Bible Commentaries
1 Corinthians 7

Introduction

Overview

1 Corinthians 7:1, He treats of marriage; 1 Corinthians 7:4, shewing it to be a remedy against fornication, 1 Corinthians 7:10. and that the bond thereof ought not lightly to be dissolved; 1 Corinthians 7:20, Every man must be content with his vocation; 1 Corinthians 7:25, Virginity wherefore to be embraced; 1 Corinthians 7:35, and for what respects we may either marry, or abstain from marrying.

Verse 1

good: 1 Corinthians 7:8, 1 Corinthians 7:26, 1 Corinthians 7:27, 1 Corinthians 7:37, 1 Corinthians 7:38, Matthew 19:10, Matthew 19:11

touch: Genesis 20:6, Ruth 2:9, Proverbs 6:29

Reciprocal: Genesis 3:3 - touch Exodus 21:10 - her food 1 Corinthians 7:40 - she

Verse 2

to avoid: 1 Corinthians 7:9, 1 Corinthians 6:18, Proverbs 5:18, Proverbs 5:19, 1 Timothy 4:3

let: Proverbs 18:22, Proverbs 19:14, Malachi 2:14, Ephesians 5:28, Ephesians 5:33

Reciprocal: Genesis 2:24 - and they shall be one flesh Genesis 26:34 - the daughter Judges 21:14 - sufficed them not Judges 21:22 - each man Proverbs 5:15 - General Malachi 2:15 - did Matthew 19:5 - and they Matthew 19:10 - General Matthew 19:11 - General Luke 20:34 - marry Acts 15:20 - fornication 1 Corinthians 7:35 - not 1 Corinthians 7:38 - doeth well 1 Thessalonians 4:3 - that Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage Revelation 2:14 - to commit

Verse 3

Exodus 21:10, 1 Peter 3:7

Reciprocal: 1 Corinthians 7:33 - how

Verse 4

Hosea 3:3, Matthew 19:9, Mark 10:11, Mark 10:12

Reciprocal: Genesis 3:16 - rule Numbers 30:8 - General Matthew 5:32 - whosoever Matthew 19:5 - and they Luke 16:18 - General Romans 7:2 - the woman

Verse 5

except: Exodus 19:15, 1 Samuel 21:4, 1 Samuel 21:5, Joel 2:16, Zechariah 7:3, Zechariah 12:12-14

that Satan: Matthew 19:11, 1 Thessalonians 3:5

Reciprocal: Numbers 30:13 - to afflict Ecclesiastes 3:5 - a time to embrace Matthew 6:16 - when Matthew 9:15 - and then Matthew 17:21 - but Mark 2:20 - and Luke 5:35 - and Acts 13:2 - fasted 1 Corinthians 7:35 - not 2 Corinthians 2:11 - General 2 Corinthians 6:5 - fastings 2 Corinthians 11:27 - fastings Galatians 6:1 - considering 2 Timothy 3:3 - incontinent

Verse 6

by: 1 Corinthians 7:12, 1 Corinthians 7:25, 2 Corinthians 8:8, 2 Corinthians 11:17

Reciprocal: Matthew 19:8 - suffered

Verse 7

I would: St. Paul evidently gave this advice in reference to the necessities of the church, or what he calls - 1 Corinthians 7:26 the present distress; for it would be perfectly absurd to imagine that an inspired apostle would in the general, discountenance marriage, since it was of the greatest importance to the existence and happiness of future generations, and expressly agreeable to a Divine institution. 1 Corinthians 9:5, 1 Corinthians 9:15, Acts 26:29

But: 1 Corinthians 12:11, Matthew 19:11, Matthew 19:12

Reciprocal: Genesis 30:34 - General 1 Corinthians 4:7 - and what 1 Corinthians 7:17 - as God 1 Timothy 2:8 - I will

Verse 8

1 Corinthians 7:26, 1 Corinthians 7:27, 1 Corinthians 7:32, 1 Corinthians 7:34, 1 Corinthians 7:35

Reciprocal: Matthew 19:10 - General 1 Corinthians 7:1 - good 1 Corinthians 7:38 - doeth better 1 Corinthians 7:40 - she 1 Timothy 5:14 - the younger

Verse 9

let: 1 Corinthians 7:2, 1 Corinthians 7:28, 1 Corinthians 7:36, 1 Corinthians 7:39, 1 Timothy 5:11, 1 Timothy 5:14

Reciprocal: Matthew 19:11 - General 2 Timothy 3:3 - incontinent

Verse 10

yet: 1 Corinthians 7:12, 1 Corinthians 7:25, 1 Corinthians 7:40

Let: 1 Corinthians 7:15, Jeremiah 3:20, Malachi 2:14-16, Matthew 5:32, Matthew 19:6-9, Mark 10:11, Mark 10:12, Luke 16:18

Reciprocal: Genesis 2:24 - and they shall be one flesh Deuteronomy 24:5 - a man Matthew 19:9 - Whosoever Mark 10:2 - Is it John 4:18 - is not 1 Corinthians 7:39 - wife 1 Corinthians 11:11 - General 1 Timothy 5:9 - having

Verse 11

or: Judges 19:2, Judges 19:3, Jeremiah 3:1

and let: Deuteronomy 22:19, Isaiah 50:1, Mark 10:2

Reciprocal: Genesis 2:24 - and they shall be one flesh Deuteronomy 24:1 - send her Matthew 5:32 - whosoever Matthew 19:9 - doth Mark 10:11 - Whosoever John 4:18 - is not 1 Timothy 5:9 - having

Verse 12

speak: 1 Corinthians 7:6, 1 Corinthians 7:25, 2 Corinthians 11:17

If: Ezra 10:2, Ezra 10:3, Ezra 10:11-19

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 24:1 - send her 1 Corinthians 5:11 - called 1 Corinthians 7:10 - yet 1 Corinthians 7:27 - thou bound 2 Corinthians 8:8 - speak

Verse 13

Reciprocal: Ezra 10:3 - let it

Verse 14

the unbelieving husband: 1 Corinthians 6:15-17, Ezra 9:1, Ezra 9:2, 1 Timothy 4:5, Titus 1:15

else: Ezra 9:2, Isaiah 52:1, Malachi 2:15, Malachi 2:16, Acts 10:23, Romans 11:16

Reciprocal: Leviticus 12:7 - make Leviticus 21:15 - profane Deuteronomy 29:15 - also with him Jeremiah 32:39 - for the Matthew 19:13 - brought Matthew 19:15 - General Mark 10:14 - Suffer Luke 18:16 - Suffer Acts 2:39 - the promise Acts 11:8 - unclean Acts 16:1 - but Galatians 3:28 - male

Verse 15

A brother: Matthew 12:50, James 2:15

but: 1 Corinthians 14:33, Romans 12:18, Romans 14:19, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Galatians 5:22, Hebrews 12:14, James 3:17, James 3:18

to peace: Gr. in peace

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 24:2 - she may go 1 Corinthians 5:11 - called 1 Corinthians 7:10 - Let 1 Corinthians 7:39 - wife 1 Corinthians 9:5 - a sister Colossians 3:15 - to the

Verse 16

O wife: 1 Corinthians 9:22, Proverbs 11:30, Luke 15:10, 1 Timothy 4:16, James 5:19, James 5:20, 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:2

how: Gr. what

Reciprocal: Micah 6:8 - O man Romans 2:1 - O man Romans 9:20 - O man Romans 11:14 - by 1 Corinthians 9:19 - that

Verse 17

as God: 1 Corinthians 7:7, Matthew 19:12, Romans 12:3-8, 1 Peter 4:10, 1 Peter 4:11

as the: 1 Corinthians 7:18, 1 Corinthians 7:20, 1 Corinthians 7:21, 1 Corinthians 7:24

so ordain: 1 Corinthians 4:17, 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2 Corinthians 11:28

Reciprocal: Genesis 5:22 - General Matthew 19:11 - General Romans 16:4 - also 1 Corinthians 11:2 - keep 1 Corinthians 11:16 - the churches 1 Corinthians 11:34 - will I 1 Corinthians 12:11 - all 1 Corinthians 14:33 - in

Verse 18

being: Acts 15:1, Acts 15:5, Acts 15:19, Acts 15:24, Acts 15:28, Galatians 5:1-3, Colossians 3:11

Reciprocal: Genesis 17:10 - Every Genesis 17:23 - circumcised Acts 15:9 - put Romans 2:26 - General Romans 4:10 - not in circumcision 1 Corinthians 7:17 - as the

Verse 19

Circumcision: 1 Corinthians 8:8, Romans 2:25-29, Romans 3:30, Galatians 5:6, Galatians 6:15

but: 1 Samuel 15:22, Jeremiah 7:22, Jeremiah 7:23, Matthew 5:19, John 15:14, 1 John 2:3, 1 John 2:4, 1 John 3:22-24, 1 John 5:2, 1 John 5:3, Revelation 22:14

Reciprocal: Genesis 17:10 - Every Genesis 17:23 - circumcised Genesis 34:24 - every male Deuteronomy 30:10 - hearken unto Deuteronomy 30:16 - to love Joshua 5:5 - they had not Proverbs 19:16 - keepeth the Luke 8:15 - keep John 15:10 - ye keep Acts 15:1 - ye Acts 16:3 - and took Romans 2:26 - General Romans 4:10 - not in circumcision 1 Corinthians 9:21 - not 1 Corinthians 13:2 - I am Galatians 3:28 - neither Colossians 3:11 - circumcision 2 Thessalonians 3:4 - that

Verse 20

abide: 1 Corinthians 7:17, 1 Corinthians 7:21-23, Proverbs 27:8, Luke 3:10-14, 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 2 Thessalonians 3:12

Reciprocal: Genesis 39:2 - house 1 Corinthians 7:24 - let 1 Corinthians 7:27 - thou bound

Verse 21

being: 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:11, 1 Timothy 6:1-3, 1 Peter 2:18-24

a servant: Rather, a slave, הןץכןע [Strong's G1401], the property of another, and bought with his money. In these verses the apostle shows that Christianity makes no change in our civil connections.

care: Luke 10:40, Luke 10:41, Luke 12:29, *marg. Luke 21:34, Philippians 4:6, Philippians 4:11, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Peter 5:7

Reciprocal: Genesis 40:14 - on me Leviticus 25:42 - my servants Acts 2:18 - on my servants Romans 6:18 - made 1 Corinthians 7:17 - as the 1 Corinthians 7:20 - abide

Verse 22

is the: Luke 1:74, Luke 1:75, John 8:32-36, Romans 6:18-22, Galatians 5:1, Galatians 5:13, Ephesians 6:5, Ephesians 6:6, Colossians 3:22-24, Philemon 1:16, 1 Peter 2:16

freeman: Gr. made free

is Christ's: 1 Corinthians 9:19, Psalms 116:16, Romans 1:1, Galatians 1:10, Colossians 4:12, 1 Peter 2:16, 2 Peter 1:1, Jude 1:1

Reciprocal: Leviticus 25:55 - my servants Acts 2:18 - on my servants Romans 12:11 - serving Romans 14:18 - in 1 Corinthians 3:23 - ye 1 Corinthians 12:13 - bond Ephesians 6:9 - knowing Colossians 3:11 - bond Colossians 3:24 - for 1 Timothy 6:1 - servants 2 Timothy 2:4 - that he

Verse 23

are: 1 Corinthians 6:20, Leviticus 25:42, Acts 20:28, Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 1:18, 1 Peter 1:19, 1 Peter 3:18, Revelation 5:9

be: Matthew 23:8-11, Galatians 2:4

Reciprocal: Leviticus 25:55 - my servants 2 Timothy 2:4 - that he 2 Peter 2:1 - bought

Verse 24

let: 1 Corinthians 7:17, 1 Corinthians 7:20

abide: 1 Corinthians 10:31, Genesis 5:22-24, Genesis 17:1, 1 Samuel 14:45, Colossians 3:23, Colossians 3:24

Verse 25

concerning: 1 Corinthians 7:28, 1 Corinthians 7:34, 1 Corinthians 7:36-38, Psalms 78:63

virgins: The word נבסטוםןע [Strong's G3933], as well as the Latin virgo "a virgin," though it generally signifies a maid, frequently denotes unmarried persons of both sexes; in which sense it is evidently used here by the apostle.

have: 1 Corinthians 7:6, 1 Corinthians 7:10, 1 Corinthians 7:12, 1 Corinthians 7:40, 2 Corinthians 8:8-10, 2 Corinthians 11:17

obtained: 1 Corinthians 4:2, 1 Corinthians 15:10, 2 Corinthians 2:17, 2 Corinthians 4:1, 2 Corinthians 4:2, 1 Timothy 1:12-16

Reciprocal: Job 32:10 - General Matthew 5:7 - for Acts 15:28 - it Acts 21:9 - virgins Romans 11:30 - obtained 1 Corinthians 4:17 - faithful 1 Corinthians 14:37 - let 2 Corinthians 8:10 - I give Colossians 1:7 - a 1 Thessalonians 2:4 - as we 1 Peter 2:10 - obtained Revelation 14:4 - for

Verse 26

that: 1 Corinthians 7:1, 1 Corinthians 7:8, 1 Corinthians 7:28, 1 Corinthians 7:35-38, Jeremiah 16:2-4, Matthew 24:19, Luke 21:23, Luke 23:28, Luke 23:29, 1 Peter 4:17

distress: or, necessity

Reciprocal: Jeremiah 35:6 - Ye shall Jeremiah 45:5 - seekest Hosea 9:14 - what Matthew 19:10 - General 1 Corinthians 7:7 - I would 1 Corinthians 7:38 - doeth better 1 Corinthians 7:40 - she Ephesians 5:16 - the days Revelation 14:4 - for

Verse 27

thou bound: 1 Corinthians 7:12-14, 1 Corinthians 7:20

Reciprocal: Jeremiah 16:2 - General 1 Corinthians 7:8 - General

Verse 28

thou hast: 1 Corinthians 7:36, Hebrews 13:4

Nevertheless: 1 Corinthians 7:26, 1 Corinthians 7:32-34

but: 1 Corinthians 7:35, 2 Corinthians 1:23

Reciprocal: 1 Corinthians 7:9 - let 1 Corinthians 7:25 - concerning 1 Corinthians 7:38 - then 1 Timothy 4:3 - Forbidding Revelation 14:4 - for

Verse 29

the time: Job 14:1, Job 14:2, Psalms 39:4-7, Psalms 90:5-10, Psalms 103:15, Psalms 103:16, Ecclesiastes 6:12, Ecclesiastes 9:10, Romans 13:11, Romans 13:12, Hebrews 13:13, Hebrews 13:14, 1 Peter 4:7, 2 Peter 3:8, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 John 2:17

that both: Ecclesiastes 12:7, Ecclesiastes 12:8, Ecclesiastes 12:13, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Isaiah 24:1, Isaiah 24:2, Isaiah 40:6-8, James 4:13-16, 1 Peter 1:24

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 24:5 - cheer up 2 Samuel 19:34 - How long have I to live Proverbs 23:5 - that which Ezekiel 7:12 - time Ezekiel 24:18 - and at Habakkuk 2:6 - how Matthew 22:30 - in the Matthew 24:38 - they Luke 14:20 - General John 6:27 - the meat Romans 10:19 - I say 1 Corinthians 1:12 - this 1 Corinthians 10:11 - upon 1 Corinthians 15:50 - this 2 Corinthians 9:6 - I say Galatians 3:17 - this Galatians 5:16 - I say Ephesians 5:16 - the days Philippians 4:5 - your Hebrews 4:6 - it remaineth Revelation 22:6 - which

Verse 30

that weep: Psalms 30:5, Psalms 126:5, Psalms 126:6, Ecclesiastes 3:4, Isaiah 25:8, Isaiah 30:19, Luke 6:21, Luke 6:25, Luke 16:25, John 16:22, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 18:7

Reciprocal: Ezekiel 24:18 - and at Jonah 4:6 - So Luke 7:13 - Weep not James 4:13 - and buy

Verse 31

use: 1 Corinthians 9:18, Ecclesiastes 2:24, Ecclesiastes 2:25, Ecclesiastes 3:12, Ecclesiastes 3:13, Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, Ecclesiastes 9:7-10, Ecclesiastes 11:2, Ecclesiastes 11:9, Ecclesiastes 11:10, Matthew 24:48-50, Matthew 25:14-29, Luke 12:15-21, Luke 16:1, Luke 16:2, Luke 19:17-26, Luke 21:34, 1 Timothy 6:17, 1 Timothy 6:18, James 5:1-5

for: Psalms 39:6, Psalms 73:20, Ecclesiastes 1:4, James 1:10, James 1:11, James 4:14, 1 Peter 1:24, 1 Peter 4:7, 1 John 2:17

the fashion: ן [Strong's G3588], ףקחלב [Strong's G4976], the form or appearance. Grotius remarks that the apostle's expression is borrowed from the theatre, where פן [Strong's G3588], ףקחלב [Strong's G4976], פחע ףךחםחע [Strong's G4633], נבסבדוי means that the scene changes, and presents an appearance entirely new.

Reciprocal: Luke 4:5 - taking Acts 25:23 - with Revelation 21:4 - the former

Verse 32

I would: Psalms 55:22, Matthew 6:25-34, Matthew 13:22, Philippians 4:6

He that: 1 Timothy 5:5

that belong to the Lord: Gr. of the Lord, as, 1 Corinthians 7:34

Reciprocal: Matthew 19:10 - General Matthew 19:12 - which have Luke 10:39 - which Luke 10:41 - thou Luke 12:22 - Take Romans 8:8 - please 1 Corinthians 7:8 - General 1 Corinthians 7:28 - Nevertheless 1 Corinthians 7:38 - doeth better

Verse 33

careth: Nehemiah 5:1-5, Luke 12:22, 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:12, 1 Timothy 5:8

how: 1 Corinthians 7:3, 1 Samuel 1:4-8, Ephesians 5:25-33, Colossians 3:19, 1 Peter 3:7

Reciprocal: Luke 14:20 - General 1 Corinthians 7:35 - and that

Verse 34

careth: Luke 2:36, Luke 2:37, 2 Corinthians 7:11, 2 Corinthians 7:12, 2 Corinthians 8:16, 2 Corinthians 11:28, 1 Timothy 3:5, Titus 3:8

both: 1 Corinthians 6:20, Romans 6:13, Romans 12:1, Romans 12:2, Philippians 1:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:23

she that: Luke 10:40-42

Reciprocal: Song of Solomon 4:12 - garden 1 Corinthians 7:8 - General 1 Corinthians 7:25 - concerning 1 Corinthians 7:32 - that belong to the Lord 1 Corinthians 7:35 - and that 1 Corinthians 10:31 - ye eat

Verse 35

not: This is an allusion to the Retiarius among the Romans, who carried a small casting net, rete which he endeavoured to throw over his adversary's head. 1 Corinthians 7:2, 1 Corinthians 7:5-9, 1 Corinthians 7:28, 1 Corinthians 7:36, Matthew 19:12

comely: 1 Corinthians 7:36, Ephesians 5:3, Philippians 4:8, 1 Timothy 1:10, Titus 2:3

and that: 1 Corinthians 7:33, 1 Corinthians 7:34, Luke 8:14, Luke 10:40-42, Luke 21:34

Reciprocal: Exodus 10:7 - snare Matthew 19:11 - General 1 Corinthians 7:8 - General 1 Corinthians 7:26 - that 1 Corinthians 7:40 - she

Verse 36

his virgin: Some interpret this of a man's continuing in a state of celibacy, and render נבסטוםןע [Strong's G3933], not a virgin, but virginity; but such a construction of the original appears without example. It appears most obvious to explain it of a parent, or guardian, who had the charge of a virgin; and Kypke has shown that פחם נבסטוםןם בץפןץ [Strong's G847] is an elegant phrase for his virgin daughter.

the flower: 1 Samuel 2:33

and need: 1 Corinthians 7:9, 1 Corinthians 7:37

he sinneth: 1 Corinthians 7:28

Reciprocal: Genesis 2:18 - good Ruth 3:1 - shall I not Jeremiah 29:6 - take wives 1 Corinthians 7:25 - concerning 1 Corinthians 7:35 - not 1 Corinthians 13:5 - behave 1 Timothy 4:3 - Forbidding

Verse 37

Reciprocal: Daniel 1:8 - purposed 1 Corinthians 7:1 - good 1 Corinthians 7:36 - and need 1 Corinthians 7:38 - doeth better

Verse 38

then: 1 Corinthians 7:28

doeth well: 1 Corinthians 7:2, Hebrews 13:4

doeth better: 1 Corinthians 7:1, 1 Corinthians 7:8, 1 Corinthians 7:26, 1 Corinthians 7:32-34, 1 Corinthians 7:37

Reciprocal: Genesis 21:21 - a wife Acts 21:9 - virgins

Verse 39

wife: 1 Corinthians 7:10, 1 Corinthians 7:15, Romans 7:2, Romans 7:3

only: Genesis 6:2, Deuteronomy 7:3, Deuteronomy 7:4, Malachi 2:11, 2 Corinthians 6:14-16

Reciprocal: Genesis 24:3 - that Matthew 19:9 - Whosoever Matthew 19:10 - General John 2:2 - both 1 Corinthians 7:9 - let 1 Corinthians 9:5 - a sister 1 Timothy 5:9 - having 1 Timothy 5:11 - they will

Verse 40

she: 1 Corinthians 7:1, 1 Corinthians 7:8, 1 Corinthians 7:26, 1 Corinthians 7:35

I think: Rather, "I judge (or consider) also that I have the Spirit of God;" for הןךוים is frequently used to express not what is doubtful, but what is true and certain. 1 Corinthians 7:25, 1 Corinthians 9:1-3, 1 Corinthians 14:36, 1 Corinthians 14:37, 2 Corinthians 10:8-10, 2 Corinthians 12:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:8, 2 Peter 3:15, 2 Peter 3:16

Reciprocal: Job 32:10 - General Matthew 19:10 - General Luke 1:3 - seemed Acts 15:28 - it 1 Corinthians 7:10 - yet 1 Corinthians 9:8 - as 2 Corinthians 8:10 - I give 1 Timothy 5:9 - having 1 Timothy 5:11 - they will