1 Corinthians 7:17
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.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
4 of 21
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐμέρισεν
hath distributed
G3307
ἐμέρισεν
hath distributed
Strong's:
G3307
Word #:
5 of 21
to part, i.e., (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεός
God
G2316
θεός
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
9 of 21
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
κέκληκεν
hath called
G2564
κέκληκεν
hath called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
10 of 21
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
περιπατείτω
let him walk
G4043
περιπατείτω
let him walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
14 of 21
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:17For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.1 Corinthians 7:24Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.2 Corinthians 8:18And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;1 Corinthians 7:18Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.2 Corinthians 11:28Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.1 Corinthians 14:33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.1 Corinthians 7:7For 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.Matthew 19:12For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.
Historical Context
Early converts sometimes felt pressure to radically alter circumstances—Jewish Christians might seek to reverse circumcision to appear Greek, slaves might demand freedom, singles might marry or marrieds might divorce. Paul's teaching emphasized that external circumstances don't determine spiritual status; transformation occurs through Christ, not circumstantial changes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's principle of "remain as called" challenge the impulse to change external circumstances for spiritual reasons?
- In what ways might Christians today wrongly seek to alter circumstances thinking it will improve their spiritual life?
- How does this verse encourage contentment without promoting passivity toward injustice or needed change?
Analysis & Commentary
But as God hath distributed to every man—the verb emerisen (ἐμέρισεν, "has apportioned") introduces a governing principle: remain in your calling. Paul shifts from marriage to broader life circumstances. The phrase as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk uses keklēken (κέκληκεν, "has called") for divine calling and peripateitō (περιπατείτω, "let him walk") for daily conduct.
Paul's principle: God's calling comes to people in specific circumstances—marriage/singleness, circumcision/uncircumcision, slavery/freedom. Rather than requiring external changes, believers should serve God where He has placed them. This "remain as called" theme will dominate verses 17-24, applied to ethnic identity (vv. 18-19), slavery (vv. 21-23), and again to singleness/marriage (vv. 24-40).
Paul adds And so ordain I in all churches, indicating this is not situational advice for Corinth but universal apostolic teaching. This reveals Paul's concern about Corinthians seeking dramatic life changes after conversion—divorcing spouses, removing circumcision, abandoning social stations. Paul calls for stability and contentment in one's calling.