King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:22 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:22 in the King James Version says “For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, ... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 7:22 · KJV


Context

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

23

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

24

Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman—the phrase apeleutheros kyriou (ἀπελεύθερος κυρίου, "freedman of the Lord") uses the term for a manumitted slave. Slaves who are Christians possess spiritual freedom in Christ, liberated from sin's bondage (John 8:34-36; Romans 6:17-18). Their earthly slavery does not define their identity.

Conversely, likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant (doulos Christou, δοῦλος Χριστοῦ, "slave of Christ"). Free persons who become Christians exchange one master for another—they are now wholly owned by Christ. Paul frequently calls himself Christ's doulos (Romans 1:1; Philippians 1:1), emphasizing total allegiance.

This verse establishes a profound reversal: earthly slaves are spiritually free, earthly free persons are spiritually enslaved to Christ. Social status is relativized by spiritual reality. The gospel grants dignity to slaves while humbling the free, demolishing social hierarchies' ultimate significance (Galatians 3:28).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman law distinguished between slaves, freedmen (manumitted slaves), and freeborn citizens. Paul uses this legal framework to explain spiritual realities: conversion liberates slaves from sin's tyranny while binding free persons to Christ's Lordship. This radical redefinition of identity challenged Roman social stratification.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does spiritual freedom in Christ provide dignity and hope for those in oppressive earthly circumstances?
  2. What does it mean that free Christians are "slaves of Christ"—how should this affect our sense of autonomy?
  3. How does this verse's reversal of social status reflect the gospel's radical reordering of values?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
1 of 17
G3588

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

γὰρ2 of 17

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐν3 of 17

in

G1722

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

κυρίου4 of 17

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

κληθεὶς5 of 17

he that is called

G2564

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

δοῦλός6 of 17

being a servant

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

ἀπελεύθερος7 of 17

freeman

G558

one freed away, i.e., a freedman

κυρίου8 of 17

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐστιν9 of 17

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὁμοίως10 of 17

likewise

G3668

similarly

καί11 of 17

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

12 of 17
G3588

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

ἐλεύθερος13 of 17

being free

G1658

unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e., (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or lia

κληθεὶς14 of 17

he that is called

G2564

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

δοῦλός15 of 17

being a servant

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

ἐστιν16 of 17

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Χριστοῦ17 of 17

Christ's

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus


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 7:22 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 7:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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