1 Corinthians 7:39

KJV

¶ The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

The wife {G1135} is bound {G1210} by the law {G3551}{G1909} as long {G5550} as {G3745} her {G846} husband {G435} liveth {G2198}; but {G1161} if {G1437} her {G846} husband {G435} be dead {G2837}, she is {G2076} at liberty {G1658} to be married {G1060} to whom {G3739} she will {G2309}; only {G3440} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives, but if the husband dies she is free to marry anyone she wishes, provided he is a believer in the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.

American Standard Version

A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 7:39 provides specific guidance from the Apostle Paul regarding the remarriage of a widow. It affirms that a wife is bound to her husband by the law as long as he lives, but upon his death, she is at liberty to remarry. Crucially, Paul stipulates that any subsequent marriage for a believer must be "in the Lord," emphasizing the necessity of spiritual compatibility and shared faith as the foundation for a God-honoring union.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement in a significant section of Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church, specifically [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage, Singleness, and Divorce"). Throughout this chapter, Paul addresses various questions concerning marriage, singleness, divorce, and sexual ethics, often in light of the "present distress" (likely persecution or the urgency of the gospel mission). He provides nuanced advice for different relational statuses, aiming to guide believers toward choices that honor God and facilitate their devotion to Christ. Verse 39 builds directly on the principles of marital fidelity and the permanence of the marriage covenant established earlier in the chapter, offering a clear directive for widows, distinguishing their situation from those contemplating divorce.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of Corinth, societal norms regarding marriage and divorce varied. While Roman law allowed for relatively easy divorce, Jewish tradition, and by extension, early Christian teaching, held a higher view of marital permanence. Widows in ancient societies often faced significant social and economic vulnerability, making remarriage a practical necessity for some. Paul's counsel here is both compassionate and counter-cultural. He grants freedom for remarriage, which was culturally accepted, but places a distinct Christian qualification on it, distinguishing believers' choices from those of the surrounding pagan society. This "only in the Lord" principle would have been a radical departure from common practice, where social status, wealth, or family alliances often dictated marital choices.

* **Key Themes:** 1 Corinthians 7:39 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the chapter and Paul's broader theology. First, it underscores the **sanctity and permanence of the marriage covenant**, affirming it as a lifelong bond dissolved only by death, a principle echoed by Jesus in [Matthew 19:6](/matthew/19-6 "Matthew 19:6 - Marriage Permanence"). Second, it highlights the **freedom of believers in Christ**, demonstrating that while the initial marital bond is binding, death releases one from that specific legal and spiritual obligation, granting liberty to remarry. Third, and most profoundly, it emphasizes the paramount importance of **spiritual compatibility** in Christian marriage. The phrase "only in the Lord" establishes a non-negotiable standard for believers, ensuring that their most intimate human relationship is aligned with their ultimate devotion to God. This principle is foundational to avoiding the spiritual pitfalls of being [unequally yoked with unbelievers](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked"), a concept Paul elaborates on elsewhere.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bound (Greek, _déō'_):** This word signifies being tied, fastened, or obligated. In the context of marriage, it denotes a legal and moral obligation, emphasizing the unbreakable nature of the marital covenant as long as both parties are alive. It implies a divinely ordained bond that carries specific duties and responsibilities.
* **liberty (Greek, _eleútheros'_):** Meaning "unrestrained (to go at pleasure)," this term conveys freedom from obligation or liability. When applied to a widow, it signifies that the death of her husband dissolves the previous bond, freeing her from its constraints and allowing her to choose remarriage without legal or moral impediment from the former union.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term refers to one who is supreme in authority, a controller, or Master. In the New Testament, it is consistently used to refer to Jesus Christ. Thus, to marry "in the Lord" means to marry someone who acknowledges Jesus as their supreme authority and Master, living under His Lordship and according to His will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth":** This clause establishes the foundational principle of marital permanence. The marriage covenant, understood as a legal and divine bond, remains in effect for the duration of both spouses' lives. It underscores the serious, lifelong commitment inherent in Christian marriage, reflecting God's original design for a permanent union.
* **"but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will":** This segment articulates the specific condition under which the marital bond is dissolved: the death of one spouse. Upon the husband's death, the wife is released from her previous obligation and gains the freedom to remarry. Paul grants this liberty without specifying any particular person, allowing for personal choice in selecting a new spouse.
* **"only in the Lord":** This is the crucial qualification and the theological heart of the verse. While a widow is free to remarry, her choice is not unfettered. For a Christian, remarriage must occur within the sphere of Christian faith and community. This implies marrying another genuine believer who shares a common commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord, ensuring spiritual unity and alignment in the new partnership.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message with clarity and authority. The primary device is **Legal Language**, evident in phrases like "bound by the law" and "at liberty," which frame marriage as a legally recognized and divinely sanctioned institution with specific parameters for its beginning and end. This legalistic phrasing lends weight and authority to Paul's instruction. Furthermore, there is a clear use of **Contrast** between the "bound" state during the husband's life and the "at liberty" state after his death, highlighting the transformative power of death in dissolving the marital covenant. Finally, the verse concludes with a strong **Stipulation** or **Admonition** in the phrase "only in the Lord." This short, emphatic phrase acts as a non-negotiable condition, underscoring its critical importance and serving as a concise summary of Christian marital ethics.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 7:39 encapsulates profound theological truths about marriage, liberty, and the nature of Christian fellowship. It affirms that marriage, while a human institution, operates under divine law, reflecting God's design for covenantal faithfulness. The dissolution of this bond by death is not a failure but a natural end, after which God grants freedom. However, this freedom is not absolute license but is circumscribed by one's identity "in the Lord." This principle elevates marriage beyond mere social arrangement to a spiritual partnership, where shared faith in Christ is paramount. It suggests that the deepest unity in marriage is spiritual, enabling spouses to pursue God's purposes together, reflecting the ultimate union between Christ and His Church.

* [Romans 7:2](/romans/7-2 "Romans 7:2 - Law of the Husband")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")
* [Ephesians 5:22-33](/ephesians/5-22-33 "Ephesians 5:22-33 - Christ and the Church as Marriage Metaphor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 1 Corinthians 7:39 offers timeless and practical wisdom concerning marriage and remarriage. It provides compassionate affirmation for widows and widowers, assuring them of their biblical freedom to remarry after the death of a spouse, alleviating any potential guilt or confusion. More broadly, the directive "only in the Lord" serves as a foundational principle for all Christians contemplating marriage. It calls for intentionality in seeking a spouse who not only professes faith but genuinely lives "in the Lord"—someone who shares a deep commitment to Christ, aligns with biblical values, and is pursuing spiritual growth. This ensures that the marriage will be a partnership in faith, capable of glorifying God, fostering spiritual maturity in both individuals, and providing a unified foundation for raising a family in the Christian tradition. It reminds us that our most intimate relationships should always reflect our ultimate allegiance to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle "only in the Lord" shape my understanding of who I should consider as a potential spouse?**
* **Beyond mere profession of faith, what does it mean for a spouse to truly be "in the Lord" in their daily life and spiritual walk?**
* **In what ways can a shared commitment to Christ strengthen and sustain a marriage through various seasons of life?**

### FAQ

**Question? Is "in the Lord" just about being a Christian?**

Answer: While a foundational requirement, "in the Lord" implies more than just a nominal profession of faith or church attendance. It refers to a genuine, active, and transformative relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord. It suggests that the individual's life is characterized by submission to Christ's authority, a pursuit of holiness, and a commitment to God's will. Therefore, marrying "in the Lord" means choosing a spouse who shares not only the same theological beliefs but also the same spiritual direction, values, and ultimate purpose in life, which is to glorify God.

**Question? Does this verse apply to divorce and remarriage after divorce?**

Answer: This specific verse (1 Corinthians 7:39) directly addresses remarriage after the death of a spouse, explicitly stating that death dissolves the marital bond. Paul discusses divorce and remarriage for other circumstances earlier in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage, Singleness, and Divorce"), particularly in [verses 10-16](/1_corinthians/7-10-16 "1 Corinthians 7:10-16 - Divorce and Desertion"). While the "only in the Lord" principle is universally applicable to believers entering marriage, the conditions for divorce and subsequent remarriage in the church are complex and debated, and this verse itself does not directly address those situations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 7:39, while addressing practical marital matters, implicitly points to the profound Christ-centered realities of the believer's life. The concept of being "bound by the law" until death foreshadows our spiritual state before Christ: we were "bound" to sin and the law, but through Christ's death and resurrection, we have died to that old covenant and are now "at liberty" to be married to another—namely, to Christ Himself, that we might bear fruit for God, as articulated in [Romans 7:4](/romans/7-4 "Romans 7:4 - Married to Christ"). Our freedom in Christ, a central theme in Paul's theology (e.g., [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")), is the ultimate liberation that enables all other righteous choices, including marriage. The crucial stipulation "only in the Lord" thus becomes a reflection of the ultimate spiritual union: the Church's exclusive devotion to Christ, her heavenly Bridegroom. Earthly marriage, particularly when lived "in the Lord," serves as a profound mystery, a living parable that points to the unparalleled, eternal covenant relationship between Christ and His Church, culminating in the joyous anticipation of the [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - Marriage Supper of the Lamb").

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

Romans 7:2

For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband.

Romans 7:3

So then if, while [her] husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

2 Corinthians 6:14

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:16

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

1 Corinthians 7:10

¶ And unto the married I command, [yet] not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from [her] husband:

1 Corinthians 7:15

But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such [cases]: but God hath called us to peace.

Malachi 2:11

Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.