1 Corinthians 7:20
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ᾗ
G3739
ᾗ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
5 of 9
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐκλήθη
he was called
G2564
ἐκλήθη
he was called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
6 of 9
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:17But 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.1 Thessalonians 4:11And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;Proverbs 27:8As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.2 Thessalonians 3:12Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
Historical Context
New converts sometimes felt their old life was wholly invalid and sought dramatic changes—divorcing spouses, abandoning trades, rejecting cultural identity. Paul's emphasis on "remain as called" provided stability for early Christian communities while affirming that spiritual transformation transcends external circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's call to "remain" balance contentment with legitimate desires for improvement or change?
- In what ways might new believers today wrongly think they must change external circumstances to serve God?
- How does "remain as called" relate to the gospel's message of radical spiritual transformation?
Analysis & Commentary
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called—Paul repeats the principle of verse 17, using klésis (κλήσις, "calling") twice. The verb menétō (μενέτω, "let him remain") commands contentment with one's circumstances at conversion. This does not forbid all change but warns against believing spiritual status requires external transformation.
The term klésis can mean both God's effectual calling to salvation and the circumstances/station in which that calling occurs. Paul uses it in both senses here: remain in the life-situation where God called you to salvation. This principle addresses restless Corinthians who thought conversion required changing marriage status, ethnicity, or social position.
Paul's teaching promotes social stability and counters revolutionary impulses that might accompany the gospel's radical message of equality in Christ (Galatians 3:28). While the gospel relativizes social distinctions, it does not require immediate social revolution. Believers serve God faithfully within existing structures while the gospel gradually transforms culture.