1 Corinthians 7:21

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

Original Language Analysis

δοῦλος being a servant G1401
δοῦλος being a servant
Strong's: G1401
Word #: 1 of 13
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ἐκλήθης Art thou called G2564
ἐκλήθης Art thou called
Strong's: G2564
Word #: 2 of 13
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
μή not G3361
μή not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 3 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
σοι G4671
σοι
Strong's: G4671
Word #: 4 of 13
to thee
μελέτω· care G3199
μελέτω· care
Strong's: G3199
Word #: 5 of 13
to be of interest to, i.e., to concern (only third person singular present indicative used impersonally, it matters)
ἀλλ' but G235
ἀλλ' but
Strong's: G235
Word #: 6 of 13
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
εἰ G1487
εἰ
Strong's: G1487
Word #: 7 of 13
if, whether, that, etc
καὶ G2532
καὶ
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 8 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δύνασαι thou mayest G1410
δύνασαι thou mayest
Strong's: G1410
Word #: 9 of 13
to be able or possible
ἐλεύθερος free G1658
ἐλεύθερος free
Strong's: G1658
Word #: 10 of 13
unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e., (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or lia
γενέσθαι be made G1096
γενέσθαι be made
Strong's: G1096
Word #: 11 of 13
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
μᾶλλον it rather G3123
μᾶλλον it rather
Strong's: G3123
Word #: 12 of 13
(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather
χρῆσαι use G5530
χρῆσαι use
Strong's: G5530
Word #: 13 of 13
to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc.), i.e., (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act tow

Analysis & Commentary

Art thou called being a servant? care not for it—the term doulos (δοῦλος, "slave") refers to actual slavery, a fundamental institution in Roman society. Paul's command mé soi meletō (μή σοι μελέτω, "let it not be a concern to you") urges slaves not to let their status trouble them spiritually. Freedom in Christ transcends earthly bondage.

However, Paul adds but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. The phrase all' ei kai dynasai eleutheros genesthai (ἀλλ᾽ εἰ καὶ δύνασαι ἐλεύθερος γενέσθαι) with chrēsai mallon (χρῆσαι μᾶλλον, "make use of it rather") has been debated: "use" what?

  1. Use your freedom if offered, or
  2. make use of your slavery.

Most interpret (1): if freedom is available, take it.

Paul's teaching balances contentment in one's calling with prudent pursuit of improvement when possible. Slaves should not despair in their status, nor should they feel obligated to remain slaves when freedom is attainable. This reflects Paul's pastoral realism: spiritual freedom in Christ is paramount, but earthly freedom is also good and worth pursuing.

Historical Context

Slavery was ubiquitous in the Roman Empire, with perhaps 20-30% of the population enslaved. The early church included many slaves (Philemon, Onesimus; Colossians 3:22-4:1). Paul's teaching did not directly oppose slavery as an institution but affirmed slaves' full dignity in Christ while permitting pursuit of freedom.

Questions for Reflection