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.

1 CORINTHIANS 7:22KJV
Know the Bible

1 Corinthians 7:22 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:22 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:22 says that someone who is called to faith in Jesus while being a servant (or slave) is actually free in the Lord, and someone who is called while free is, in a sense, a servant to Christ. The verse teaches that spiritual status in Christ changes how a person’s earthly position is viewed.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing questions about social and marital situations. Here, Paul explains that faith in Christ gives a new identity that goes beyond social status. Whether someone is a servant or free, their most important relationship is with Jesus, which redefines what freedom and servanthood mean.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 7:22

  • "servant" (δοῦλος, doulos): This word means "slave" or "bondservant." Paul uses it to describe someone in a position of social servitude, but he also uses it to show that even those who are free become "servants" of Christ.
  • "freeman" (ἀπελεύθερος, apeleutheros): This word refers to someone who has been set free from slavery. Paul uses it to say that those who are servants in society are, through Christ, truly free.
  • "free" (ἐλεύθερος, eleutheros): This word means "free person." Paul points out that even those who are socially free are, in a spiritual sense, now bound to Christ as His servant.
  • "called" (ἐκλήθη, eklēthē): This word means "called" or "invited." Paul uses it to refer to being called by God into a relationship with Christ, which is what truly matters.

Why 1 Corinthians 7:22 matters

  • 1 Corinthians 7:22 helps clear up the idea that social or economic status determines a person’s worth or spiritual standing; Paul says that in Christ, these categories are transformed.
  • The verse emphasizes that Christian identity is deeper than outward circumstances—being "free" or "a servant" in society does not change the fact that all believers belong to Christ.
  • This teaching fits into Paul’s larger message in the chapter: believers should not be anxious about changing their social status, because their relationship with Christ is what truly defines them.

Where else these words appear

“free” Greek G1658 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 17:26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?
  • Galatians 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

“likewise” Greek G3668 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 22:26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.
  • Luke 10:32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
  • Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

“servant” Greek G1401 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • Luke 7:10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

“called” Greek G2564 · used in 138 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
  • Romans 9:25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.