins (the betrothed; ESV) I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.
Here is the next question “those that have never been married, should they stay that way, or should they get married?” (We also need to keep “the distress” v 26 always in view when going through this chapter)
The Lord gave no specific commands concerning these matters in His earthly ministry, thus
Paul is going to give his inspired opinion on these matters, because they are matters of opinion.
It should be noted that the ESV translates "virgins" as "betrothed" in these verses, this is likely speaking of those engaged to be married
1Co 7:26 I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, namely, that it is good for a man to be as he is.
We really don’t know the specific “distress” from the context, but history tells us there was much persecution from Nero, probably more than any other time during the early history of the church.
The Christians were taking the blame for everything that went wrong for the Roman Empire, they thrown to the lions for entertainment, burned as human torches so others could revel at night (such as Nero himself at his drinking parties).
Romans were attempting to get Christians to denounce Christ and hail Caesar, and if they would not, they would torture their family members before them in an attempt to get them to do so, for they already have died to self (2 Cor 5:14; Col 3:3), thus it was no loss if they themselves were killed but rather gain (Mt 5:10-12; Phili 1:21; 3:10-11; Rev 20:4-6), and the heathens knew this, where would you be in this scenario?
1Co 7:27 Art thou bound unto a wife? Seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? Seek not a wife.
This verse is better rendered by the ESV
1Co 7:27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. (ESV)
Barnes states concerning this verse . . .
“Art thou loosed from a wife? - Art thou unmarried? It should have been rendered “free from” a wife; or art thou single? It does not imply of necessity that the person had been married, though it may have that meaning, and signify those who had been separated from a wife by her death. There is no necessity of supposing that Paul refers to persons who had divorced their wives. So Grotius, Schleusner, Doddridge, etc.”
Those that are engaged, don’t seek to dissolve the betrothal, just stay engaged for the present time
Those that are not betrothed, engaged, better that you don’t get married at this present time.
1Co 7:28 But shouldest thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin (betrothed woman; ESV) marry, she hath not sinned. Yet such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I would spare you.
This would only refer to those who can keep the commands of God (v 19) being eligible to be married (1 Cor 7:39), specifically the betrothed, those engaged to be married
1Co 7:39 A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
1Co 7:29 But this I say, brethren, the time is shortened, that henceforth both those that have wives may be as though they had none;
The persecutions are going to continue to get worse, to those that are married, it will be as you are not, families will be persecuted, fleeing and in disarray.
1Co 7:30 and those that weep, as though they wept not; and those that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and those that buy, as though they possessed not;
One won’t know which way to turn, all will seem lost, families and possessions will be in a chaotic state.
1Co 7:31 and those that use the world, as not using it to the full: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
But remember that this world is not our home (Phili 3:20), Christians are merely sojourners, pilgrims in this world (1 Pet 2:11) we need to be focused upon things that corrupt not (Mt 6:19-21), and walk in holiness (1 Pet 1:15), if we expect to see heaven (Heb 12:14), because this world is day by day winding down, growing closer to that Day of days when it will no longer be (Gen 8:22; Ps 72:5, 7; Mt 24:35; 2 Pet 3:3-14).
1Co 7:32 But I would have you to be free from cares. He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
With the persecutions in view, one ought to be more focused upon the things of the Lord, prayer, fasting, meditation upon God’s word, this will help get you through these trying times.
1Co 7:33 but he that is married is careful for the things of the world, how he may please his wife,
1Co 7:34a and is divided
While the person that is married, may be more worried about the physical needs of his wife, food, clothes, shelter, ect.
This does not have reference to the lust of the eye, flesh and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17), this is speaking of pleasing one’s wife lawfully in sanctity, holiness (1 Thess 4:1-8)
1Th 4:1 Finally then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as ye received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, even as ye do walk, - that ye abound more and more.
1Th 4:2 For ye know what charge we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye abstain from fornication;
1Th 4:4 that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel (or “wife”; NASB margin) in sanctification and honor,
1Th 4:5 not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who know not God; (Heb 13:4)
1Th 4:6 that no man transgress, and wrong his brother (could be a reference to the believing wife) in the matter: because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified.
1Th 4:7 For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification.
1Th 4:8 Therefore he that rejecteth, rejecteth not man, but God, who giveth his Holy Spirit unto you.
“And is divided” (v 34a) belongs with this verse, one doesn’t heed any more distractions than necessary, if your wife causes you to lose your immortal soul while attending to her temporary needs, it won’t please the Lord.
1Co 7:34b So also the woman that is unmarried and the virgin (betrothed woman; ESV) is careful for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married is careful for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
The same goes for the flipside of this matter, the unmarried woman and the virgin can spend more time and energies on the things of the Lord, instead of splitting up their time between their husbands and the Lord.
Again this is not speaking of the sinful things of the world, but just the everyday cares of the world through which Satan would have you lose you soul, as seen in the case of the thorny ground (Luke 8:14) . . .
Luk 8:14 And that which fell among the thorns, these are they that have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
Things do not have to be sinful in themselves for one to be lost through them (Heb 12:1).
Heb 12:1 Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Through study and proper application of God’s word, we ought to have our spiritual eyes opened in order that we can see the snares of the devil in seemingly innocent things and side step them.
1Co 7:35 And this I say for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is seemly, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.
Paul is telling them this for their own benefit, not to tie them up, these matters of opinions could make the difference in their spiritual future, and considering the present “distress” it is best if they can focus on the Lord, being in prayer and standing in the strength of the Lord with the whole armour of God donned (Eph 6:10-18).
1Co 7:36 But if any man thinketh that he behaveth himself unseemly toward his virgin daughter, if she be past the flower of her age, and if need so requireth, let him do what he will; he sinneth not; let them marry.
1Co 7:36 If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry--it is no sin. (ESV)
But if a man has his mind made up concerning his virgin daughter (or betrothed wife to be), that perhaps she wont be able to later find a husband, perhaps the father has not the means to continue to support his daughter (or his passions are strong towards his betrothed), let him do what he wills, he does not sin by doing so, marriage, when lawful is not sinful, but honorable (Heb 13:4).
Heb 13:4 Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
1Co 7:37 But he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power as touching in his own heart, to keep his own virgin daughter, shall do well.
1Co 7:37 But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. (ESV)
One the other hand, the man who makes up his mind to keep his virgin daughter (or betrothed wife to be) at home (a virgin) and has the means to support her (has his passions under control), and is not bound to give her, does well also, Philip had 4 virgin daughters at home (Acts 21:9).
1Co 7:38 So then both he that giveth his own virgin daughter in marriage doeth well; and he that giveth her not in marriage shall do better.
1Co 7:38 So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better. (ESV)
Neither scenario is sinful, but considering the present distress (v 26), the one not married will fare better, and is more likely to come through these trying times faithfully, for one’s eternal state is far more important than one’s earthly circumstances (Mt 16:26).
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
1Co 7:39 A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
1Co 7:40 But she is happier if she abide as she is, after my judgment: and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.
Here is the last question concerning marriage “what is God’s will concerning the widow and marriage?”
The word “bound” here is δέω; deō; deh'-o
Thayer Definition:
1) to bind tie, fasten
1a) to bind, fasten with chains, to throw into chains
1b) metaphorically
1b1) Satan is said to bind a woman bent together by means of a demon, as his messenger, taking possession of the woman and preventing her from standing upright
1b2) to bind, put under obligation, of the law, duty etc.
1b2a) to be bound to one, a wife, a husband
1b3) to forbid, prohibit, declare to be illicit
This is not the same word as in v 15 (“bondage”) this word does refer to marriage, it can be seen in v 27, and also in Romans 7:2, the wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives.
There has been a lot of controversy concerning Rom 7:2-3, but considering the ambiguous nature of the aorist tense, I believe that the ESV renders it very well without leaving the rules of Greek grammar . . .
Rom 7:2 Thus a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage.
Rom 7:3 Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress. (ESV)
And that aligns with our context, “if” her husband dies, “then” she is free to marry whom she will.
Considering the phrase “only in the Lord” there have been 3 basic interpretations of this verse . . .
1) It refers to her marrying only Christians (Rev 14:13).
2) It refers to her marrying in harmony with the commands of the Lord (Eph 6:1).
3) It refers to marrying Christians only because of the present distress (v 26)
I don’t not follow any of the 3 common interpretations, instead I read it literally as it is written in the Greek, knowing that the chapter (Hugo; AD 1250) and the verse (Stephens; AD 1551) divisions were put in by man, and are helpful, but do add confusion to some passages, and this is one of those passages, thus I will be quoting the end of verse 39 and the beginning of verse 40 . . .
1Co 7:39b-40a “If but might fall asleep the man, free she is to whom she wants to be married, alone in the Master more fortunate, but it is thusly she might stay”
(“Word Study, Greek-English New Testament;” McReynolds, p. 613)
Therefore, as one can see, this is nothing more than what Paul has been saying throughout this chapter to differing categories of individuals, it can be paraphrased as such . . .
“But if her husband dies, she is free to marry whom she wills, but alone in the Lord she would be more fortunate (considering the present distress; v 26), if she thusly might stay.”
The word “monon” translated “only” in most versions in this passage has a primary definition of “alone”
And with this phrase (“only in the Lord”) is found only here in the Bible, there really is no reason nor precedent to adhere to a secondary definition in this case, I believe this is correct.
Therefore this command is no command at all, but rather an inspired suggestion that would be better for all concerned, just as were the previous scenarios, and Paul believes he speaks this by inspiration.
FOR A LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF MARRIAGE/DIVORCE/REMARRIAGE CLICK HERE http://www.danielrjennings.org/ThisHistoryOfChristianThoughtOnMarriageDivorceAndRemarriage.pdf