1 Corinthians7
English Standard Version
Tap any underlined word for the original Hebrew or Greek.
1 the matters about you : It is for a to have with a .
2 because of the temptation to , should his her .
3 The should to his her , the to her .
4 For the have her , the does. the have his , the does.
5 Do , a limited , you may ; then , so may of lack of .
6 , , I .
7 I that I am. his , of of .
8 To the the I that it for to single am.
9 exercise , they should . it to to with passion.
10 To the I give this ( , the ): the should her
11 ( does, she should else be to her ), the should his .
12 To the I ( , the ) that if a who is an , to , .
13 any a is an , to , .
14 the is because his , the is because her . would be , as it , .
15 the , let it be . the . has .
16 do you , , you will your ? do you , , you will your ?
17 let lead the the has to , to has him. is my the .
18 at the time of his already ? seek to remove the marks of . at the time of his ? seek .
19 For neither counts , the of .
20 should in he was .
21 Were you a when ? Do be about . ( you gain your , yourself of the opportunity.)
22 he who was the as a a of the . he who was when a of .
23 You were with a ; of .
24 So, , in was , let him .
25 the , I from the , I my one who the .
26 I that in of the a to as he .
27 Are you to a ? Do to be . Are you a ? Do a .
28 you do , you , a , she . those who marry will , would .
29 is what I , : the appointed has grown very . From , those who as they ,
30 those who though they were , and those though they were , those who though they had ,
31 those who with the though they had with it. the of is .
32 I to free from . The man is the of the , to the .
33 the is things, to his ,
34 and his interests are . the or is the of the , how to in . the is , to her .
35 I , any upon , to to to the .
36 that he is not , his passions are , it to , let him he : let them —it is no .
37 is his , being , , to her as , he will .
38 he who his betrothed , he who refrains from will even .
39 A is to as he . , she to be to she , the .
40 she as she . I that I the of .
People in this chapter — 1
All people →Study
1 Corinthians 7Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 1 Corinthians 7. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The apostle answers several questions about marriage. (1–9). Married Christians should not seek to part from their unbelieving consorts. (10–16). Persons, in any fixed station, should usually abide in that. (17–24). It was most desirable, on account of the then perilous days, for people to sit loose to this world. (25–35). Great prudence be used in marriage; it should be only in the Lord. (36–40).
vv1-9
The apostle tells the Corinthians that it was good, in that juncture of time, for Christians to keep themselves single. Yet he says that marriage, and the comforts of that state, are settled by Divine wisdom. Though none may break the law of God, yet that perfect rule leaves men at liberty to serve him in the way most suited to their powers and circumstances, of which others often are very unfit judges. All must determine for themselves, seeking counsel from God how they ought to act.
vv10-16
Man and wife must not separate for any other cause than what Christ allows. Divorce, at that time, was very common among both Jews and Gentiles, on very slight pretexts. Marriage is a Divine institution; and is an engagement for life, by God's appointment. We are bound, as much as in us lies, to live peaceably with all men, Ro 12:18, therefore to promote the peace and comfort of our nearest relatives, though unbelievers. It should be the labour and study of those who are married, to make each other as easy and happy as possible. Should a Christian desert a husband or wife, when there is opportunity to give the greatest proof of love? Stay, and labour heartily for the conversion of thy relative. In every state and relation the Lord has called us to peace; and every thing should be done to promote harmony, as far as truth and holiness will permit.
vv17-24
The rules of Christianity reach every condition; and in every state a man may live so as to be a credit to it. It is the duty of every Christian to be content with his lot, and to conduct himself in his rank and place as becomes a Christian. Our comfort and happiness depend on what we are to Christ, not what we are in the world. No man should think to make his faith or religion, an argument to break through any natural or civil obligations. He should quietly and contentedly abide in the condition in which he is placed by Divine Providence.
Key Words
δέ (dé): but, and, etc.
περί (perí): properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive case denoting the subject or occasion or superlative point; with the accusative case the locality, circuit, matter, circumstance or general period)
ὅς (hós): the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καλός (kalós): X better, fair, good(-ly), honest, meet, well, worthy
ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos): from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being
μή (mḗ): (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas G3756 (οὐ) expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἅπτομαι (háptomai): properly, to attach oneself to, i.e. to touch (in many implied relations)
γυνή (gynḗ): a woman; specially, a wife
πορνεία (porneía): harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry
ἕκαστος (hékastos): each or every
Cross References
1 Corinthians 7Jesus' teaching on those who have the gift of celibacy for the kingdom's sake.
Supported by JFB
Old Testament precedent for temporary abstinence for the purpose of religious devotion.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Ritual separation and abstinence prior to engaging in holy services.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Christ's strict limitations regarding divorce and the consequences of remarriage.
Supported by JFB
Mosaic law establishing marital cohabitation rights as a legal duty.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel statement that circumcision is nothing, but faith working through love is key.
Supported by JFB
Parallel teaching that external circumcision is nothing compared to being a new creation.
Supported by JFB
Verbal echo on being bought with a price, establishing ownership by God.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Davidic meditation on man walking in a vain shadow and amassing fleeting wealth.
Supported by John Calvin
The law binding a wife to her husband only as long as he lives.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Affirms marriage as universally honorable, tempering ascetic misinterpretations of Paul's singlehood preference.
Supported by JFB
Instruction on rendering due honor and benevolence to spouses so prayers are not hindered.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Apostolic counsel for younger widows to marry to avoid temptation and burning.
Supported by JFB
Exhortation to live peaceably with all, grounding the call to peace in mixed marriages.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Prophetic reference to separating oneself for dedicated fasting and prayer.
Supported by JFB
Solemn call to assemble, prompting even newlyweds to leave their chamber temporarily.
Supported by JFB