1 Corinthians 7:27

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

• Contentment in Current State: The core message is to find contentment and purpose in one's existing marital status. Whether married or single, the believer is encouraged not to be restless or constantly seeking a change in their circumstances.
• Sanctity of Marriage: "Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed." This strongly discourages initiating divorce or seeking to dissolve a marriage, upholding the permanence of the marital covenant. This aligns with other New Testament teachings on marriage's sacred bond, where God joins two people together (Matthew 19:6).
• Freedom and Purpose in Singleness: "Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife." This refers to those who are single, whether never married, widowed, or legitimately divorced according to the specific exceptions Paul discusses earlier in the chapter (1 Corinthians 7:15). Paul affirms that singleness is a valid and even advantageous state for serving the Lord with undivided devotion (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). There is no divine compulsion to marry if one is already single.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses clear language here, but a brief look at the Greek reinforces the meaning:

• "Bound unto a wife": The Greek word is dedesai (δεδεσαι), a perfect passive form of deo, meaning "to bind" or "to tie." It signifies a state of being firmly bound or united, emphasizing the established and enduring nature of the marriage bond.
• "Loosed from a wife": The Greek is lelutai (λελυται), also a perfect passive form, from luo, meaning "to loose," "to release," or "to set free." This indicates a state of being unbound or free from a marital tie, whether through widowhood or a biblically permissible divorce.

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:

• Faithfulness in Marriage: If you are married, commit to your spouse and the covenant. Do not actively seek ways to end the marriage. This fosters stability in families and reflects Christ's faithfulness to His church.
• Contentment as a Single Person: If you are single, embrace your state as an opportunity for dedicated service to God. There is no societal or spiritual pressure to marry if God has not led you to it. Singleness can be a season of profound spiritual growth and ministry.
• Focus on God's Kingdom: Paul's underlying motivation is to encourage believers to live in a way that minimizes distractions and maximizes their ability to serve God. Our marital status is secondary to our devotion to Christ and His purposes. Regardless of our relationship status, our primary calling is to glorify God and advance His kingdom.