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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 7:39 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/7-39.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/46_1Co_07_39.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 7:39 - The Unmarried and Widowed" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/7-39.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/7-39.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 39</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad19.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-38.htm" title="1 Corinthians 7:38">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 7:39 <a href="/1_corinthians/7-40.htm" title="1 Corinthians 7:40">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/7.htm">New International Version</a> A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> A wife is bound for as long a time as her husband may live; but if the husband shall have died, she is free to be married to whom she wills, only in the Lord. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/7.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/7.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband has fallen asleep, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> A wife is bound [to her husband by law] as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry whomever she wishes, only [provided that he too is] in the Lord. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> A wife is bound as long as her husband is living. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to anyone she wants—only in the Lord. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> A wife is bound as long as her husband is living. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to anyone she wants—only in the Lord. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> A wife should stay married to her husband until he dies. Then she is free to marry again, but only to a man who is a follower of the Lord. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> A married woman must remain with her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if the man is a Christian. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> A married woman is not free as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, then she is free to be married to any man she wishes, but only if he is a Christian. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> 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, only in the Lord. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> A wife is bound by law 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. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/7.htm">NET Bible</a> A wife is bound as long as her husband is living. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes (only someone in the Lord). <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives; but if the husband is dead, she is free to be married to whomever she desires, only in the Lord. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband is dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> A woman is bound to her husband during the whole period that he lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to marry whom she will, provided that he is a Christian. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/7.htm">World English Bible</a> A wife is bound by law for as long as her husband lives; but if the husband is dead, she is free to be married to whomever she desires, only in the Lord. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> A wife has been bound by law [for] as long [a] time as her husband may live, and if her husband may sleep, she is free to be married to whom she will—only in the LORD; <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> A wife is bound for as long a time as her husband may live; but if the husband shall have died, she is free to be married to whom she wills, only in the Lord. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> A wife hath been bound by law as long time as her husband may live, and if her husband may sleep, she is free to be married to whom she will -- only in the Lord; <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The woman was bound by law for as much time as her husband lives; and if her husband be set to sleep, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> A woman is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband die, she is at liberty: let her marry to whom she will; only in the Lord. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> A woman is bound under the law for as long as her husband lives. But if her husband has died, she is free. She may marry whomever she wishes, but only in the Lord. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/7.htm">New American Bible</a> A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whomever she wishes, provided that it be in the Lord. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> A wife is bound as long as her husband lives. But if the husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, only in the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> A wife is bound by the law, as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is free to marry whom she pleases, but only in our LORD. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> A wife is bound by The Written Law to her husband as long as he lives, but if her husband should fall asleep, she is free to be whosever she will, only in Our Lord.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> The wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband die, she is free to be married to whom she will, only in the Lord. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> A wife has been given so long a time as her husband may live; but if her husband may die, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth: but if her husband be dead, she is free to be married to whomsoever she will, but only in the Lord. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a> The wife is bound as long as her husband lives: but if her husbnd be dead, she is at liberty to be married, if she pleases; provided it be to a christian. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> A woman is bound to her husband during the whole period that he lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to marry whom she will, provided that he is a Christian. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but, if her husband fall asleep, she is at liberty to he married to whom she will: only in the Lord. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> 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: <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=1528" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">The Unmarried and Widowed</a> …38So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better. 39<a href="/greek/1135.htm" title="1135: Gynē (N-NFS) -- A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.">A wife</a> <a href="/greek/1210.htm" title="1210: dedetai (V-RIM/P-3S) -- To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind.">is bound</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēs (PPro-GF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to her</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/435.htm" title="435: anēr (N-NMS) -- A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.">husband</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: eph’ (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. "></a> <a href="/greek/3745.htm" title="3745: hoson (RelPro-AMS) -- How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As.">as long as</a> <a href="/greek/5550.htm" title="5550: chronon (N-AMS) -- A space of time or interval; by extension, an individual opportunity; by implication, delay."></a> <a href="/greek/2198.htm" title="2198: zē (V-PIA-3S) -- To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.">he lives.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">her</a> <a href="/greek/435.htm" title="435: anēr (N-NMS) -- A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.">husband</a> <a href="/greek/2837.htm" title="2837: koimēthē (V-ASP-3S) -- From keimai; to put to sleep, i.e. to slumber; figuratively, to decease.">dies,</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">she is</a> <a href="/greek/1658.htm" title="1658: eleuthera (Adj-NFS) -- Free, delivered from obligation. Probably from the alternate of erchomai; unrestrained, i.e. not a slave, or exempt.">free</a> <a href="/greek/1060.htm" title="1060: gamēthēnai (V-ANP) -- To marry, used of either sex. From gamos; to wed.">to marry</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hō (RelPro-DMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">anyone</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelei (V-PIA-3S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">she wishes,</a> <a href="/greek/3440.htm" title="3440: monon (Adv) -- Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.">as long as</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">he belongs to</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriō (N-DMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">the Lord.</a> 40In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/romans/7-2.htm">Romans 7:2-3</a> For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. / So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man. <a href="/matthew/19-9.htm">Matthew 19:9</a> Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” <a href="/mark/10-11.htm">Mark 10:11-12</a> So He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. / And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.” <a href="/luke/16-18.htm">Luke 16:18</a> Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. <a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm">1 Timothy 5:14</a> So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander. <a href="/ephesians/5-22.htm">Ephesians 5:22-33</a> Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. / For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. / Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. ... <a href="/colossians/3-18.htm">Colossians 3:18-19</a> Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. / Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. <a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">1 Peter 3:1-7</a> Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives / when they see your pure and reverent demeanor. / Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, ... <a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a> For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. <a href="/deuteronomy/24-1.htm">Deuteronomy 24:1-4</a> If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds some indecency in her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, hand it to her, and send her away from his house. / If, after leaving his house, she goes and becomes another man’s wife, / and the second man hates her, writes her a certificate of divorce, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house, or if he dies, ... <a href="/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14-16</a> Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. / Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. / “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith. <a href="/matthew/5-31.htm">Matthew 5:31-32</a> It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ / But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. <a href="/mark/12-19.htm">Mark 12:19-25</a> “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. / Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children. / Then the second one married the widow, but he also died and left no children. And the third did likewise. ... <a href="/luke/20-34.htm">Luke 20:34-36</a> Jesus answered, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. / But those who are considered worthy to share in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. / In fact, they can no longer die, because they are like the angels. And since they are sons of the resurrection, they are sons of God. <a href="/romans/7-1.htm">Romans 7:1</a> Do you not know, brothers (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.wife.<a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">1 Corinthians 7:10,15</a> And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: … <a href="/romans/7-2.htm">Romans 7:2,3</a> 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… only.<a href="/genesis/6-2.htm">Genesis 6:2</a> That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.<a href="/deuteronomy/7-3.htm">Deuteronomy 7:3,4</a> Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son… <a href="/malachi/2-11.htm">Malachi 2:11</a> 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/13-36.htm">Asleep</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-32.htm">Belong</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-27.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-22.htm">Christian</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-14.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-36.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/romans/14-7.htm">Dies</a> <a href="/romans/15-3.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-37.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-34.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-6.htm">Law</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-29.htm">Live</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-38.htm">Married</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-38.htm">Marry</a> <a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Period</a> <a href="/romans/11-22.htm">Provided</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-38.htm">Right</a> <a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Sleep</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-6.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-34.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-36.htm">Wishes</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/11-30.htm">Asleep</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">Belong</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">Christian</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-8.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-8.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-36.htm">Dies</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-30.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-8.htm">Law</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-6.htm">Live</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-34.htm">Married</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-3.htm">Marry</a> <a href="/galatians/2-1.htm">Period</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm">Provided</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-2.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-30.htm">Sleep</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-6.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-5.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/philemon/1-21.htm">Wishes</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 7</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-1.htm">He discusses marriage;</a> 4. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-4.htm">showing it to be a remedy against sinful desires,</a> 10. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">and that the bond thereof ought not lightly to be dissolved.</a> 20. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-20.htm">Every man must be content with his vocation.</a> 25. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-25.htm">Virginity wherefore to be embraced;</a> 35. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-35.htm">and for what respects we may either marry, or abstain from marrying.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This phrase reflects the biblical principle of marriage as a lifelong covenant, rooted in <a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a>, where a man and woman become one flesh. The concept of being "bound" indicates a legal and spiritual commitment, emphasizing the sanctity and permanence of marriage. In the cultural context of the first-century Greco-Roman world, marriage was a binding contract, and this teaching aligns with Jewish law, which also viewed marriage as a lifelong obligation. The phrase underscores the seriousness of the marital bond, reflecting Jesus' teachings in <a href="/matthew/19-6.htm">Matthew 19:6</a>, where He states that what God has joined together, no one should separate.But if her husband dies, This clause introduces the exception to the lifelong bond of marriage, acknowledging death as the only event that dissolves the marital covenant. In the historical context, widowhood was a significant social and economic challenge, often leaving women vulnerable. The Bible provides for the care of widows, as seen in passages like <a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a>, which calls for believers to look after widows in their distress. Theologically, this reflects the temporary nature of earthly relationships compared to the eternal nature of the believer's relationship with Christ.she is free to marry anyone she wishes, This part of the verse affirms the widow's autonomy and freedom to remarry, a significant statement in a patriarchal society where women's choices were often limited. The freedom to choose a new spouse highlights the grace and liberty found in Christ, as seen in <a href="/galatians/5.htm">Galatians 5:1</a>, which speaks of the freedom believers have in Him. This freedom, however, is not without guidance, as the subsequent phrase provides a spiritual boundary for this choice.as long as he belongs to the Lord. This condition places a spiritual requirement on the widow's choice of a new husband, emphasizing the importance of shared faith in marriage. The phrase "belongs to the Lord" indicates a believer, aligning with the principle found in <a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14</a>, which advises against being unequally yoked with unbelievers. This requirement ensures that the marriage will be grounded in a mutual commitment to Christ, fostering spiritual unity and growth. Theologically, it reflects the idea that marriage is not only a personal relationship but also a partnership in serving God's purposes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with guidance on marriage and singleness. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a> The recipients of the letter, a diverse and often troubled congregation in the city of Corinth. 3. <a href="/topical/c/christian_marriage.htm">Christian Marriage</a> The context of the verse, focusing on the marital bond and its implications for believers. 4. <a href="/topical/w/widowhood.htm">Widowhood</a> The specific situation addressed in this verse, concerning a woman whose husband has died. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The Lord</a> Referring to Jesus Christ, in whose guidance and will the widow is encouraged to remarry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_marriage.htm">The Sanctity of Marriage</a> Marriage is a lifelong covenant, reflecting God's design and intention for a committed union between a husband and wife. <a href="/topical/f/freedom_in_widowhood.htm">Freedom in Widowhood</a> Upon the death of a spouse, a widow is released from the marital bond and may choose to remarry, highlighting God's compassion and provision for those who have lost a spouse. <a href="/topical/m/marrying_only_in_the_lord.htm">Marrying Only in the Lord</a> The instruction to marry "only in the Lord" emphasizes the importance of shared faith in Christ as the foundation for a new marriage, ensuring spiritual unity and mutual growth in faith. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_personal_choice.htm">The Role of Personal Choice</a> While the widow is free to remarry, the decision should be made with wisdom and discernment, seeking God's guidance and aligning with His will. <a href="/topical/c/community_support_and_guidance.htm">Community Support and Guidance</a> The church community plays a vital role in supporting widows, offering counsel and encouragement as they navigate decisions about remarriage.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 7</a> <a href="/q/biblical_reasons_for_divorce.htm">What are the biblical grounds for divorce?</a> <a href="/q/should_christians_marry_non-christians.htm">Is it advisable for Christians to marry non-Christians?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_marrying_non-believers.htm">What does the Bible say about marrying non-believers?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_remarriage.htm">What does the Bible say about remarriage after widowhood?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(39, 40) The wife.--The question of the re-marriage of widows is here considered. It was probably a matter in which his opinion had been asked, and, in any case, naturally completes the subject of marriage. The widow may be married again if she desire, but "only in the Lord"--i.e., not to a heathen. She, being a Christian, should marry a Christian.The words "by the law" are not in the best MSS. The opening sentence, asserting the marriage union to be dissoluble only by death, is to guard against any married woman applying these words to herself, they having reference only to widows.St. Paul explains that she is happier to continue a widow (her case coming under the same considerations as referred to the unmarried in the previous verses).I think also that I have the Spirit of God.--This is no expression of doubt as to whether he had the Spirit of God, but an assurance of his confidence that he, as well as other teachers (who, perhaps, boast more about it), had the Spirit of God to guide him in cases where no direct command has been given by Christ.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 39. - Only in the Lord. The second marriage of the Christian widow must be a holy and a Christian marriage (<a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>A wife Γυνὴ (Gynē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1135.htm">Strong's 1135: </a> A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife. is bound δέδεται (dedetai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1210.htm">Strong's 1210: </a> To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind. to her αὐτῆς (autēs) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. husband ἀνὴρ (anēr) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_435.htm">Strong's 435: </a> A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man. as long as ὅσον (hoson) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3745.htm">Strong's 3745: </a> How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As. he lives. ζῇ (zē) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2198.htm">Strong's 2198: </a> To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live. But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. if ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. [her] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. husband ἀνήρ (anēr) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_435.htm">Strong's 435: </a> A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man. dies, κοιμηθῇ (koimēthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2837.htm">Strong's 2837: </a> From keimai; to put to sleep, i.e. to slumber; figuratively, to decease. she is ἐστὶν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. free ἐλευθέρα (eleuthera) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1658.htm">Strong's 1658: </a> Free, delivered from obligation. Probably from the alternate of erchomai; unrestrained, i.e. not a slave, or exempt. to marry γαμηθῆναι (gamēthēnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> To marry, used of either sex. From gamos; to wed. anyone ᾧ (hō) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. she wishes, θέλει (thelei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. as long as μόνον (monon) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3440.htm">Strong's 3440: </a> Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely. [he] belongs to ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] Lord. Κυρίῳ (Kyriō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is bound by law (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-38.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 7:38"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 7:38" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-40.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 7:40"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 7:40" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>