1 Corinthians 7:39 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:39 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:39 teaches that a wife is legally and morally connected to her husband as long as he is alive, but if he dies, she is free to marry anyone she chooses, as long as the new marriage is "in the Lord." This means her freedom to remarry is real, but there is a guiding principle that the new marriage should align with Christian faith.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, answering questions about marriage and singleness. Here, he clarifies the bond of marriage lasts for life, but death ends that bond. The phrase "only in the Lord" points to the expectation that a believer should marry another believer, reflecting the values of the Christian community.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 7:39

• "bound" (δέω, deō): This word means to be tied or obligated, emphasizing the strong, binding nature of marriage as a legal and moral commitment.
• "law" (νόμος, nomos): The use of "law" here points to a recognized rule or principle, not just a civil law but also a moral or spiritual guideline for Christian living.
• "liberty" (ἐλεύθερα, eleuthera): This word means to be free or released, highlighting the real change in status for a widow—she is no longer under the previous obligation and can make her own choice about remarriage.
• "in the Lord" (ἐν κυρίῳ, en kyriō): This phrase is often understood as a call for the new marriage to be within the Christian faith, suggesting that the widow should marry someone who also follows Jesus.

Why 1 Corinthians 7:39 matters

• 1 Corinthians 7:39 clarifies that marriage is a lifelong commitment, but it also recognizes the freedom and dignity of widows to remarry if they wish.
• The verse addresses a practical question in the early church about what is appropriate for widows, setting a standard that balances freedom with faith.
• The phrase "only in the Lord" connects this teaching to the broader Christian principle of shared faith in marriage, which is a recurring theme in Paul's letters.