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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Corinthians 7:17–24. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here the apostle takes occasion to advise them to continue in the state and condition in which Christianity found them, and in which they became converts to it. And here,
I.He lays down this rule in general - as God hath distributed to every one.
Note, Our states and circumstances in this world are distributions of divine Providence. This fixes the bounds of men's habitations, and orders their steps. God setteth up and pulleth down. And again, As the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. Whatever his circumstances or condition was when he was converted to Christianity, let him abide therein, and suit his conversation to it. The rules of Christianity reach every condition. And in every state a man may live so as to be a credit to it. Note, It is the duty of every Christian to suit his behaviour to his condition and the rules of religion, to be content with his lot, and conduct himself in his rank and place as becomes a Christian. The apostle adds that this was a general rule, to be observed at all times and in all places; So ordain I in all churches.
II.He specifies particular cases; as,
1.That of circumcision. Is any man called being circumcised? Let him not be uncircumcised. Is any man called being uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. It matters not whether a man be a Jew or Gentile, within the covenant of peculiarity made with Abraham or without it. He who is converted, being a Jew, has no need to give himself uneasiness upon that head, and wish himself uncircumcised. Nor, is he who is converted from Gentilism under an obligation to be circumcised: nor should he be concerned because he wants that mark of distinction which did heretofore belong to the people of God. For, as the apostle goes on, circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God, Co1 7:19. In point of acceptance with God, it is neither here nor there whether men be circumcised or not. Note, It is practical religion, sincere obedience to the commands of God, on which the gospel lays stress. External observances without internal piety are as nothing. Therefore let every man abide in the calling (the state) wherein he was called, Co1 7:20.
2.That of servitude and freedom. It was common in that age of the world for many to be in a state of slavery, bought and sold for money, and so the property of those who purchased them. "Now," says the apostle, "art thou called being a servant? Care not for it. Be not over-solicitous about it. It is not inconsistent with thy duty, profession, or hopes, as a Christian. Yet, if thou mayest be made free, use it rather," Co1 7:21. There are many conveniences in a state of freedom above that of servitude: a man has more power over himself, and more command of his time, and is not under the control of another lord; and therefore liberty is the more eligible state. But men's outward condition does neither hinder nor promote their acceptance with God. For he that is called being a servant is the Lord's freed-man - apeleutheros, as he that is called being free is the Lord's servant. Though he be not discharged from his master's service, he is freed from the dominion and vassalage of sin. Though he be not enslaved to Christ, yet he is bound to yield himself up wholly to his pleasure and service; and yet that service is perfect freedom. Note, Our comfort and happiness depend on what we are to Christ, not what we are in the world. The goodness of our outward condition does not discharge us from the duties of Christianity, nor the badness of it debar us from Christian privileges. He who is a slave may yet be a Christian freeman; he who is a freeman may yet be Christ's servant. He is bought with a price, and should not therefore be the servant of man. Not that he must quit the service of his master, or not take all proper measures to please him (this were to contradict the whole scope of the apostle's discourse); but he must not be so the servant of men but that Christ's will must be obeyed, and regarded, more than his master's. He has paid a much dearer price for him, and has a much fuller property in him. He is to be served and obeyed without limitation or reserve. Note, The servants of Christ should be at the absolute command of no other master besides himself, should serve no man, any further than is consistent with their duty to him. No man can serve two masters. Though some understand this passage of persons being bought out of slavery by the bounty and charity of fellow-Christians; and read the passage thus, Have you been redeemed out of slavery with a price? Do not again become enslaved; just as before he had advised that, if in slavery they had any prospect of being made free, they should choose it rather. This meaning the words will bear, but the other seems the more natural. See Co1 6:20.
III.He sums up his advice:
Let every man wherein he is called abide therein with God, Co1 7:24. This is to be understood of the state wherein a man is converted to Christianity. No man should make his faith or religion an argument to break through any natural or civil obligations. He should quietly and comfortably abide in the condition in which he is; and this he may well do, when he may abide therein with God. Note, The special presence and favour of God are not limited to any outward condition or performance. He may enjoy it who is circumcised; and so may he who is uncircumcised. He who is bound may have it as well as he who is free. In this respect there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian nor Scythian, bond nor free, Col 3:11. The favour of God is not bound.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
5 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Christ came and “bought us back” when we were serving that lord to whom we sold ourselves by sinning. So he appears to have recovered as his own those whom he created. He has redeemed a people who chose to belong to another, who sought another lord for themselves by sinning.
The price of man is the blood of Christ. “You have been bought,” it is said, “with a price; do not become the slaves of men.” The powers of the evil one are trying to render this price useless to us. They try to lead us back into slavery even after we are free.
We have been bought at so high a price that only Christ, who owns everything, is able to pay it. Therefore whoever is bought with a price ought to serve all the more, in an effort to pay back the buyer. Having been bought by God, we must not once again become slaves of men. Slaves of men are those who accept human superstitions.
"Ye were bought with a price: become not bondservants of men." This saying is addressed not to slaves only but also to free men. For it is possible for one who is a slave not to be a slave; and for one who is a freeman to be a slave. "And how can one be a slave and not a slave?" When he doeth all for God: when he feigns nothing, and doeth nothing out of eye-service towards men: that is how one that is a slave to men can be free. Or again, how doth one that is free become a slave? When he serves men in any evil service, either for gluttony or desire of wealth or for office' sake. For such an one, though he be free, is more of a slave than any man.
But if this be not the meaning, if he bade them forsake their masters and strive contentiously to become free, in what sense did he exhort them, saying, "Let each one remain in the calling in which he is called?" And in another place, "As many servants as are under the yoke, let them count their own masters worthy of all honor; and those that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren who partake of the benefit." And writing to the Ephesians also and to the Colossians, he ordains and exacts the same rules. Whence it is plain that it is not this slavery which he annuls, but that which caused as it is by vice befalls free men also: and this is the worst kind of slavery, though he be a free man who is in bondage to it.
What greater price is there than that the Creator shed his blood for the creature?
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Summary
First Corinthians 7:23 presents a foundational truth for Christian identity and conduct, declaring that believers have been purchased at an immense cost and, consequently, are called to live free from the ultimate enslavement to human systems or opinions. This verse encapsulates the profound reality of redemption in Christ and serves as a guiding principle for how believers should navigate their earthly statuses and allegiances, emphasizing their divine ownership and spiritual liberty.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within a larger discussion in 1 Corinthians 7 where Paul addresses various practical questions concerning marriage, singleness, and social status within the Corinthian church. Paul's advice throughout the chapter encourages believers to remain in the state in which they were called, whether married, single, circumcised, uncircumcised, slave, or free. He emphasizes that one's external social standing does not diminish or define their spiritual identity in Christ. Verse 23, "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men," functions as a theological anchor for all these specific instructions, providing the ultimate rationale for Christian freedom and allegiance regardless of one's earthly circumstances. It undergirds Paul's counsel for both slaves and free individuals in 1 Corinthians 7:21-22, asserting that all believers share a common, profound spiritual reality of redemption that transcends their temporal conditions.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the Greco-Roman world of Corinth, slavery was a widespread and accepted institution, with a significant portion of the population being enslaved. Slaves were considered property, with no legal rights and often subjected to the will of their masters. Paul's audience would have included both slave owners and enslaved individuals. The concept of "being bought" (agorázō) would immediately evoke the imagery of the slave market, where individuals were purchased. Furthermore, the idea of "servants of men" (doûloi anthrōpōn) would resonate deeply, as it described the daily reality for many and the pervasive societal pressures for all. Paul's instruction, therefore, directly confronts the prevailing social structures and mindsets, reorienting believers' primary allegiance from human masters or societal expectations to their divine Redeemer. This radical redefinition of identity and ownership would have been counter-cultural and profoundly liberating for the enslaved, while also challenging the free to live in a manner consistent with their ultimate liberation in Christ, rather than being enslaved by worldly ambitions or human approval.
Key Themes
The verse significantly contributes to several major theological themes within 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of Redemption and Divine Ownership. The declaration "Ye are bought with a price" directly points to the atoning work of Christ, through which believers are purchased from the dominion of sin and death, becoming God's exclusive possession. This theme is powerfully echoed in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, where Paul states, "ye are not your own... for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." Flowing from this is the theme of Spiritual Freedom. Because believers are owned by God through Christ's redemptive act, they are liberated from ultimate subservience to any human authority, worldly system, or sinful desire that would compromise their devotion to God. This freedom, however, is not a license for lawlessness but an empowerment for true service to Christ. Finally, the command "be not ye the servants of men" highlights the theme of Primary Allegiance to Christ. It calls believers to prioritize their loyalty to God above all human masters, opinions, cultural pressures, or personal ambitions that might detract from their ultimate devotion, urging them to live as those whose true Master is Christ, as illustrated in Matthew 6:24.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb literally means "to buy in the marketplace." In the context of ancient society, it frequently referred to the purchase of slaves. However, when applied to believers, it signifies a purchase not for continued enslavement but for liberation and transfer of ownership. The transaction implies a cost, and the result is a new master—God Himself—who purchases His people out of bondage to sin and death.
This noun denotes "value," "honor," or "money paid." Here, it specifically refers to the cost of the purchase. In a theological sense, the "price" for the believer's redemption is understood throughout the New Testament to be the precious blood and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, as highlighted in 1 Peter 1:18-19. The use of this word emphasizes the immense and non-negotiable cost of salvation, underscoring the value God places on humanity.
This term means "slave" or "bondservant," denoting a state of complete subservience or subjection, whether voluntary or involuntary. When Paul commands "be not ye the servants of men," he is not necessarily forbidding all forms of social or economic service to others. Rather, he is prohibiting a state of ultimate spiritual or moral enslavement to human will, opinion, or system (ánthrōpos) that would compromise one's allegiance to Christ. The negation particle mḗ (not) expresses a qualified prohibition, implying a choice or a potential for such servitude that believers must actively resist.
Verse Breakdown
"Ye are bought with a price"
This declarative statement establishes the fundamental theological truth of the believer's redeemed status. It asserts that Christians are not self-owned or self-made, but have been acquired through a costly transaction. This phrase highlights the divine initiative in salvation and the immense value placed upon those who are redeemed. It implies a transfer of ownership from a former master (sin, death, the law) to a new, benevolent Master (God through Christ).
"be not ye the servants of men."
This is an imperative command that flows directly from the preceding declaration. Because believers have been bought by God at a great price, they are admonished not to allow themselves to be ultimately enslaved or subjected to human beings, human systems, or human opinions in a way that undermines their primary allegiance to Christ. This does not preclude earthly service or submission to legitimate authorities, but rather forbids any form of servitude that compromises one's spiritual freedom, conscience, or devotion to God.
Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful Literary Devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is Metaphor, where the act of "being bought with a price" serves as a vivid metaphor for spiritual redemption. This imagery, drawn from the ancient slave market, powerfully conveys the idea of liberation from bondage and transfer of ownership to God. The Imperative "be not ye the servants of men" functions as a direct command, underscoring the urgency and non-negotiable nature of this principle. There is also a strong element of Contrast implicit in the verse: the contrast between being "bought with a price" by God and being "servants of men." This juxtaposition highlights the radical shift in allegiance and identity that occurs at salvation, emphasizing that one cannot ultimately serve two masters.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The profound truth of 1 Corinthians 7:23, that believers are "bought with a price" and thus should not be "servants of men," resonates deeply with the core of Christian theology. It underscores the concept of substitutionary atonement, where Christ's life and death serve as the ultimate payment for humanity's sin, securing our freedom from spiritual slavery. This redemption establishes a new covenant relationship where believers become God's treasured possession, called to live in a manner consistent with their new ownership. This divine ownership grants a profound spiritual liberty, liberating believers from the fear of man, the pressures of worldly systems, and the bondage of sin, enabling them to live lives of true allegiance and service to Christ alone.
Reflection and Application
First Corinthians 7:23 offers a timeless and transformative truth for every believer, transcending its original context of literal slavery. It calls us to a radical reorientation of our identity and allegiances. To remember that "Ye are bought with a price" means acknowledging that our worth, purpose, and ultimate belonging are not found in human approval, societal status, or material possessions, but in the immeasurable cost of Christ's sacrifice. This truth liberates us from the anxiety of pleasing others, the pressure to conform to worldly standards, and the fear of failure. Consequently, "be not ye the servants of men" becomes a powerful call to live authentically for Christ, allowing His will and His Word to be the supreme authority in our lives. This means discerning when human expectations or cultural norms contradict divine principles, and choosing to obey God rather than men. It empowers us to use our freedom not for selfish indulgence, but for loving service to God and neighbor, reflecting the very heart of our Redeemer.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "be not ye the servants of men" mean Christians should not have jobs or obey laws?
No, the command "be not ye the servants of men" in 1 Corinthians 7:23 does not mean Christians should avoid employment or disregard civil laws. Paul is not advocating for anarchy or irresponsibility. Instead, he is addressing the ultimate allegiance and spiritual freedom of believers. To be a "servant of men" in this context refers to a spiritual or moral enslavement where one's primary loyalty, conscience, or devotion is compromised by human will, systems, or opinions that contradict God's truth. Christians are called to be good citizens, obey legitimate authorities, and work diligently (as seen in passages like Romans 13:1-7 and Colossians 3:23-24). However, their ultimate Master is Christ, and they must never allow any human authority or expectation to supersede their obedience to God. If a human command directly conflicts with a divine command, the Christian's allegiance to Christ must take precedence, as exemplified by Peter in Acts 5:29.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The declaration "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men" finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The "price" spoken of is none other than the precious blood of Christ, shed on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, as testified in 1 Peter 1:18-19. Through His atoning death, Jesus purchased humanity out of the spiritual slavery to sin, death, and the law (Romans 6:17-18). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), securing our redemption and transferring our ownership from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13-14). Therefore, the command "be not ye the servants of men" is a direct consequence of this Christ-wrought liberation. Because Christ has paid the ultimate price to set us free, our lives are no longer our own, nor are we ultimately beholden to human masters or worldly systems that would enslave us. Instead, we are called to be bondservants of Christ (Romans 1:1), serving Him out of love and gratitude, and living in the glorious freedom He secured for us (Galatians 5:1).