1 Corinthians 7:39
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 7:39
39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 7 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, fellowship, prayer. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 7:39
39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
Analysis
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth—the verb dedetai (δέδεται, "is bound") uses legal marriage-bond language (v. 27; Romans 7:2). Paul reaffirms marriage's permanence: the covenant lasts until death. This echoes Jesus' teaching (Matthew 19:6, "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder") and reflects Genesis 2:24's one-flesh union.
But if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will. The phrase eleuthera estin hō thelei gamēthēnai (ἐλευθέρα ἐστὶν ᾧ θέλει γαμηθῆναι, "she is free to marry whom she wishes") releases widows from the marriage bond. Death severs the covenant, freeing remarriage. Paul qualifies: only in the Lord (monon en kyriō, μόνον ἐν κυρίῳ).
"In the Lord" means marrying a fellow believer. Paul forbids believers marrying unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers"). This protects spiritual faithfulness and family unity. Widows may remarry freely, but only Christians—ensuring shared faith, values, and devotion to Christ.
Historical Context
Widows in the ancient world often faced economic vulnerability, making remarriage necessary for survival. Paul's teaching that widows are "free" to remarry affirmed their dignity and provided security, while the qualification "in the Lord" protected spiritual integrity and Christian household structure.
Reflection
- How does Paul's teaching on marriage's permanence until death shape Christian views on divorce and remarriage?
- What does it mean that widows are "free" to remarry—why does Paul emphasize their liberty?
- How does the qualification "only in the Lord" protect widows' spiritual faithfulness and family unity?
Word Studies
- Law: νόμος (Nomos) G3551 - Law
Cross-References
- References Lord: 1 Corinthians 7:10, Malachi 2:11
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 7:15