1 Corinthians 7:23

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

Ye are bought {G59} with a price {G5092}; be {G1096} not {G3361} ye {G1096} the servants {G1401} of men {G444}.

You were bought at a price, so do not become slaves of other human beings.

You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.

Ye were bought with a price; become not bondservants of men.

1 Corinthians 7:23 (KJV) states, "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men." This powerful verse encapsulates a fundamental truth of Christian identity and calls believers to live in light of their redemption.

Context

This verse is part of a broader discussion in 1 Corinthians Chapter 7 where the Apostle Paul addresses various social and marital statuses within the Corinthian church. He encourages believers to remain in the state they were called, whether married or single, circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or free. Paul's overarching point is that one's external status does not diminish their spiritual standing or calling in Christ. Verse 23 serves as a foundational principle underpinning all these specific situations: regardless of earthly circumstances, every believer shares a profound spiritual reality – they have been redeemed by Christ.

Key Themes

  • Redemption and Divine Ownership: The phrase "bought with a price" is central. It signifies that believers are not their own; they have been purchased from the bondage of sin and death through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. This means they belong to God, not to themselves or to any human system or individual. This theme is echoed in 1 Corinthians 6:20, emphasizing the sanctity of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
  • Spiritual Freedom: Because believers are bought by Christ, they are liberated from the ultimate servitude to sin, the law, and worldly systems. This freedom is not a license for licentiousness but an empowerment to truly serve God.
  • Primary Allegiance to Christ: The command "be not ye the servants of men" flows directly from the truth of redemption. It urges believers to prioritize their allegiance to Christ above any human master, opinion, societal pressure, or earthly ambition that would compromise their devotion to God. This principle applies whether one is literally a slave or simply beholden to human expectations.
  • Distinction of Servitude: While believers are not to be "servants of men" in a way that compromises their faith, they are indeed called to be "servants of Christ." This is a willing, loving servitude motivated by gratitude and love for their Redeemer, leading to true liberty.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "bought" is agorazo (ἀγοράζω), meaning "to buy in the marketplace." It often refers to the purchase of slaves, but in this context, it implies a purchase for the purpose of freedom and new ownership by God. The "price" (timē, τιμῇ) is understood to be the precious blood of Jesus Christ, as highlighted in 1 Peter 1:18-19. The term "servants" (doulos, δοῦλος) means "slave" or "bondservant," emphasizing a state of complete subservience. Paul's instruction is to not allow oneself to be enslaved to human opinions, systems, or desires in a way that detracts from one's ultimate master, Christ.

Practical Application

For believers today, this verse carries profound implications for living a life of Christian liberty:

  • Freedom from Worldly Pressures: We are not to be enslaved by societal expectations, cultural norms, or peer pressure that contradict God's Word. Our identity and worth are found in Christ, not in human approval or worldly success.
  • Prioritizing God's Will: Our ultimate loyalty must be to God. This means making decisions based on His principles rather than the demands or opinions of others. As Jesus taught in Matthew 6:24, "No man can serve two masters."
  • Authentic Living: Being bought with a price liberates us to live authentically for Christ, free from the fear of man (Galatians 1:10). We are free to serve Him wholeheartedly, using our gifts and time for His glory.
  • Value of Human Dignity: This verse also implies the inherent dignity of every person, regardless of their social standing. Since all are bought by God, no person should be treated as mere property or enslaved by another in a manner that dishonors their divine redemption.

In essence, 1 Corinthians 7:23 calls believers to live out their spiritual freedom, constantly remembering the immense price paid for their redemption, and allowing that truth to shape every aspect of their lives and relationships.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:20

    For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

  • 1 Peter 1:18

    Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

  • 1 Peter 1:19

    But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

  • Titus 2:14

    Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

  • Leviticus 25:42

    For they [are] my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.

  • Revelation 5:9

    And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

  • Acts 20:28

    Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
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