1 Corinthians 7:39

¶ 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.

The wife {G1135} is bound {G1210} by the law {G3551}{G1909} as long {G5550} as {G3745} her {G846} husband {G435} liveth {G2198}; but {G1161} if {G1437} her {G846} husband {G435} be dead {G2837}, she is {G2076} at liberty {G1658} to be married {G1060} to whom {G3739} she will {G2309}; only {G3440} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}.

A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives, but if the husband dies she is free to marry anyone she wishes, provided he is a believer in the Lord.

A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.

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.

Commentary

Context of 1 Corinthians 7:39

This verse concludes a significant section (1 Corinthians 7:1-40) where the Apostle Paul addresses various questions from the Corinthian church regarding marriage, singleness, and divorce. Throughout the chapter, Paul provides guidance on sexual purity, marital duties, and remaining in one's current state (married or single) if possible, especially in light of impending persecution or the urgency of the gospel. Verse 39 specifically deals with the situation of a widow and her right to remarry, building upon the principles of marital fidelity and the sanctity of the marriage covenant.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Lifelong Covenant of Marriage: The phrase "The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth" underscores the New Testament understanding of marriage as a permanent union, dissolved only by death. This reflects the deep commitment and covenantal nature of the relationship, a principle echoed by Jesus Himself regarding the permanence of marriage (Matthew 19:6).
  • Freedom for Widows to Remarry: Paul clearly states that if the husband dies, the wife "is at liberty to be married to whom she will." This provides compassionate and practical guidance for widows, acknowledging their freedom to seek companionship and remarriage after the dissolution of the first marriage through death.
  • The Crucial Condition: "Only in the Lord": This is the most significant qualification. For a Christian, any subsequent marriage must be "in the Lord." This means marrying another believer who shares the same faith, values, and commitment to Christ. It implies spiritual unity and purpose, ensuring that the new partnership is built on a foundation of shared devotion to God. This principle is vital for a spiritually healthy and God-honoring marriage, preventing the challenges associated with being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bound by the law" (Greek: δέδεται ἐν νόμῳ - dedetai en nomo) emphasizes the legal and divine obligation of the marriage covenant. It highlights that the marriage bond is not merely a social construct but a divinely ordained institution with binding principles.

The critical qualification "in the Lord" (Greek: ἐν Κυρίῳ - en Kyrio) is a common Pauline expression. It signifies not just a nominal profession of faith, but a genuine, active relationship with Jesus Christ. For Paul, life "in the Lord" means living according to God's will, guided by the Holy Spirit, and pursuing Christ-likeness. Therefore, marrying "in the Lord" means choosing a spouse who is truly committed to Christ and shares the same spiritual direction and ultimate purpose.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 7:39 offers clear guidance on marriage and remarriage:

  • For Widows and Widowers: This verse affirms the freedom to remarry after the death of a spouse, providing comfort and permission within the Christian framework.
  • For All Believers Considering Marriage: The directive "only in the Lord" serves as a timeless and non-negotiable principle for Christian marriage. It stresses the importance of spiritual compatibility and shared faith as the foundation of a lasting union. Marrying a fellow believer fosters spiritual growth, allows for unified ministry, and provides a common ground for raising a family in the Christian faith (Ephesians 6:4).
  • For Christian Communities: This verse reminds churches to uphold biblical standards for marriage, offering support and counsel to those navigating relationships in a way that honors God.

Ultimately, this verse reinforces the wisdom of God's design for relationships, aiming to bring spiritual harmony and strength to the lives of His people.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 7:2 (14 votes)

    For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband.

  • Romans 7:3 (14 votes)

    So then if, while [her] husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:14 (7 votes)

    Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

  • 2 Corinthians 6:16 (7 votes)

    And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:10 (6 votes)

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

  • 1 Corinthians 7:15 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Malachi 2:11 (2 votes)

    Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.