King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:20 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:20 in the King James Version says “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 7:20 · KJV

Context

18

Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

19

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

20

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

21

Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

22

For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. freeman: Gr. made free

Read 1 Corinthians 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called—Paul repeats the principle of verse 17, using klésis (κλήσις, "calling") twice. The verb menétō (μενέτω, "let him remain") commands contentment with one's circumstances at conversion. This does not forbid all change but warns against believing spiritual status requires external transformation.

The term klésis can mean both God's effectual calling to salvation and the circumstances/station in which that calling occurs. Paul uses it in both senses here: remain in the life-situation where God called you to salvation. This principle addresses restless Corinthians who thought conversion required changing marriage status, ethnicity, or social position.

Paul's teaching promotes social stability and counters revolutionary impulses that might accompany the gospel's radical message of equality in Christ (Galatians 3:28). While the gospel relativizes social distinctions, it does not require immediate social revolution. Believers serve God faithfully within existing structures while the gospel gradually transforms culture.

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Historical & Cultural Context

New converts sometimes felt their old life was wholly invalid and sought dramatic changes—divorcing spouses, abandoning trades, rejecting cultural identity. Paul's emphasis on "remain as called" provided stability for early Christian communities while affirming that spiritual transformation transcends external circumstances.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's call to "remain" balance contentment with legitimate desires for improvement or change?
  2. In what ways might new believers today wrongly think they must change external circumstances to serve God?
  3. How does "remain as called" relate to the gospel's message of radical spiritual transformation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
ἕκαστος1 of 9

“every man”

G1538

each or every

ἐν2 of 9

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ3 of 9
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κλήσει4 of 9

“calling”

G2821

an invitation (figuratively)

ᾗ5 of 9
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐκλήθη6 of 9

“he was called”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

ἐν7 of 9

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταύτῃ8 of 9
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

μενέτω9 of 9

“Let”

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 7:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 7:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 7:171 Thessalonians 4:11Proverbs 27:81 Corinthians 7:21-242 Thessalonians 3:12Luke 3:10-14

Test Your Knowledge

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