Verse-by-Verse Commentary
The Book of 1 Corinthians
Chapter 7: Concerning Marriage
1 Corinthians 7 answers the Corinthians' questions about marriage and singleness. Paul honors both: marriage is good and its duties are not to be withheld, 'to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife'; yet singleness, given as a 'gift of God,' frees a person to 'attend upon the Lord without distraction.' He passes on the Lord's own command against divorce, counsels believers married to unbelievers to remain if the spouse is willing, for 'the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife,' and teaches contentment: 'let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called... therein abide with God.' Because 'the time is short' and 'the fashion of this world passeth away,' he urges an undivided devotion to Christ, while affirming that to marry 'in the Lord' is no sin. The chapter shows us God's honor of marriage, His call to faithfulness, and the freedom of a life given wholly to the Lord.
About This Commentary
This is a verse-by-verse study of 1 Corinthians chapter 7. For each section you will find the KJV text, the Greek words that sharpen the meaning, plain explanation, and a Gospel Focus. Here Paul answers questions about marriage and singleness, honoring both, upholding the Lord's word on faithfulness, and calling every believer to abide with God in undivided devotion. Every Scripture quotation is from the King James Version.
Setting the Stage
Every Man His Own Wife
Marriage is honorable, and its duties are mutual, not to be withheld.
Not I, but the Lord
Paul upholds the Lord's own word: let not husband and wife part.
Abide with God
Live faithfully in the calling where God has placed you.
Attend upon the Lord
Singleness can free a person for undistracted service to Christ.
Every Man Hath His Proper Gift of God (1 Corinthians 7:1-9)
Paul honors both marriage and singleness, upholding the mutual duty of husband and wife and calling each to his own gift.
It Is Better to Marry Than to Burn
"Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment. 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. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn."
Word Study
"proper gift," Greek charisma (χάρισμα). The word means a gift of grace, something freely given by God. Paul treats both marriage and singleness as a "proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that." Neither state is holier than the other; each is a grace-gift suited to God's purpose for that person. Paul himself was content in singleness, "I would that all men were even as I myself," and used its freedom for the Lord; yet he immediately guards against making his gift a law for all, for God distributes His gifts as He wills. This dignifies the single believer, whose singleness is not a lack but a gift, and honors the married believer, whose marriage is equally a gift of God. The wisdom is to receive one's own gift with contentment rather than envying another's, and to use whatever state God has given for His glory.
Explanation
Answering the Corinthians' questions about marriage, Paul affirms both singleness and marriage as good. Because of the strong pull of temptation — "to avoid fornication" — "let every man have his own wife." Within marriage he commands mutual, not one-sided, devotion: neither spouse has sole rights over their own body, and they are not to "defraud" one another except by consent for prayer. Singleness he calls a "gift," but not one given to all; so his counsel is realistic: "if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." God provides marriage as an honorable channel for desire.
Gospel Focus
Paul begins answering the Corinthians' written questions. Amid a culture of both immorality and, apparently, an over-spiritual disdain for marriage, he gives balanced, holy counsel. Singleness has real value, "It is good for a man not to touch a woman", but marriage is God's ordained safeguard and blessing: "to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." Within marriage, Paul teaches a beautiful mutuality. Husband and wife owe one another "due benevolence," and neither is to withhold it: "the wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife." In an age that prized male authority, Paul's word is strikingly even-handed, each belongs to the other. They may agree to abstain only briefly and "with consent," to "give yourselves to fasting and prayer," then "come together again," lest Satan exploit their weakness. Paul is careful to mark what is counsel and what is command: this concession he speaks "by permission, and not of commandment." He wishes more could serve unhindered as he does, single and free, "but every man hath his proper gift of God." So to the unmarried and widows he says it is good to remain single "if" they are so gifted, "But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." Marriage is no second-best or concession to weakness to be ashamed of; it is God's good provision. The gospel neither idolizes marriage nor despises it, but calls each believer to purity, contentment, and faithful use of the gift God has given.
The Unbelieving Is Sanctified (1 Corinthians 7:10-16)
Paul passes on the Lord's command against divorce and counsels the believer married to an unbeliever to remain, for God has called us to peace.
Not I, but the Lord
"And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 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. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?"
Word Study
"is sanctified," Greek hagiazo (ἁγιάζω). The word means to set apart, to make holy, to consecrate. Paul says "the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife." This does not mean the unbeliever is saved by the marriage, salvation comes only by personal faith and the new birth, but that the marriage itself is set apart and holy in God's sight, not defiled, and the unbelieving spouse is brought under the sanctifying influence and covering of the believer and the gospel. The proof Paul offers is the children: "else were your children unclean; but now are they holy." The believing parent sets the home in a place of grace, where the unbelieving spouse and the children are near to the influence of God's truth and Spirit. So the believer married to an unbeliever need not fear that the union defiles them; rather, holiness reaches outward from the believer into the home, and the door of salvation stands open to the whole household.
Explanation
On divorce Paul gives the Lord's own command: a married couple is not to separate, and if they do, to remain unmarried or be reconciled. To believers married to unbelievers he adds his apostolic counsel: do not initiate divorce, "for the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife" — the believer's presence brings blessing and a holy influence over the home and children. But "if the unbelieving depart, let him depart," for "God hath called us to peace." And there is hope in staying: "what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband?"
Gospel Focus
Now Paul distinguishes carefully between the Lord's direct command and his own Spirit-guided counsel. To the married he gives not merely his own opinion but the Lord's own teaching: "not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband." This is the word of Jesus Himself, who taught that what God has joined together man must not put asunder (Matthew 19:6). If separation does occur, the path is not remarriage but reconciliation: "let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband." God's design is the lifelong faithfulness of husband and wife. Then, on a matter Jesus had not directly addressed, marriages between a believer and an unbeliever, Paul gives apostolic instruction, "I, not the Lord," yet still authoritative, for he writes as one entrusted by the Lord and led by His Spirit. His counsel: if the unbelieving spouse "be pleased to dwell" with the believer, "let him not put her away." The believer should not break up the marriage over the difference of faith, for "the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife," and the children are "holy", the whole household is set within the reach of grace. But if the unbeliever insists on leaving, "let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace." The believer is not to fight to hold a spouse determined to go; God calls His people to peace, not to endless strife. And Paul holds out hope: "what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband?" The believing spouse's patient, holy life may be the very means God uses to bring the other to salvation. Faithfulness in marriage, and grace toward an unbelieving spouse, are both part of walking with the Lord who honors the covenant of marriage.
Ye Are Bought with a Price (1 Corinthians 7:17-24)
Whatever a believer's outward calling, circumcised or free, married or single, he is to abide there faithfully with God.
Therein Abide with God
"But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God."
Word Study
"calling," Greek klesis (κλῆσις). The word means a call or invitation, and here the station in life in which a person was when God called him to salvation. Paul's principle is "let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called," and, more deeply, "wherein he is called, therein abide with God." The gospel does not require a man to overturn his outward circumstances, whether Jew or Gentile, slave or free, married or single, to be a true Christian; it calls him to walk with God right where he is. The truly important thing is not the outward state but "the keeping of the commandments of God." This does not forbid bettering one's condition, "if thou mayest be made free, use it rather", but it frees the believer from restless discontent, teaching him that God can be served and honored in any lawful calling. The phrase "therein abide with God" is the heart of it: whatever your circumstances, the great thing is to abide there in fellowship with God.
Explanation
Paul lays down a steadying principle for a church anxious about status: "as God hath distributed to every man... so let him walk," and "let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called." Circumcised or not, slave or free — the outward condition is not what matters, "but the keeping of the commandments of God." Conversion does not require overturning one's social situation; it transforms how one lives within it. Twice he grounds it in the same truth: "ye are bought with a price." The redeemed serve the Lord wherever He has placed them, "therein abide with God."
Gospel Focus
Paul broadens the lesson beyond marriage to every station in life. His rule, given "in all churches," is that each believer should "walk" faithfully in the place where God called him, rather than thinking conversion requires a change of outward status. To the Jew he says, do not try to erase your circumcision; to the Gentile, do not seek to be circumcised, for "circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God." What matters is not the outward mark but obedience to God from the heart. He applies the same to the hardest case, that of the slave: "Art thou called being a servant? care not for it", do not let your bondage consume you with anxiety, "but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather." Then Paul lifts the lowest servant to the highest dignity: "he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman", in Christ the slave is truly free, "likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant." In the Lord the social ranks are transformed: the slave is free, and the free man is Christ's bondservant. And the reason grounds it all: "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men." Because Christ purchased us with His blood, our ultimate allegiance is to Him, not to any human master, and no earthly station can rob the believer of that. So the exhortation closes as it began: "let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God." Contentment is not passivity but the peace of knowing that God can be served and enjoyed in any honest circumstance, and that our deepest identity, bought by Christ and belonging to Him, is untouched by the changes of this life.
The Fashion of This World Passeth Away (1 Corinthians 7:25-40)
Because the time is short and this world is passing, Paul commends undistracted devotion to the Lord, while affirming that to marry in the Lord is no sin.
That Ye May Attend upon the Lord Without Distraction
"Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. 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. But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God."
Word Study
"the fashion," Greek schema (σχῆμα). The word means the outward form, shape, or appearance of a thing, the way it presents itself; from it comes our word scheme. "The fashion of this world passeth away." The present arrangement of the world, its outward shape of weeping and rejoicing, buying and possessing, is not permanent; it is like a stage scene being struck, a passing show already on its way out. This is why Paul urges believers to hold the things of this life loosely, to weep and rejoice and buy and use the world "as though" these were not their lasting portion, "for the fashion of this world passeth away." The believer lives with one eye on eternity, knowing that the shape of things here is temporary. Such a perspective does not despise God's good gifts but refuses to be enslaved to a world that is even now sliding off the stage, and fixes the heart on the Lord who abides forever.
Explanation
On unmarried "virgins" Paul gives seasoned counsel "by reason of the present distress." Since "the time is short" and "the fashion of this world passeth away," he commends singleness for its freedom from "trouble in the flesh" and its undivided devotion — "he that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord," while the married are rightly divided by earthly cares. Yet he is careful to keep marriage honorable: "if thou marry, thou hast not sinned." His aim is not a rule but their good, that they might serve the Lord "without distraction."
Gospel Focus
On the question of unmarried "virgins," Paul again marks that he has "no commandment of the Lord" but gives his "judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful", trustworthy apostolic counsel, though not a binding law. In view of "the present distress," likely the hardships and persecutions pressing on the church, he thinks it good to remain as one is: the bound should not seek release, the free need not seek marriage. Yet he is careful to guard consciences: "if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned." Marriage is never sin; Paul only warns that married life brings "trouble in the flesh," added cares he would spare them. His great reason is the shortness of the age: "the time is short... for the fashion of this world passeth away." Believers are to live loosely toward this passing world, holding wives, sorrows, joys, and possessions "as though" these were not the whole of life, because the world's outward shape is passing. Paul's aim is not to burden but to free: "I would have you without carefulness." The unmarried can give undivided attention to "the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord," while the married rightly also cares "how he may please his wife" or her husband. Paul does not call the divided care sinful, only more distracted; his desire is "that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction." He leaves the decision free: whether a man gives his virgin in marriage or keeps her, both "doeth well," though in view of the times the single life "doeth better." Finally, on widows: a wife is bound while her husband lives, but if he dies "she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord", a believer must marry a believer. Yet, Paul judges, "she is happier if she so abide," and adds with quiet confidence, "I think also that I have the Spirit of God." The whole chapter breathes a single aim: whether married or single, to live for the Lord in this brief and passing age, with the heart set on Him.
Chapter 7 in Review
1 Corinthians 7 gives balanced, holy wisdom on marriage and singleness. Marriage is honorable and its duties mutual, "let every man have his own wife," and singleness is a "proper gift of God" that frees a person for the Lord. Paul upholds the Lord's own command against divorce, "not I, but the Lord," and counsels the believer married to an unbeliever to remain if the spouse is willing, for "the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife," while adding that if the unbeliever departs, "God hath called us to peace." He teaches contentment in every station, "let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God," for "ye are bought with a price." And because "the time is short" and "the fashion of this world passeth away," he commends undistracted devotion to the Lord, while insisting that to marry "in the Lord" is no sin.
For the Apostolic reader this chapter neither idolizes nor despises marriage, but sets both marriage and singleness under the lordship of Christ. Marriage is God's good gift, to be honored in faithfulness and mutual love; singleness is an equal gift, freeing the heart for undivided service. The believer married to an unbeliever brings the home under the reach of grace and may yet be the means of that spouse's salvation. Above every outward circumstance stands the call to "abide with God," content in the place where He has set us, because we are His, "bought with a price." And over it all hangs the shortness of time and the passing of this world's fashion, calling us to hold this life loosely and to fix our hearts on the Lord who abides. Whether we marry or remain single, weep or rejoice, the one thing needful is to attend upon the Lord without distraction.
- Both marriage and singleness are a "proper gift of God" (7:7).
- Husband and wife owe one another mutual love and faithfulness (7:3-4).
- The Lord's command stands: let not husband and wife part (7:10-11).
- The believer's presence sanctifies the home; God has called us to peace (7:14-15).
- "Wherein he is called, therein abide with God"; ye are bought with a price (7:23-24).
- The time is short and the world's fashion passes; attend upon the Lord without distraction (7:29-35).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you receive your own state, married or single, as a gift of God, or envy another's?
- If married, are you faithful in the mutual love and duty God commands?
- Are you content to "abide with God" in the calling where He has placed you?
- Does the shortness of time shape how loosely you hold this passing world?
References & Sources
Scripture is quoted from the King James Version (KJV). Supporting passages are listed so every claim can be verified in its own setting. Marriage, its duty, and singleness as a gift: 1 Corinthians 7:1-9; Genesis 2:24; Hebrews 13:4; Matthew 19:11-12. The Lord's word on divorce and faithfulness: 1 Corinthians 7:10-11; Matthew 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12; Malachi 2:16. The believing and unbelieving spouse; called to peace: 1 Corinthians 7:12-16; 1 Peter 3:1-2; Romans 12:18. Abiding in one's calling; bought with a price: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 6:5-8; 1 Corinthians 6:20. The time is short; undivided devotion to the Lord: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40; Romans 13:11-12; 1 John 2:17; Luke 10:41-42. If anything here does not look right, a verse, a reference, or a wording, please tell us at info@FruitBearers.net. Thank you for helping us keep Bible Learning error free.
- Marriage, its duty, and the gift of singleness: 1 Corinthians 7:1-9; Hebrews 13:4; Matthew 19:11-12.
- The Lord's word on divorce; the believing spouse: 1 Corinthians 7:10-16; Matthew 19:3-9; 1 Peter 3:1-2.
- Abide with God in your calling; the time is short: 1 Corinthians 7:17-40; Galatians 3:28; Romans 13:11-12.