Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 7:20

What does 1 Corinthians 7:20 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 7:20 means

Paul repeats the principle: let each person remain in the situation in which he was called. This is not fatalism; it is a call to faithful presence. The pressure to change externals often masks discontent or pride. Paul urges stability so that believers can focus on serving Christ rather than chasing status. Remaining does not forbid wise improvements when available, but it does challenge believers to see God’s hand in their present station. In that place, they can display patience, diligence, and love. The Christian life is not about dramatic reinvention but steady obedience, trusting that the Lord orders our steps for His glory and our good.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let every man keep the position in which he has been placed by God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Each in the calling in which he was called--in this let him remain;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Let every man abide in the same calling in which he was called.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Let each abide in that calling in which he has been called.

Context

Echoing verse 17 and reinforcing verse 19’s emphasis on obedience, this verse concludes the circumcision example and prepares for the next, concerning bondservants (verses 21–24). The repeated call to remain establishes a rhythm: wherever God found you, begin serving Him there. Verse 21 will introduce nuance—if freedom becomes available to a bondservant, he may use it. The flow teaches contentment without complacency, and aspiration without anxiety, aiming the church toward undistracted devotion to the Lord in every circumstance.

v.19Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God.

v.20This passage

v.21Wast thou called being a bondservant? care not for it: nay, even if thou canst become free, use it rather.

Cross references

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

  • Proverbs 27:8

    As a bird that wandereth from her nest, So is a man that wandereth from his place.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:21

    Wast thou called being a bondservant? care not for it: nay, even if thou canst become free, use it rather.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:11

    and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, even as we charged you;

  • 1 Corinthians 7:17

    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.

  • Luke 3:10

    And the multitudes asked him, saying, What then must we do?

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:12

    Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

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