King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:23 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:23 in the King James Version says “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 7:23 · KJV


Context

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.

25

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye are bought with a price—the verb ēgorasthēte (ἠγοράσθητε, "you were bought") uses slave-market imagery for Christ's redemption. The timēs (τιμῆς, "price") is Christ's blood (1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 5:9). Believers are slaves purchased by Christ, transferred from sin's ownership to His. This echoes 6:19-20 where Paul used the same language against sexual immorality.

Therefore, be not ye the servants of men (mē ginesthe douloi anthrōpōn, μὴ γίνεσθε δοῦλοι ἀνθρώπων, "do not become slaves of men"). This command seems paradoxical after saying slaves should remain slaves (v. 21). Paul means: do not give ultimate allegiance to human masters, opinions, or systems. Christians belong to Christ alone, though they may occupy various earthly positions.

This principle has profound implications: believers must not become enslaved to human traditions, opinions, or authority structures that compete with Christ's Lordship. Even in earthly slavery or service, the Christian's ultimate Master is Christ. This relativizes all human authority and provides freedom from people-pleasing (Galatians 1:10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's language of being "bought with a price" would resonate powerfully with slaves and freedmen in Corinth who understood manumission through purchase. Christ's redemption definitively transfers ownership, making all believers His exclusive property regardless of earthly social status.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding redemption as "purchase" affect our sense of obligation to Christ?
  2. In what ways might Christians today become "slaves of men" despite being freed by Christ?
  3. How does belonging exclusively to Christ relativize earthly authority and social expectations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
τιμῆς1 of 6

with a price

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

ἠγοράσθητε·2 of 6

Ye are bought

G59

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

μὴ3 of 6

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

γίνεσθε4 of 6

be

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

δοῦλοι5 of 6

the servants

G1401

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

ἀνθρώπων6 of 6

of men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being


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 7:23 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 7:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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