Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

1 CORINTHIANS 7:23KJV
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1 Corinthians 7:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:23 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:23 says that believers have been purchased at a cost, so they should not let themselves become slaves to other people. The verse reminds the readers that their ultimate loyalty belongs to God, not to human masters or systems.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing people from different backgrounds, including slaves and free individuals. In this part of his letter, Paul is encouraging the believers to remember their value and freedom in Christ, regardless of their social status. The statement points back to the idea that Jesus paid a price for them, so their lives are not ultimately owned by anyone else.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 7:23

  • "bought" (ἠγοράσθητε, ēgorásthēte): This word means to purchase in the marketplace. Paul uses it to show that believers have been acquired by God, highlighting a change in ownership.
  • "price" (τιμῆς, timēs): This word refers to value or cost. Paul emphasizes that the cost was significant, underlining the worth and dignity of each believer.
  • "servants" (δοῦλοι, douloi): This word means slaves or bondservants. Paul is not just talking about employment but about being under someone’s total authority, making his point about freedom even stronger.
  • "men" (ἀνθρώπων, anthrōpōn): This word means people or humans in general. Paul is contrasting human authority with God’s authority, reminding believers not to submit themselves to being controlled by others in a way that would compromise their loyalty to God.

Why 1 Corinthians 7:23 matters

  • This verse corrects any idea that a believer’s worth is tied to their social status or human relationships, emphasizing that their true value comes from what God has done for them.
  • It connects to Paul’s larger discussion in this chapter about marriage, singleness, and social roles, showing that spiritual identity is more important than outward circumstances.
  • The verse helps clarify that Christian freedom is not just about personal independence, but about belonging to God and living in a way that honors that relationship.

Where else these words appear

“bought” Greek G59 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
  • Mark 15:46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
  • John 13:29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

“price” Greek G5092 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 27:6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
  • Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
  • Hebrews 3:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

“servants” 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.