1 Corinthians 7:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} he that is called {G2564} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}, being a servant {G1401}, is {G2076} the Lord's {G2962} freeman {G558}: likewise {G3668} also {G2532} he that is called {G2564}, being free {G1658}, is {G2076} Christ's {G5547} servant {G1401}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For a person who was a slave when he was called is the Lord’s freedman; likewise, someone who was a free man when he was called is a slave of the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 7:22, the Apostle Paul articulates a profound spiritual paradox: regardless of one's earthly social standing, a believer's true identity and status are redefined by their relationship with Christ. He reveals that a person who is a slave in the world is spiritually liberated as "the Lord's freeman," while conversely, one who is socially free is spiritually bound as "Christ's servant," thereby emphasizing that ultimate freedom and true servitude are found exclusively in allegiance to Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [1 Corinthians chapter 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage, Singleness, and Social Status"), where Paul addresses various practical questions posed by the Corinthian church concerning marriage, singleness, and social status. His overarching principle, introduced in [1 Corinthians 7:17](/1_corinthians/7-17 "1 Corinthians 7:17 - Remain in Your Calling"), is that believers should generally remain in the social and marital state they were in when they were "called" by God, unless there is a clear spiritual imperative to change. This principle aims to minimize worldly distractions and maximize devotion to the Lord. Verse 22 specifically applies this reorientation of perspective to the social institution of slavery, which was a pervasive reality in the Roman Empire, including the bustling port city of Corinth. Paul is not endorsing slavery as an institution but rather providing a theological framework for believers to understand their true identity and freedom in Christ, irrespective of their external circumstances.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a major Roman city, a hub of commerce and culture, where slavery was an integral part of the social and economic fabric. Estimates suggest that a significant portion of the population in Roman society, possibly up to a third, were slaves. Slaves performed a wide range of tasks, from manual labor to highly skilled professions, and their legal status varied, though they were generally considered property. Freedmen (former slaves who had gained their freedom) also formed a distinct social class. Within this context, Paul's words would have been revolutionary. They challenged the deeply ingrained social hierarchies by asserting that earthly status was secondary to one's spiritual standing before God. For a slave, the message of being "the Lord's freeman" offered immense dignity and hope, while for a free person, the call to be "Christ's servant" underscored humility and ultimate allegiance.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 7:22](/1_corinthians/7-22 "1 Corinthians 7:22 - Spiritual Identity Transcends Social Status") powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes found throughout Paul's writings and the broader New Testament. Foremost among these is the theme of **Spiritual Identity Transcending Social Status**. The verse asserts that a believer's ultimate worth and belonging are defined by their relationship with Christ, not by their societal position, wealth, or freedom. This aligns with Paul's broader teaching on the spiritual equality of all believers in Christ, where distinctions like "Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female" are rendered secondary in the new creation ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Distinction in Christ")). It also highlights the **Paradox of Christian Freedom**, where true liberation is found not in the absence of external constraints but in willing submission to Christ, turning worldly freedom into spiritual servitude and worldly servitude into spiritual freedom. This concept of ultimate **Allegiance to Christ** is central, emphasizing that all believers, regardless of their earthly circumstances, are ultimately "bought with a price" ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Bought with a Price")) and belong to God, called to serve Him above all else.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From G1401, this term denotes a slave or bondservant, implying absolute ownership and submission, not merely a hired employee. In the context of the Roman Empire, a _doûlos_ was property, lacking personal rights. Paul uses this term to describe both the earthly status of the slave and the spiritual status of the free person, highlighting the complete devotion expected of Christ's followers.
* **freeman (Greek, _apeleútheros'_):** From G558, this word literally means "one freed away," or a freedman. It refers to a person who was formerly a slave but has been legally manumitted. Paul's use here is profoundly significant: a person who is a slave in society is, by virtue of their calling in the Lord, a "freedman" of the Lord, emphasizing that their spiritual freedom is a gift from God, transcending their earthly bondage.
* **called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** From G2564, this verb means "to call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications). In a theological sense, it refers to God's divine invitation, summons, or effectual call to salvation. The fact that both the slave and the free person are "called in the Lord" underscores that their spiritual transformation and new identity in Christ are the foundational truths that redefine their existence, irrespective of their social standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he that is called in the Lord, [being] a servant, is the Lord's freeman":** This clause addresses the believer who is socially a slave. Paul asserts that their "calling in the Lord" (God's divine summons to salvation) fundamentally redefines their status. Despite being a _doûlos_ (slave) in the eyes of the world, they are spiritually an _apeleútheros_ (freedman) of the Lord. Their ultimate allegiance and freedom are found in Christ, who has purchased them from the bondage of sin, granting them a spiritual liberty that no earthly master can revoke. This provides immense dignity and hope to those in the most oppressive social conditions.
* **"likewise also he that is called, [being] free, is Christ's servant."** This second clause presents the reciprocal truth for the believer who is socially free. Just as the slave's identity is transformed, so too is the free person's. Their "calling" means that their earthly freedom does not equate to spiritual autonomy. Instead, they are spiritually a _doûlos_ (servant/slave) of Christ. This highlights the paradox of Christian freedom: true liberty is found in willing submission and devoted service to Christ. It is a call to humility for the socially privileged, reminding them that their highest identity and purpose are found in serving their true Master, Jesus Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [1 Corinthians 7:22](/1_corinthians/7-22 "1 Corinthians 7:22 - Spiritual Identity Transcends Social Status") to convey his profound theological message. The most prominent is **Paradox**, where seemingly contradictory truths are presented to reveal a deeper reality. The idea that a slave is truly free in the Lord, and a free person is truly a servant of Christ, challenges conventional understanding and forces the reader to consider spiritual realities over societal norms. This creates a striking contrast between earthly status and heavenly identity. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a form of **Chiasm** (an A-B-B'-A' structure), though not perfectly symmetrical, in its presentation of the two contrasting yet parallel statements: "called (A) in the Lord, servant (B), is the Lord's freeman (B')" followed by "likewise... called (A'), free (B''), is Christ's servant (B'')." This mirroring structure emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the spiritual transformation for both social groups. Finally, **Contrast** is central to the verse, juxtaposing the external, visible social status (slave vs. free) with the internal, spiritual reality (Lord's freeman vs. Christ's servant), thereby underscoring the radical reorientation of values that occurs through conversion to Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 7:22](/1_corinthians/7-22 "1 Corinthians 7:22 - Spiritual Identity Transcends Social Status") offers a profound theological statement on the nature of Christian identity and freedom. It asserts that in Christ, all worldly distinctions are relativized; one's ultimate status is defined not by societal labels but by divine calling and spiritual relationship. This verse underscores the radical equality found within the body of Christ, where social hierarchies are dismantled by the transformative power of the Gospel. True freedom is revealed as liberation from sin's dominion, leading to willing servitude to God, while true servitude is elevated to a privileged position of belonging to the Creator and Redeemer. This reorientation of perspective challenges believers to find their dignity and purpose in their spiritual reality, rather than in their external circumstances, fostering humility in the free and hope in the oppressed.

* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Distinction in Christ")
* [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All and in All")
* [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - True Freedom in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 7:22](/1_corinthians/7-22 "1 Corinthians 7:22 - Spiritual Identity Transcends Social Status") remains deeply relevant for believers today, offering timeless insights into our identity, purpose, and approach to life's circumstances. It challenges us to look beyond superficial external labels—whether of success, failure, privilege, or disadvantage—and to anchor our self-worth in our divine calling. For those who feel constrained by their circumstances, it offers immense dignity and hope, reminding them that in Christ, they are truly free, possessing a spiritual liberty that transcends any earthly limitation. For those who enjoy worldly freedom or privilege, it serves as a profound call to humility, reminding them that their highest identity is as a bondservant of Christ, called to dedicate their lives to His purposes. This perspective encourages us to live with an eternal mindset, prioritizing spiritual realities and finding our ultimate joy and fulfillment in serving the Lord, knowing that true freedom is found in complete devotion to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding yourself as "the Lord's freeman" or "Christ's servant" redefine your perception of your current social or professional status?**
* **In what ways might you be seeking freedom or identity in worldly achievements or circumstances, rather than in your relationship with Christ?**
* **How can the paradox of being "free in Christ" yet "Christ's servant" shape your daily decisions and interactions?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more fully as someone whose ultimate allegiance is to Christ, regardless of your earthly situation?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse endorse slavery or suggest that Christians should not seek freedom from oppressive systems?**

Answer: No, [1 Corinthians 7:22](/1_corinthians/7-22 "1 Corinthians 7:22 - Spiritual Identity Transcends Social Status") does not endorse slavery. Paul is not making a statement on the morality or legality of the institution itself, which was a pervasive reality in the Roman Empire. Instead, he is providing a theological framework for believers to understand their spiritual identity and freedom in Christ, irrespective of their external social or economic conditions. His primary concern is the believer's spiritual state and their devotion to the Lord, encouraging them to find contentment and purpose in their calling, even within difficult circumstances. Elsewhere, Paul even suggests that if a slave has an opportunity to gain freedom, they should take it ([1 Corinthians 7:21](/1_corinthians/7-21 "1 Corinthians 7:21 - Seek Freedom if Possible")). The verse reorients the believer's perspective, emphasizing that true freedom is spiritual, found in Christ, and that all believers are ultimately servants of God.

**What does it mean to be "called in the Lord"?**

Answer: To be "called in the Lord" refers to God's divine and effectual summons to salvation. It signifies the moment a person responds to the Gospel message and enters into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. This "calling" is not merely an invitation but an act of God's grace that fundamentally changes one's spiritual status and identity. As Paul states in [Romans 8:30](/romans/8-30 "Romans 8:30 - God's Calling and Glorification"), "And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." It is this divine calling that transcends all earthly distinctions, making the slave "the Lord's freeman" and the free person "Christ's servant," establishing a new, spiritual reality that takes precedence over any social standing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 7:22](/1_corinthians/7-22 "1 Corinthians 7:22 - Spiritual Identity Transcends Social Status") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies both the "freeman" and the "servant" in the most profound sense. Though eternally God, Christ willingly "made himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). He, the ultimate "freeman" in His divine sovereignty, chose the path of humble servitude, culminating in His obedient death on the cross to secure our freedom from sin and death ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - True Freedom in Christ")). Through His redemptive work, He liberates those enslaved by sin, making them "the Lord's freeman," while simultaneously calling those who are "free" from sin's dominion to become His willing servants, dedicating their lives to Him who bought them with His precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")). Thus, Christ is the model and the means by which all believers, regardless of their earthly status, find their true identity as both spiritually liberated and joyfully bound to Him in eternal service.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 2:16

As free, and not using [your] liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

Philemon 1:16

Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

Colossians 3:22

Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

Colossians 3:24

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Galatians 5:13

¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Galatians 5:1

¶ Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Psalms 116:16

O LORD, truly I [am] thy servant; I [am] thy servant, [and] the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.