1 Corinthians 7:27

KJV

Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

Are you committed to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you free of commitment? Do not look for a wife.

American Standard Version

Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 7:27 provides direct and practical counsel regarding a believer's marital status, urging contentment and stability in one's current state. Paul emphasizes that those who are married should not seek divorce, and those who are single (whether never married, widowed, or legitimately divorced) should not feel compelled to marry. This advice is rooted in a broader theological perspective that prioritizes undivided devotion to the Lord, especially in light of the pressing realities of the age and the transient nature of worldly affairs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and crucial section of Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church, specifically [1 Corinthians chapter 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Instructions on Marriage and Singleness"). Paul is responding to specific questions (likely posed in a letter from the Corinthians, as indicated by "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me" in [1 Corinthians 7:1](/1_corinthians/7-1 "1 Corinthians 7:1 - Paul's Response to Corinthians' Questions")) about marriage, singleness, and divorce. The immediate preceding verses, particularly [1 Corinthians 7:26](/1_corinthians/7-26 "1 Corinthians 7:26 - The Present Distress"), introduce the concept of "the present distress," which heavily influences Paul's counsel. This "distress" likely refers to the general difficulties and persecutions faced by Christians, or perhaps the eschatological urgency of the end times, leading Paul to advise believers to minimize worldly entanglements that might hinder their devotion to Christ. The overarching theme of the chapter is that one's marital status should not be a source of anxiety or a distraction from serving God, but rather a context within which to glorify Him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, notorious for its moral laxity and diverse religious practices. Within this environment, the nascent Christian community grappled with how to apply biblical principles to daily life, including marriage and sexual ethics. Roman and Greek cultures had varying views on marriage and divorce, with divorce being relatively easy for men. Some philosophical schools, like Stoicism, advocated for detachment from worldly concerns, which might have influenced some Corinthian believers to view marriage as a hindrance to spiritual pursuits. Jewish tradition, while upholding marriage, also had differing interpretations regarding the grounds for divorce. Paul's advice, therefore, navigates these complex cultural currents, affirming the sanctity of marriage while also recognizing the spiritual validity and potential advantages of singleness, particularly for devoted service to God during a time of societal pressure and eschatological expectation.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 7:27](/1_corinthians/7-27 "1 Corinthians 7:27 - Remain in Your Calling") contributes significantly to several key themes within the chapter and Paul's broader theology. A primary theme is **contentment in one's current state**, whether married or single, as a means of living out one's calling from God. Paul repeatedly urges believers to "remain in the calling wherein he was called" ([1 Corinthians 7:20](/1_corinthians/7-20 "1 Corinthians 7:20 - Remain in Your Calling")). This is not a static resignation but an active embrace of one's circumstances as a platform for God's glory. Another crucial theme is the **permanence and sanctity of the marital covenant**, as seen in Paul's strong discouragement of seeking divorce for those who are married. This aligns with Jesus' teachings on marriage in [Matthew 19:6](/matthew/19-6 "Matthew 19:6 - What God Has Joined Together"). Conversely, the passage also highlights the **validity and spiritual advantage of singleness**, particularly for "undivided devotion to the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 7:35](/1_corinthians/7-35 "1 Corinthians 7:35 - Undivided Devotion")). Paul presents singleness not as a lesser state but as a unique opportunity for focused service, free from the cares and distractions inherent in marriage, as further elaborated in [1 Corinthians 7:32-34](/1_corinthians/7-32-34 "1 Corinthians 7:32-34 - Cares of the Married and Unmarried").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bound (Greek, _déō_):** From G1210, a primary verb meaning "to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)." In this context, it signifies being tied, united, or committed in the covenant of marriage. It emphasizes the established and enduring nature of the marital bond, suggesting a state of being firmly joined together.
* **Wife (Greek, _gynḗ_):** From G1135, meaning "a woman; specially, a wife." This term specifically refers to a married woman, underscoring the marital relationship that the verse addresses.
* **Loosed (Greek, _lýō_):** From G3089, a primary verb meaning "to 'loosen' (literally or figuratively)." In the context of marriage, it denotes being unbound, released, or set free from the marital tie, whether through widowhood or a biblically permissible divorce. The KJV's "to be loosed" (G3080, _lýsis_) is derived from this root, specifically meaning "a loosening, i.e. (specially), divorce."
* **Seek (Greek, _zētéō_):** From G2212, meaning "to seek (literally or figuratively)." Here, it implies actively pursuing, endeavoring, or desiring a change in one's marital status. Paul's instruction is to not actively pursue either dissolution of a marriage or entry into marriage if one is already single.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Art thou bound unto a wife?"**: This is a rhetorical question posed by Paul, addressing a male believer who is currently married. The phrase "bound unto a wife" uses the perfect passive participle, indicating a settled state of being firmly united in marriage, emphasizing the permanence and established nature of the marital covenant.
* **"seek not to be loosed."**: This is Paul's direct instruction to the married believer. "Seek not" (using the Greek particle _mḗ_ for qualified negation) strongly discourages actively pursuing a divorce or separation from one's spouse. It upholds the sanctity and indissolubility of the marriage bond, aligning with Christ's teaching on marriage.
* **"Art thou loosed from a wife?"**: Another rhetorical question, addressing a male believer who is currently unmarried. "Loosed from a wife" (also a perfect passive participle) signifies a settled state of being free from a marital bond, whether through widowhood, never having been married, or a biblically permissible divorce (as discussed earlier in the chapter, e.g., [1 Corinthians 7:15](/1_corinthians/7-15 "1 Corinthians 7:15 - Desertion by Unbeliever")).
* **"seek not a wife."**: This is Paul's direct instruction to the unmarried believer. It advises against actively pursuing marriage if one is already single. This counsel is given in the context of "the present distress" and the advantages of singleness for undivided devotion to the Lord, not as a blanket prohibition against marriage, but as an encouragement to embrace one's current state.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [1 Corinthians 7:27](/1_corinthians/7-27 "1 Corinthians 7:27 - Remain in Your Calling") to convey his message with clarity and force. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, where Paul asks questions not to elicit information but to guide the reader's thought and introduce his direct counsel. This technique engages the audience directly and makes the advice feel more personal and applicable. Following each question, Paul provides concise, imperative statements, creating a strong **Didactic Tone** that is characteristic of his pastoral epistles. Furthermore, the verse exhibits clear **Parallelism**, where the two clauses mirror each other in structure and concept: "Are you X? Don't seek to be not X. Are you not X? Don't seek to be X." This symmetrical construction enhances the memorability and impact of the instruction, emphasizing the principle of contentment and stability in one's current marital status. The use of the perfect tense for "bound" and "loosed" also highlights the **State of Being**, reinforcing that Paul is addressing one's established condition rather than a fleeting emotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's counsel in [1 Corinthians 7:27](/1_corinthians/7-27 "1 Corinthians 7:27 - Remain in Your Calling") is deeply rooted in a theology that values both the divine institution of marriage and the spiritual efficacy of singleness for the sake of the kingdom. It underscores the principle of Christian freedom and responsibility, where believers are called to live faithfully in their God-given circumstances, rather than constantly striving for external changes. The underlying motivation is to minimize worldly distractions and maximize devotion to Christ, especially in light of the transient nature of this world and the urgency of the Gospel. This perspective does not devalue marriage but rather elevates the pursuit of God's kingdom above all earthly relationships, encouraging believers to view their marital status as a context for service, not an end in itself.

* [Matthew 19:6](/matthew/19-6 "Matthew 19:6 - What God Has Joined Together")
* [1 Corinthians 7:32-35](/1_corinthians/7-32-35 "1 Corinthians 7:32-35 - Undivided Devotion")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 7:27 offers profound wisdom for believers navigating their relationships and life circumstances today. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of contentment and faithfulness in whatever state we find ourselves. For those who are married, the command "seek not to be loosed" serves as a powerful reminder of the sacred covenant entered before God and spouse. It encourages perseverance, commitment, and active work within the marriage, rather than looking for an easy exit when difficulties arise. This fosters stability not only in individual families but also within the broader church and society. For those who are single, "seek not a wife" (or husband) liberates from societal or self-imposed pressure to marry. It affirms singleness as a valid, honorable, and potentially advantageous state for serving the Lord with undivided attention and energy. The ultimate application is to prioritize our devotion to Christ and His kingdom above all else, allowing our marital status to be a platform for glorifying Him, rather than a source of anxiety or distraction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current marital status (married or single) enable or hinder my devotion to Christ?**
* **Am I actively seeking contentment in my present circumstances, or am I restless for a change in my relationship status?**
* **If married, how can I better honor my covenant and actively "not seek to be loosed" in my daily actions and attitudes?**
* **If single, how can I best leverage this season for focused service and growth in my relationship with God, rather than anxiously seeking a spouse?**
* **In what ways might societal pressures or personal desires distract me from Paul's core message of prioritizing God's kingdom?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that divorce is never permissible for Christians?**

Answer: While [1 Corinthians 7:27](/1_corinthians/7-27 "1 Corinthians 7:27 - Remain in Your Calling") strongly discourages seeking to be loosed from a wife, Paul's broader teaching in [1 Corinthians chapter 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Instructions on Marriage and Singleness") acknowledges specific, limited grounds where separation or divorce might occur. For instance, in [1 Corinthians 7:15](/1_corinthians/7-15 "1 Corinthians 7:15 - Desertion by Unbeliever"), Paul states that if an unbelieving spouse departs, the believing spouse is "not under bondage." This implies that in cases of desertion by an unbeliever, the believing spouse is free. Jesus also spoke of an exception for "sexual immorality" in [Matthew 19:9](/matthew/19-9 "Matthew 19:9 - Exception for Sexual Immorality"). Therefore, while the general principle is to remain bound, the New Testament provides narrow exceptions, primarily for unrepentant sexual immorality or desertion by an unbeliever. The verse's primary thrust is against actively initiating divorce without biblical cause.

**Is Paul saying that singleness is better than marriage?**

Answer: Paul is not making a universal declaration that singleness is inherently superior to marriage. Rather, he is presenting singleness as a valid and, for some, a more advantageous state for serving the Lord without the additional "troubles in the flesh" ([1 Corinthians 7:28](/1_corinthians/7-28 "1 Corinthians 7:28 - Troubles in the Flesh")) that come with marriage. His advice is heavily influenced by "the present distress" ([1 Corinthians 7:26](/1_corinthians/7-26 "1 Corinthians 7:26 - The Present Distress")) and the urgency of the times, where undivided devotion to Christ is paramount. He explicitly states that marriage is not a sin ([1 Corinthians 7:28](/1_corinthians/7-28 "1 Corinthians 7:28 - Marriage is Not Sin")) and even encourages marriage for those who cannot control their passions ([1 Corinthians 7:9](/1_corinthians/7-9 "1 Corinthians 7:9 - Better to Marry")). His point is that both states are honorable and can be used for God's glory, with singleness offering unique opportunities for focused ministry, as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 7:32-35](/1_corinthians/7-32-35 "1 Corinthians 7:32-35 - Undivided Devotion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 7:27](/1_corinthians/7-27 "1 Corinthians 7:27 - Remain in Your Calling") offers practical guidance on marital status, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how our relationship status serves the ultimate goal of glorifying Christ and advancing His kingdom. Paul's emphasis on contentment in one's calling and undivided devotion points to the example of Christ Himself, who lived a life of complete surrender and focus on His Father's will, unhindered by earthly attachments. Jesus, though never married, perfectly fulfilled His mission, demonstrating that one's relational status is secondary to one's commitment to God's purposes. For the married, their covenant reflects Christ's unwavering faithfulness to His Church, His Bride, as seen in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church"). For the single, their undivided devotion mirrors Christ's singular focus on His mission, empowering them to serve with greater freedom and zeal, embodying the truth that our ultimate identity and satisfaction are found in Him alone ([Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - Knowing Christ as Gain")). Ultimately, this verse calls believers, regardless of their marital state, to live as those who have been bought with a price, and therefore to "glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Glorify God in Your Body")), with Christ as the center of all their relationships and pursuits.

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 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.