King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:27 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:27 in the King James Version says “Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.”

1 Corinthians 7:27 · KJV

Context

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.

26

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. distress: or, necessity

27

Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

28

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

29

But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth , that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed—the verb dedesai (δέδεσαι, "are you bound") uses marriage-bond language (v. 39; Romans 7:2). Paul's command mē zētei lysin (μὴ ζήτει λύσιν, "do not seek release") forbids pursuing divorce. Despite singleness's advantages (vv. 26, 32-35), married believers must not seek to end marriages for spiritual reasons.

Conversely, Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. The term lelysai (λέλυσαι, "are you freed") describes single status—never married, widowed, or legitimately divorced. Paul advises singles not to pursue marriage given present circumstances, though he will clarify marriage is not sinful (v. 28). This is prudential counsel, not prohibition.

Paul's balanced instruction protects marriage's permanence while acknowledging singleness's advantages. Married believers should not divorce; single believers need not rush into marriage. This counters both ascetic pressure to abandon marriages and cultural pressure for universal marriage. Each calling has validity; believers should be content where God has placed them.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman culture strongly emphasized marriage and procreation as civic duties. Paul's counsel that singles need not marry was countercultural. Conversely, his prohibition against married believers seeking divorce for ascetic reasons protected marriages from Corinthian dualism.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why would Paul advise singles not to seek marriage if marriage is good and honorable?
  2. How does this verse balance contentment in one's calling with natural desires for marriage?
  3. What circumstances today might make Paul's counsel to remain single particularly relevant?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
δέδεσαι1 of 11

“Art thou bound”

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

γυναῖκα2 of 11

“a wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

μὴ3 of 11

“not”

G3361

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

ζήτει4 of 11

“seek”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

λύσιν·5 of 11

“Art thou loosed”

G3080

a loosening, i.e., (specially), divorce

λέλυσαι6 of 11

“to be loosed”

G3089

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ7 of 11

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

γυναῖκα8 of 11

“a wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

μὴ9 of 11

“not”

G3361

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

ζήτει10 of 11

“seek”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

γυναῖκα11 of 11

“a wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

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 7:27 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 7:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 7:12-141 Corinthians 7:20

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