1 Corinthians 7:22

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 3 of 17
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
κυρίου the Lord G2962
κυρίου the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 4 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
κληθεὶς he that is called G2564
κληθεὶς he that is called
Strong's: G2564
Word #: 5 of 17
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
δοῦλός being a servant G1401
δοῦλός being a servant
Strong's: G1401
Word #: 6 of 17
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ἀπελεύθερος freeman G558
ἀπελεύθερος freeman
Strong's: G558
Word #: 7 of 17
one freed away, i.e., a freedman
κυρίου the Lord G2962
κυρίου the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 8 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐστιν is G2076
ἐστιν is
Strong's: G2076
Word #: 9 of 17
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
ὁμοίως likewise G3668
ὁμοίως likewise
Strong's: G3668
Word #: 10 of 17
similarly
καί also G2532
καί also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 11 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλεύθερος being free G1658
ἐλεύθερος being free
Strong's: G1658
Word #: 13 of 17
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
κληθεὶς he that is called G2564
κληθεὶς he that is called
Strong's: G2564
Word #: 14 of 17
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
δοῦλός being a servant G1401
δοῦλός being a servant
Strong's: G1401
Word #: 15 of 17
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ἐστιν is G2076
ἐστιν is
Strong's: G2076
Word #: 16 of 17
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
Χριστοῦ Christ's G5547
Χριστοῦ Christ's
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 17 of 17
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Analysis & Commentary

For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman—the phrase apeleutheros kyriou (ἀπελεύθερος κυρίου, "freedman of the Lord") uses the term for a manumitted slave. Slaves who are Christians possess spiritual freedom in Christ, liberated from sin's bondage (John 8:34-36; Romans 6:17-18). Their earthly slavery does not define their identity.

Conversely, likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant (doulos Christou, δοῦλος Χριστοῦ, "slave of Christ"). Free persons who become Christians exchange one master for another—they are now wholly owned by Christ. Paul frequently calls himself Christ's doulos (Romans 1:1; Philippians 1:1), emphasizing total allegiance.

This verse establishes a profound reversal: earthly slaves are spiritually free, earthly free persons are spiritually enslaved to Christ. Social status is relativized by spiritual reality. The gospel grants dignity to slaves while humbling the free, demolishing social hierarchies' ultimate significance (Galatians 3:28).

Historical Context

Roman law distinguished between slaves, freedmen (manumitted slaves), and freeborn citizens. Paul uses this legal framework to explain spiritual realities: conversion liberates slaves from sin's tyranny while binding free persons to Christ's Lordship. This radical redefinition of identity challenged Roman social stratification.

Questions for Reflection