1 Corinthians 7:39
What does 1 Corinthians 7:39 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 7:39 means
Paul teaches that a wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives, underscoring marriage’s lifelong covenant. If the husband dies, she is free to remarry, but only “in the Lord”—that is, to a fellow believer. This protects unity of faith in the home and the widow’s spiritual welfare. Paul does not burden her with perpetual celibacy; he honors both fidelity to the first marriage and freedom after death severs the bond. The guidance is simple and wise: lifelong commitment during marriage; liberty in widowhood guided by the Lord’s boundaries. This keeps love ordered to God and preserves the church’s witness in family life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949It is right for a wife to be with her husband as long as he is living; but when her husband is dead, she is free to be married to another; but only to a Christian.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A wife hath been bound by law as long time as her husband may live, and if her husband may sleep, she is free to be married to whom she will--only in the Lord;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A woman is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth: but if her husband die, she is at liberty. Let her marry to whom she will: only in the Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890A wife is bound for whatever time her husband lives; but if the husband be fallen asleep, she is free to be married to whom she will, only in [the] Lord.
Context
Having discussed virgins and guardians (verses 36–38), Paul turns to widows and remarriage. Verse 39 grounds the counsel in the permanence of marriage until death and gives the clear stipulation for remarriage—“only in the Lord.” Verse 40 will offer Paul’s judgment that remaining as she is may bring greater happiness in their situation, while affirming he speaks with the Spirit’s wisdom. This closing pair maintains the chapter’s themes: honor marriage, allow freedom where God permits, and prefer arrangements that promote undistracted devotion.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 7:10
But unto the married I give charge, yea not I, but the Lord, That the wife depart not from her husband
- Deuteronomy 7:3
neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.
- 2 Corinthians 6:14
Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness?
- 1 Corinthians 7:15
Yet if the unbelieving departeth, let him depart: the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us in peace.
- Malachi 2:11
Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of Jehovah which he loveth, and hath married the daughter of a foreign god.
- Romans 7:2
For the woman that hath a husband is bound by law to the husband while he liveth; but if the husband die, she is discharged from the law of the husband.
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.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Courtship
Courtship, a journey of intentional relationship-building, is a concept beautifully illuminated by the wisdom found in God's Word.
Topic
Bible Verses About Dating
Dating, while not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, can be guided by biblical principles for wise and God-honoring relationships
Topic
Bible Verses About Fasting
Fasting in the Bible is a spiritual discipline involving abstinence from food for a period, often coupled with prayer and repentance.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Struggling With Addiction
When the cycle won't break — verses for the long road home.