Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
Art thou bound {G1210} unto a wife {G1135}? seek {G2212} not {G3361} to be loosed {G3080}. Art thou loosed {G3089} from {G575} a wife {G1135}? seek {G2212} not {G3361} a wife {G1135}.
That means that if a man has a wife, he should not seek to be free of her; and if he is unmarried, he should not look for a wife.
Are you committed to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you free of commitment? Do not look for a wife.
Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
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1 Corinthians 7:20
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. -
1 Corinthians 7:12
But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. -
1 Corinthians 7:14
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
1 Corinthians 7:27 offers concise and direct counsel regarding marital status, reflecting Paul's broader teaching on living a life devoted to God amidst the pressing realities of the world.
Context
This verse is part of Paul's extensive discourse in 1 Corinthians chapter 7, where he addresses various questions from the Corinthian church concerning marriage, singleness, and divorce. His advice is often framed by the concept of "the present distress" (1 Corinthians 7:26), suggesting an urgency in serving God without unnecessary worldly entanglements. Paul encourages believers to remain in the state in which they were called, as this state is seen as conducive to greater devotion to the Lord, minimizing distractions.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV uses clear language here, but a brief look at the Greek reinforces the meaning:
Both phrases use the perfect tense, highlighting a settled state or condition, reinforcing Paul's call for stability and contentment in one's current relationship status.
Practical Application
For believers today, 1 Corinthians 7:27 offers timeless wisdom: