1 Corinthians 7

1 Corinthians 7 addresses questions about marriage, singleness, sexual purity, divorce, mixed marriages, personal calling, and serving God in different life situations. Paul gives practical counsel to the Corinthian believers, showing that marriage is honorable and good, but singleness can also be a gift when used for undistracted service to the Lord. He teaches that each believer should walk faithfully in the calling and situation where God has placed them, whether married, unmarried, widowed, circumcised, uncircumcised, slave, or free. The main point of the chapter is not that one outward condition is always better than another, but that believers should live with purity, peace, faithfulness, self-control, and devotion to God, especially because this present world is passing away.

1 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV)
1 Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

Paul begins by answering questions the Corinthians had written to him about marriage, celibacy, and sexual relationships. When he says, “It is good for a man not to touch a woman,” he is speaking about abstaining from sexual relations and possibly remaining unmarried. Paul recognizes that singleness can be good because it allows a person to focus more fully on spiritual things and service to God. However, he does not command everyone to remain single, because he understands that not all people have the same gift or calling.

1 Corinthians 7:2 (NKJV)
2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.

Paul gives practical counsel because sexual immorality was a real temptation. He says each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband. This teaches that marriage is God’s proper place for sexual intimacy and faithfulness. It also supports monogamy, where one husband and one wife belong to each other in a committed relationship. Marriage helps protect against sexual immorality by providing a proper, faithful, and loving union.

1 Corinthians 7:3-5 (NKJV)
3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.
4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Paul teaches that marriage involves mutual love, affection, and responsibility. The husband should give his wife the affection due her, and the wife should do the same for her husband. Paul also says that each spouse has authority in relation to the other’s body, showing mutual submission, not selfish control or domination. Neither husband nor wife should use intimacy selfishly or withhold it carelessly. If they abstain for a time, it should be by mutual agreement, for a spiritual purpose such as fasting and prayer, and only for a limited time. Then they should come together again so Satan does not tempt them because of lack of self-control. This shows that marriage should be marked by love, respect, agreement, and care for each other’s spiritual and physical needs.

1 Corinthians 7:6-7 (NKJV)
6 But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment.
7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.

Paul explains that his advice is given as a concession, not as a commandment for everyone. He personally wishes that others could be as he is, meaning single and free to serve the Lord without the responsibilities of marriage. However, he recognizes that each person has his own gift from God. Some are gifted for singleness, while others are gifted for marriage. This shows that both marriage and singleness can be honorable when lived according to God’s will.

1 Corinthians 7:8-9 (NKJV)
8 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am;
9 but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

Paul advises the unmarried and widows that it is good for them to remain single if they are able, because singleness can allow greater focus on the Lord. But if they cannot exercise self-control and are strongly tempted by passion, they should marry. Marriage is not a lower or sinful choice; it is a proper and honorable way to live faithfully before God. Paul’s point is practical: it is better to marry than to burn with uncontrolled desire and fall into sexual sin.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (NKJV)
10 Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband.
11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.

Paul now gives instruction to married believers, and he says this command is from the Lord. A wife is not to depart from her husband, and a husband is not to divorce his wife. This agrees with Jesus’ teaching that marriage is sacred and should not be broken lightly. If separation does happen, Paul says the person should remain unmarried or seek reconciliation. This shows that God values the permanence of marriage and desires healing and restoration where possible.

1 Corinthians 7:12-13 (NKJV)
12 But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her.
13 And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him.

Paul now speaks to situations where a believer is married to an unbeliever. When he says, “I, not the Lord,” he does not mean his advice is uninspired, but that Jesus had not directly addressed this exact situation during His earthly teaching. Paul says that if the unbelieving spouse is willing to remain in the marriage, the believer should not divorce them. This shows that a believer should not end a marriage simply because the other spouse is not a believer. If peace is possible, the marriage should continue, and the believing spouse may be a godly influence in the home.

1 Corinthians 7:14 (NKJV)
14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.

Paul explains that the presence of a believing spouse brings a sanctifying influence into the home. This does not mean the unbelieving spouse is automatically saved, but that the marriage is not spiritually defiled because one spouse is a believer. The believer’s presence brings God’s blessing, influence, and light into the family. Paul also says the children are holy, meaning they are not to be viewed as unclean or outside God’s care because of the mixed marriage. The believing parent’s faith brings a special spiritual influence and blessing into the household.

1 Corinthians 7:15 (NKJV)
15 But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.

Paul says that if the unbelieving spouse chooses to leave, the believer should let them depart. The believer is not under bondage in such cases, meaning they are not required to force the marriage to continue when the unbelieving spouse has rejected it. God has called believers to peace, not to endless conflict, pressure, or spiritual compromise. This is not an encouragement to divorce, but a recognition that sometimes the unbeliever may choose to leave, and the believer may have to accept that reality peacefully.

1 Corinthians 7:16 (NKJV)
16 For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?

Paul continues the thought from verses 12-13, where he says that if the unbelieving husband or wife is willing to remain in the marriage, the believing spouse should not divorce them. In verse 16, Paul gives a hopeful reason for not giving up lightly: the believing spouse does not know whether God may use their faithfulness, love, patience, prayers, and Christlike character to help lead the unbelieving spouse to salvation. This does not guarantee that the unbelieving spouse will be saved, because each person must personally respond to God. But Paul is saying there is hope, so the believer should trust God, live faithfully, and allow their life to become a witness in the home.

1 Corinthians 7:17 (NKJV)
17 But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches.

Paul teaches that each believer should walk faithfully in the situation where God has called them. Whether married, single, widowed, or in another life situation, the important thing is to live for God where you are. Faithfulness does not always require changing outward circumstances immediately. God can use each person’s calling and situation as a place to serve Him. Paul says this is the principle he teaches in all the churches.

1 Corinthians 7:18-19 (NKJV)
18 Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised.
19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.

Paul uses circumcision as an example to show that outward religious or cultural status is not what makes a person acceptable to God. If someone was called while circumcised, he should not try to change that. If someone was called while uncircumcised, he should not think he must become circumcised to belong to God. Circumcision and uncircumcision are nothing in themselves. What matters is keeping the commandments of God. Paul is teaching that outward rituals do not replace true obedience, faith, and a life surrendered to God.

1 Corinthians 7:20 (NKJV)
20 Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.

Paul repeats the principle that believers do not need to anxiously change their outward life situation in order to serve God. They should remain faithful in the calling or condition they were in when God called them, unless God clearly opens a better way. The Christian life is not mainly about changing external status, but about living faithfully with God in whatever situation He has allowed.

1 Corinthians 7:21-22 (NKJV)
21 Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it.
22 For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave.

Paul speaks to believers who were slaves or servants. He tells them not to be overly troubled by their social status, because in Christ they are spiritually free. However, if they have the opportunity to become free, they should use that opportunity. A slave who belongs to Christ is the Lord’s freedman, and a free person who belongs to Christ is Christ’s servant. This means earthly status does not determine a person’s true worth. In Christ, the slave is free from sin, and the free person is called to serve Christ.

1 Corinthians 7:23-24 (NKJV)
23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.
24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.

Paul reminds believers that they were bought at a price, referring to the sacrifice of Christ. Because they belong to Christ, they should not become slaves of men in the sense of being controlled by human pressure, fear, or worldly expectations. Even if their outward situation is difficult, their highest loyalty belongs to God. Paul again says that each person should remain with God in the state where they were called, meaning they should live faithfully with God wherever they are.

1 Corinthians 7:25-26 (NKJV)
25 Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord; yet I give judgment as one whom the Lord in His mercy has made trustworthy.
26 I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress—that it is good for a man to remain as he is:

Paul now gives advice concerning virgins, or unmarried people. He says he has no direct command from the Lord on this matter, but gives his judgment as one whom the Lord has made trustworthy. Because of the “present distress,” which may refer to persecution, hardship, or difficult circumstances at that time, Paul says it is good for a person to remain as they are. His counsel is practical, because singleness may make it easier to endure trouble and serve the Lord without added family burdens.

1 Corinthians 7:27-28 (NKJV)
27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife.
28 But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you.

Paul says that if a person is married, they should not seek to be released from marriage. If a person is unmarried, they do not need to actively seek marriage. However, Paul clearly says that marriage is not sin. If someone marries, they have not sinned. His concern is that marriage brings responsibilities, pressures, and troubles in this life, especially during difficult times. Paul wants to spare believers unnecessary burdens, but he does not condemn marriage.

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (NKJV)
29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none,
30 those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess,
31 and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.

Paul reminds believers that the time is short and this world is passing away. Because of this, even important earthly matters such as marriage, sorrow, joy, buying, and possessions must not control the heart. Paul is not saying husbands should neglect their wives, or that emotions and responsibilities do not matter. He is teaching that believers should live with eternal priorities. We may use the things of this world, but we must not misuse them or cling to them as if they are permanent. Since the form of this world is passing away, our hearts should be set on God and His kingdom.

1 Corinthians 7:32-34 (NKJV)
32 But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord.
33 But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife.
34 There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband.

Paul explains one advantage of singleness: the unmarried person can give more attention to the things of the Lord and how to please Him. A married person must also care for the needs of their spouse and household, which divides their attention. This does not mean marriage is worldly or wrong, but that marriage naturally brings earthly responsibilities. The unmarried man or woman may have greater freedom to serve God with less distraction. Paul’s point is not to shame married people, but to show the practical benefit of singleness for those who have that gift.

1 Corinthians 7:35 (NKJV)
35 And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.

Paul clarifies that his advice is for their benefit, not to control them or place a leash on them. He is not trying to force people into singleness or burden them with unnecessary rules. His goal is to help them live in a way that is proper and useful for serving the Lord without distraction. This shows Paul’s pastoral heart: he wants believers to choose the path that helps them be most faithful and devoted to God.

1 Corinthians 7:36-38 (NKJV)
36 But if any man thinks he is behaving improperly toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of youth, and thus it must be, let him do what he wishes. He does not sin; let them marry.
37 Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well.
38 So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.

Paul addresses the situation of a man and his betrothed virgin, or a father responsible for his daughter’s marriage, depending on how the passage is understood. If marriage is appropriate and necessary, Paul says they may marry and do not sin. But if someone has self-control, no necessity, and has firmly decided to remain unmarried, that is also good. Paul says the one who gives in marriage does well, but the one who does not give in marriage does better, because singleness may allow more undistracted service to God. Again, Paul is not saying marriage is wrong, but that singleness can be spiritually useful when a person has the gift and calling for it.

1 Corinthians 7:39-40 (NKJV)
39 A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.
40 But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment—and I think I also have the Spirit of God.

Paul concludes by speaking about widows. A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives, but if her husband dies, she is free to marry again. However, Paul says she should marry “only in the Lord,” meaning she should marry a believer who shares her faith. Paul also gives his judgment that she may be happier if she remains single, especially because singleness can allow more freedom and focus in serving God. He gives this counsel with spiritual wisdom, while still recognizing that remarriage is permitted if done in the Lord.