1 Corinthians 7:39
A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The seemingly straightforward statement "only in the Lord" isn't just about marrying a fellow believer. It's a powerful reminder that even in matters of personal freedom, a believer's choices are always meant to be oriented toward God and His will, not just personal desire or convenience. This phrase calls us to seek godly wisdom and alignment in all our life's significant decisions, especially those that shape our closest relationships.
Paul is addressing practical questions from the Corinthian church about marriage, including whether believers should divorce and remarry. He has just advised that if a believer is married to an unbeliever, they should remain together if the unbeliever consents, because the unbeliever is made holy through the believer. This verse then clarifies the conditions under which a marriage ends, allowing for remarriage but with a specific qualification for believers.
Ever wondered about the permanence of marriage in God's eyes? This verse lays it out clearly.
Paul is direct here: the marriage covenant is a profound bond that lasts until death. It's not a casual agreement but a sacred commitment, reflecting God's own faithfulness. This is a powerful reminder of the seriousness and beauty of the vows exchanged between a husband and wife.
When one spouse passes, freedom is granted, but it comes with a crucial qualification. What is it?
The verse acknowledges the reality of death dissolving the marriage bond, granting the surviving spouse freedom. However, this freedom isn't a free-for-all. Paul adds a vital condition: 'only in the Lord.' This means any future marriage must be within the community of faith, with a believer who shares a common commitment to Christ.
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Understand the original words
dedetai · Greek Verb
To be legally or morally tied to an obligation, person, or covenantal commitment. It implies a binding relationship.
eleuthera · Greek Adjective
A state of release from previous legal, moral, or ritual obligations. In Christian theology, it refers to liberation from the law of sin and death or, in this context, from the marriage covenant upon a spouse's death.
en kyriō · Greek Prepositional Phrase
A standard or boundary indicating that Christian conduct, including marriage, must be consistent with the authority, character, and will of Jesus Christ.
Paul addresses marital issues within the Corinthian church, a community grappling with its identity and practices in the Greco-Roman world. His counsel on marriage and divorce reflects both Jewish tradition and the new realities of life in Christ.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The foundational event of Christianity, establishing the basis for Paul's teachings and the early church.
c. AD 33-50
Early Church Growth and Expansion
The gospel spreads rapidly through Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and beyond, led by the apostles and early believers.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
A crucial early church council addressed issues of Gentile inclusion, setting precedents for future decision-making.
c. AD 41-54
Roman Rule under Claudius
Emperor Claudius's reign saw unrest, including the expulsion of Jews from Rome, which impacted early Christian communities.
c. AD 50-52— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spends significant time in Corinth, establishing a church that would later receive his letters.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Imprisonment
Paul's periods of imprisonment likely influenced his writings, including his letters to the Corinthians, offering counsel from a unique perspective.
This passage echoes the same principle of marital bonds, stating that a married woman is legally bound to her husband while he is alive, but released from that law if he dies.
Matthew 19:6Jesus powerfully affirms the permanence of marriage, stating 'what God has joined together, let not man separate.' This reinforces the seriousness of the bond Paul addresses.
1 Timothy 5:14This verse offers practical advice related to remarriage, suggesting younger widows should marry and bear children, indicating that remarriage after widowhood is permissible and even encouraged in certain contexts.
Ephesians 5:31-32Paul uses the profound metaphor of Christ and the Church to illustrate the deep union of marriage, highlighting the sacredness and commitment inherent in the marital bond that Paul is referencing.
The seemingly straightforward statement "only in the Lord" isn't just about marrying a fellow believer. It's a powerful reminder that even in matters of personal freedom, a believer's choices are always meant to be oriented toward God and His will, not just personal desire or convenience. This phrase calls us to seek godly wisdom and alignment in all our life's significant decisions, especially those that shape our closest relationships.
Paul is addressing practical questions from the Corinthian church about marriage, including whether believers should divorce and remarry. He has just advised that if a believer is married to an unbeliever, they should remain together if the unbeliever consents, because the unbeliever is made holy through the believer. This verse then clarifies the conditions under which a marriage ends, allowing for remarriage but with a specific qualification for believers.
Paul is addressing practical questions from the Corinthian church about marriage, including whether believers should divorce and remarry. He has just advised that if a believer is married to an unbeliever, they should remain together if the unbeliever consents, because the unbeliever is made holy through the believer. This verse then clarifies the conditions under which a marriage ends, allowing for remarriage but with a specific qualification for believers.
"A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord." — The seemingly straightforward statement "only in the Lord" isn't just about marrying a fellow believer. It's a powerful reminder that even in matters of personal freedom, a believer's choices are alw…
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