1 Corinthians 7:7

KJV

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I would {G2309} that all {G3956} men {G444} were {G1511} even {G2532} as {G5613} I myself {G1683}. But {G235} every man {G1538} hath {G2192} his proper {G2398} gift {G5486} of {G1537} God {G2316}, one {G3739}{G3303} after this manner {G3779}, and {G1161} another {G3739} after that {G3779}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Actually, I wish everyone were like me; but each has his own gift from God, one this, another that.

Berean Standard Bible

I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.

American Standard Version

Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 7:7, the Apostle Paul articulates a profound truth regarding God's diverse design for individuals within the Christian community, particularly concerning marital status. He begins by expressing his personal preference for singleness, viewing it as a state conducive to undistracted devotion to the Lord. However, he immediately balances this personal desire with the overarching theological principle that each believer receives a unique "proper gift" from God, whether for singleness or for marriage, emphasizing divine enablement and the varied ways in which believers are equipped to serve God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the heart of Paul's comprehensive discussion on marriage and singleness in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Instructions on Marriage and Singleness"). The Corinthian church had written to Paul with specific questions, likely regarding the permissibility of sexual relations within marriage, the advantages of celibacy, and issues of divorce and remarriage. Paul's preceding verses ([1 Corinthians 7:1-6](/1_corinthians/7-1-6 "1 Corinthians 7:1-6 - Marital Duties and Abstinence")) address the mutual marital duties and the conditions under which a couple might temporarily abstain from sexual relations. His statement in [1 Corinthians 7:7](/1_corinthians/7-7 "1 Corinthians 7:7 - Paul's Preference and God's Gifts") serves as a transition, moving from general marital advice to his personal conviction regarding singleness, while simultaneously broadening the discussion to include God's individual gifting for all believers, regardless of their marital state. This sets the stage for his subsequent detailed advice on remaining in one's current calling, whether married or single ([1 Corinthians 7:17-24](/1_corinthians/7-17-24 "1 Corinthians 7:17-24 - Living in Your Calling")), and the practical benefits of singleness for undivided devotion ([1 Corinthians 7:32-35](/1_corinthians/7-32-35 "1 Corinthians 7:32-35 - Undivided Devotion in Singleness")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, notorious for its moral laxity and diverse religious practices, including temple prostitution. Within this environment, the nascent Christian community grappled with how to live out their faith. Some believers, influenced by ascetic tendencies or perhaps a misunderstanding of Christian freedom, may have advocated for universal celibacy, even within marriage. Others might have felt societal pressure to marry or remarry. Paul's teaching here counters both extremes: he affirms the goodness of marriage while also elevating the value of singleness, presenting both as legitimate and divinely-ordained paths for believers. His own status as an unmarried apostle likely informed his perspective, as it allowed him unparalleled freedom and mobility in his missionary endeavors, as implied in [1 Corinthians 9:5](/1_corinthians/9-5 "1 Corinthians 9:5 - Paul's Rights as an Apostle").

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes in 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **diversity of divine gifts and callings** within the body of Christ, a theme extensively developed in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"). Paul emphasizes that God equips each individual uniquely, not only with spiritual abilities for ministry but also with a disposition and capacity for a particular marital status. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **contentment in one's God-given state**. Whether married or single, the believer is called to thrive and serve God effectively in their current circumstances, recognizing that their state is a "gift" from God. Thirdly, it touches on the theme of **undivided devotion to the Lord**, particularly for those gifted with singleness, as Paul suggests this state can facilitate greater focus on spiritual matters and ministry without the distractions inherent in family life, a point he elaborates on in [1 Corinthians 7:32-35](/1_corinthians/7-32-35 "1 Corinthians 7:32-35 - Undivided Devotion in Singleness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **would (Greek, _thélō'_):** This word signifies a strong personal desire, will, or determination. Paul is not merely expressing a fleeting wish but a settled inclination and preference. It reflects his conviction that his state of singleness was advantageous for his ministry and devotion, and he expresses a desire for others to experience similar benefits, though not as a universal command.
* **proper (Greek, _ídios'_):** This adjective emphasizes individuality and personal ownership. It indicates that the "gift" is specific and unique to each person, belonging to them alone. It highlights God's particular and tailored endowment for every individual, underscoring that each person's capacity for marriage or singleness is a distinct, divinely assigned attribute.
* **gift (Greek, _chárisma'_):** Derived from _charis_ (grace), this term denotes a "divine gratuity" or a "spiritual endowment." While often used for miraculous spiritual abilities (as in [1 Corinthians 12:4](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4 - Diversity of Gifts")), here it extends to a broader sense of a gracious enablement from God concerning one's marital status. It signifies that one's capacity to thrive in either singleness or marriage is not merely a natural inclination or personal choice, but a grace-gift from God, empowering them to fulfill His purpose in that particular state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I would that all men were even as I myself."**: Paul expresses a personal desire or preference. As an apostle who was likely unmarried or widowed, he found his singleness to be a distinct advantage for his demanding ministry, allowing him freedom from family obligations and an undivided focus on the Lord's work. His statement is not a command or a universal ideal for all believers, but an articulation of his personal experience and the perceived benefits of his state.
* **"But every man hath his proper gift of God,"**: Immediately, Paul introduces a crucial counterpoint, signaled by "But." He clarifies that his personal preference is not a universal mandate. Instead, each individual possesses a unique, divinely bestowed "gift" or endowment. This "gift" refers to one's capacity and disposition regarding marital status—whether they are gifted for singleness or for marriage. The phrase "of God" underscores the divine origin and sovereignty behind this personal endowment.
* **"one after this manner, and another after that."**: This final clause emphasizes the diversity of these divine gifts. God, in His wisdom, distributes different capacities and callings concerning marital status. Some are uniquely enabled to thrive and serve Him effectively in singleness, while others are similarly enabled to flourish and serve within the context of marriage. This highlights God's individual design for each believer and validates both states as honorable and divinely appointed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several **literary devices** to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Contrast**, introduced by the conjunction "But" (G235, _allá_), which sharply distinguishes Paul's personal desire for universal singleness from the reality of God's diverse gifting. This creates a powerful tension that Paul resolves by affirming divine sovereignty in individual callings. There is also an element of **Personal Testimony** as Paul openly shares his own preference ("as I myself"), lending authenticity and weight to his advice. Furthermore, the phrase "all men" might be seen as a mild **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration for effect, emphasizing his strong personal conviction before he immediately qualifies it with the truth of individual gifting. The use of **Antithesis** is also evident in the pairing of "one after this manner, and another after that," which succinctly captures the spectrum of God's diverse endowments regarding marital status.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 7:7 offers profound theological insights into God's sovereign design for individuals and the nature of divine grace. It establishes that both singleness and marriage are not merely human choices or societal norms, but potential "gifts of God," divinely enabled states through which believers can serve Him. This perspective challenges any cultural or ecclesiastical bias that might elevate one state over the other, affirming the inherent dignity and purpose in both. It teaches that God equips each person uniquely for their specific calling, ensuring that every believer has the necessary grace to fulfill their purpose, whether within the bonds of matrimony or in the freedom of singleness. This understanding fosters contentment and encourages believers to embrace their God-given state as a means of glorifying Him and advancing His kingdom.

* [Romans 12:6](/romans/12-6 "Romans 12:6 - Diverse Gifts According to Grace")
* [Ephesians 4:7](/ephesians/4-7 "Ephesians 4:7 - Grace Given to Each One")
* [1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Stewards of God's Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's wisdom and design are far more nuanced and individual than we often assume. It calls us to move beyond rigid societal or even religious expectations about marital status and to embrace the unique "gift" that God has given each of us. For those who are single, it validates their state not as a waiting period or a lesser calling, but as a divinely appointed opportunity for focused devotion and service. For those who are married, it affirms their union as a sacred, God-ordained gift through which they can glorify Him. The key application is to discern and embrace our own "proper gift," recognizing that our capacity to thrive in either state comes from God's grace. This leads to contentment, freedom from comparison, and a greater ability to serve Christ with an undivided heart, whatever our relationship status may be. It also challenges the church community to equally affirm and support both married and single individuals, recognizing the unique contributions each can make to the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding your marital status (or lack thereof) as a "gift of God" change your perspective on your current life circumstances?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to compare your "gift" with that of others, and how can this verse help you find contentment in your unique calling?**
* **How can the church better affirm and empower both single and married individuals to serve God effectively, without elevating one state over the other?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live out your "proper gift" for God's glory, whether in singleness or marriage?**

### FAQ

**Does Paul's statement "I would that all men were even as I myself" mean that singleness is superior to marriage?**

Answer: No, Paul's statement is an expression of his personal preference and experience, not a universal command or a declaration of superiority. He found his singleness conducive to his demanding apostolic ministry, allowing him undivided devotion to the Lord. However, he immediately qualifies this by stating, "But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that." This clarifies that God bestows different "gifts" or capacities for both singleness and marriage. Both states are presented as valid and divinely-ordained paths for believers to serve God, with neither being inherently superior to the other. The emphasis is on God's individual calling and enablement for each person, as seen throughout [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Instructions on Marriage and Singleness").

**What does Paul mean by "proper gift of God" in this context?**

Answer: The "proper gift of God" (Greek: _chárisma_) refers to a divine enablement or gracious endowment specifically related to one's capacity for marital status. It's not just a natural inclination or personal choice, but a God-given ability to thrive and serve Him effectively in either singleness or marriage. For some, this gift is the capacity for celibacy and undivided devotion to the Lord's work without the responsibilities of marriage. For others, it is the capacity for a godly marriage, where they can serve God and raise a family in a way that honors Him. The word "proper" (_ídios_) emphasizes that this gift is unique and specific to each individual, tailored by God for their particular life and calling, as further explained in [1 Corinthians 7:17](/1_corinthians/7-17 "1 Corinthians 7:17 - Each One as the Lord Has Assigned").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 7:7 directly addresses practical matters of marriage and singleness, its underlying principle of divine gifting and individual calling finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus Himself lived a life of perfect, single-minded devotion to the Father's will, embodying the ultimate example of one whose "gift" was entirely consecrated to His divine mission. He was not distracted by worldly concerns but remained singularly focused on His purpose: to seek and save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")) and to accomplish the Father's work ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do the Will of God")). The "proper gift of God" that Paul speaks of is ultimately empowered by the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends to His followers ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit")). Through the Spirit, believers are enabled to live out their unique callings, whether in singleness or marriage, as an act of worship and service to Christ. Our capacity to thrive in any state, to bear fruit for the kingdom, and to live with undivided devotion is a grace-gift from God, made possible through our union with Christ, who is the source of all spiritual endowments and the perfect model of consecrated living ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Complete in Christ")). Thus, our specific "gift" regarding marital status becomes another avenue through which Christ's life and purpose are manifested in and through us.

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

Matthew 19:11

But he said unto them, All [men] cannot receive this saying, save [they] to whom it is given.

Matthew 19:12

For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from [their] mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive [it], let him receive [it].

1 Corinthians 9:5

Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and [as] the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

Romans 12:6

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith;

1 Corinthians 12:4

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1 Corinthians 7:8

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

1 Corinthians 12:11

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.