1 Corinthians 7:27
What does 1 Corinthians 7:27 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 7:27 means
Paul applies the stay-as-you-are principle: if you are already bound to a wife, do not seek release; if you are free from a wife, do not seek one. Stability is wise in unsettled times. He is guarding believers from impulsive life changes driven by fear or romantic idealism. Contentment honors God’s providence and preserves capacity for ministry. This verse challenges restless hearts and the cultural pressure to redefine oneself by changing statuses. Remaining faithful in one’s current commitment—or waiting patiently if unbound—can be a powerful act of trust. Paul’s counsel defuses anxiety and directs energy to serving the Lord in the present responsibilities at hand.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If you are married to a wife, make no attempt to get free from her: if you are free from a wife, do not take a wife.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Hast thou been bound to a wife? seek not to be loosed; hast thou been loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Art thou bound to a wife? Seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? Seek not a wife.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Art thou bound to a wife? seek not to be loosed; art thou free from a wife? do not seek a wife.
Context
Coming after the statement about present distress (verse 26), this verse gives practical expression: avoid seeking drastic changes. In verse 28, Paul will immediately soften potential misunderstandings by affirming that marrying is not sinful, though it may entail added trouble. Verses 29–31 will then broaden the perspective, reminding believers that time is short and the world’s form is passing away. Thus, even marriage decisions should be made with eternity in view, not as ultimate securities.
v.26I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, namely, that it is good for a man to be as he is.
v.27This passage
v.28But shouldest thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Yet such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I would spare you.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 7:20
Let each man abide in that calling wherein he was called.
- 1 Corinthians 7:12
But to the rest say I, not the Lord: If any brother hath an unbelieving wife, and she is content to dwell with him, let him not leave her.
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