Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 7:17

What does 1 Corinthians 7:17 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 7:17 means

Paul lays down a general principle: each person should walk in the life to which the Lord has assigned them when He called them. God’s providence is not an accident; it is the context for faithful obedience. Paul also notes that he teaches this in all the churches, showing it is not merely local advice. The point is not passivity but contented stewardship. Conversion does not demand an immediate change of social condition, marital status, or ethnicity. Instead, believers are to honor God where they are, letting the gospel reshape how they live. This principle preserves unity and focuses energy on discipleship, not frantic efforts to reset one’s outward circumstances.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Only, as the Lord hath distributed to each man, as God hath called each, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all the churches.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Only, as the Lord hath distributed to each man, as God hath called each, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all the churches.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Only, as the Lord has given to a man, and as is the purpose of God for him, so let him go on living. And these are my orders for all the churches.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

if not, as God did distribute to each, as the Lord hath called each--so let him walk; and thus in all the assemblies do I direct:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But as the Lord hath distributed to every one, as God hath called every one: so let him walk. And so in all churches I teach.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

However, as the Lord has divided to each, asGod has called each, so let him walk; and thus I ordain in all the assemblies.

Context

After dealing with specific marital cases, Paul broadens the lens to a rule for Christian living in every condition. Verses 17–24 present parallel examples—circumcision and slavery—to illustrate the principle. This section stabilizes the community amid turmoil or ambition by reminding them that identity in Christ transcends external statuses. Verse 18 will show how this applies to Jewish and Gentile markers; verses 21–23 will apply it to bondservants and the free. The flow underscores that the main aim is obedience and peace with God, not social upheaval.

v.16For how knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O husband, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

v.17This passage

v.18Was any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Hath any been called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:28

    Besides those things that are without, there is that which presseth upon me daily, anxiety for all the churches.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:18

    Was any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Hath any been called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

  • 1 Peter 4:10

    according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God;

  • 1 Corinthians 7:20

    Let each man abide in that calling wherein he was called.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:7

    Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:1

    Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Corinthians 7

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Corinthians 7.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 1 Corinthians 7:17.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary