Faithfulness in Marriage and Singleness

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Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to a church struggling with divisions and moral confusion, including questions about marriage and sexual conduct. The previous chapters addressed unity and spiritual gifts, setting the stage for practical instructions on living out faith in daily life. Corinth was a cosmopolitan city with diverse beliefs, making Paul’s guidance crucial for maintaining holiness and order. This chapter fits within Paul’s broader effort to help believers live distinctively in a pagan culture while honoring God in their relationships.

What You'll Learn

• Why Paul encourages celibacy but affirms marriage as God’s good design to prevent sexual immorality.
• How mutual authority over each other’s bodies in marriage reflects covenant faithfulness and care.
• The significance of maintaining peace and unity in mixed-faith marriages within the early church.
• Why believers should remain in their current life circumstances as a way to honor God’s calling.
• How singleness can enable undistracted devotion to the Lord amid worldly challenges.
• The practical wisdom Paul offers for navigating marriage decisions during times of distress.

God calls believers to faithfulness and holiness in marriage and singleness, serving Him fully in every life circumstance.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

1 Corinthians 7:1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

1 Corinthians 7:2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

1 Corinthians 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

1 Corinthians 7:4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

1 Corinthians 7:6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

1 Corinthians 7:7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

1 Corinthians 7:8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

1 Corinthians 7:10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

1 Corinthians 7:11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

1 Corinthians 7:12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

1 Corinthians 7:13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

1 Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

1 Corinthians 7:15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

1 Corinthians 7:16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

1 Corinthians 7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

1 Corinthians 7:18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

1 Corinthians 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

1 Corinthians 7:20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

1 Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

1 Corinthians 7:22 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.

1 Corinthians 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

1 Corinthians 7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

1 Corinthians 7:25 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.

1 Corinthians 7:26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.

1 Corinthians 7:27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

1 Corinthians 7:28 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.

1 Corinthians 7:29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

1 Corinthians 7:30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

1 Corinthians 7:32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

1 Corinthians 7:33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

1 Corinthians 7:34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

1 Corinthians 7:35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

1 Corinthians 7:36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

1 Corinthians 7:37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

1 Corinthians 7:38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

1 Corinthians 7:39 The 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.

1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

1 Corinthians 7:1

Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

Study: Paul begins by referencing the Corinthians’ letter about sexual matters, stating that it is good for a man not to touch a woman, emphasizing celibacy as a commendable state. This reflects the cultural context where sexual immorality was rampant, and Paul points to celibacy as a way to avoid such sin. The phrase 'not to touch' underscores the seriousness of sexual purity, and the takeaway is that self-control honors God’s design for holiness.

1 Corinthians 7:2

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

Study: To prevent fornication, Paul commands that every man have his own wife and every woman her own husband, affirming marriage as God’s ordained safeguard against sexual sin. This instruction reveals God’s concern for purity and relational faithfulness within covenant marriage. The verse highlights marriage’s protective role, encouraging believers to embrace God’s design rather than suppress natural desires.

1 Corinthians 7:3

Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

Study: Paul instructs husbands and wives to render due benevolence to each other, emphasizing mutual care and responsibility in marriage. This reflects the covenantal nature of marriage, where both partners serve and honor one another’s needs. The insight here is that marital intimacy is not merely physical but an expression of love and duty, fostering unity and holiness.

1 Corinthians 7:4

The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

Study: The mutual authority over each other’s bodies in marriage reveals the deep unity and shared stewardship God intends between husband and wife. This counters cultural views of ownership or dominance, highlighting equality and mutual submission. Recognizing this mutual power encourages respect and guards against selfishness, reinforcing marriage as a holy partnership.

1 Corinthians 7:5

Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

Study: Paul warns couples not to deprive each other except by mutual consent for prayer and fasting, then to reunite to avoid temptation. This shows God’s concern for both spiritual devotion and marital fidelity, balancing worship with relational commitment. The verse teaches that spiritual disciplines should not harm marriage but support it, guarding against Satan’s schemes.

1 Corinthians 7:6

But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

Study: Paul clarifies that his advice about temporary abstinence is a permission, not a command, showing pastoral sensitivity to individual circumstances. This distinction highlights the flexibility within God’s moral framework, allowing couples to discern what honors God best. The insight is that Christian liberty operates within love and mutual consent.

1 Corinthians 7:7

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

Study: Paul expresses his personal wish that all were as he is (celibate), but acknowledges God’s diverse gifts to individuals. This reveals the theological truth that God equips believers differently for service and holiness. The takeaway is that both marriage and singleness are valuable callings from God, each with unique strengths.

1 Corinthians 7:8

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

Study: Paul advises the unmarried and widows to remain single if they can, underscoring celibacy as a good and honorable state. This encourages believers to consider singleness as a way to devote themselves fully to God’s work. The verse also reflects the cultural challenges of marriage in Corinth, where singleness could be a practical and spiritual advantage.

1 Corinthians 7:9

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

Study: If singleness leads to burning passion, Paul counsels marriage as the better option to avoid sin, showing God’s mercy and realism about human desires. This balances ideal celibacy with practical wisdom, affirming marriage as a God-ordained refuge from temptation. The insight is that God’s commands consider human weakness and provide gracious solutions.

1 Corinthians 7:10

And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

Study: Paul commands, on the Lord’s authority, that a wife must not depart from her husband, emphasizing the permanence and seriousness of the marriage covenant. This reflects God’s design for lifelong faithfulness and the sanctity of marriage vows. The verse teaches that marriage is not to be broken lightly, honoring God’s covenant love.

1 Corinthians 7:11

But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

Study: If a wife departs, she should remain unmarried or be reconciled, and husbands must not divorce, reinforcing the call to preserve marriage unity. This instruction protects the vulnerable and encourages forgiveness and restoration. The insight is that God’s law promotes peace and stability in relationships, reflecting His covenant faithfulness.

1 Corinthians 7:12

But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

Study: Paul addresses believers married to unbelievers, advising them not to divorce if the unbelieving spouse consents to live together. This pastoral guidance shows God’s grace in mixed-faith marriages and the priority of peace. The verse highlights the sanctifying influence a believing spouse can have within the household.

1 Corinthians 7:13

And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

Study: Similarly, a believing wife with an unbelieving husband should not leave if he consents to live together, emphasizing endurance and hope. This reflects the early church’s reality of mixed marriages and God’s desire for unity. The insight is that faithfulness can be a powerful witness and means of sanctification.

1 Corinthians 7:14

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

Study: The unbelieving spouse is sanctified by the believing partner, and children are considered holy, showing God’s covenant grace extending into the family. This counters fears about spiritual contamination and affirms God’s protective presence. The verse teaches that faith impacts the entire household, encouraging believers to remain steadfast.

1 Corinthians 7:15

But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

Study: If the unbelieving spouse departs, the believer is not bound, as God calls us to peace, recognizing the limits of human control. This balances commitment with freedom, preventing bondage in harmful situations. The insight is that God’s call to peace sometimes requires difficult decisions for spiritual and emotional well-being.

1 Corinthians 7:16

For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

Study: Paul encourages hope that a believing spouse may save the unbelieving partner, underscoring the power of faithful witness and prayer. This reveals God’s redemptive purpose within marriage and the potential for salvation through relational influence. The verse inspires perseverance and trust in God’s saving work.

1 Corinthians 7:17

But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

Study: Believers are urged to remain in the calling God gave them, reflecting God’s sovereign plan and the importance of contentment. This instruction promotes stability and faithfulness in all life situations, avoiding unnecessary change. The insight is that honoring God means embracing His calling with joy and obedience.

1 Corinthians 7:18

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

Study: Paul teaches that being circumcised or uncircumcised at calling is irrelevant to one’s standing, emphasizing spiritual identity over ritual. This challenges cultural divisions and points to the New Covenant’s focus on heart obedience. The verse highlights the primacy of God’s commandments over external marks.

1 Corinthians 7:19

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

Study: Circumcision and uncircumcision mean nothing; keeping God’s commandments is what counts, underscoring obedience as true covenant faithfulness. This shifts focus from legalism to heartfelt devotion. The insight is that external rituals cannot replace genuine holiness.

1 Corinthians 7:20

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

Study: Every man should abide in the calling he was called, reinforcing God’s sovereign design and the value of faithfulness in daily life. This encourages believers to serve God faithfully where they are rather than seeking status or change. The verse teaches contentment and trust in God’s providence.

1 Corinthians 7:21

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

Study: Paul advises servants not to worry about their status but to seek freedom if possible, reflecting social realities and God’s concern for justice. This shows God’s acceptance of all believers regardless of social rank. The insight is that spiritual freedom in Christ transcends earthly conditions.

1 Corinthians 7:22

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.

Study: A servant called by the Lord is Christ’s freeman, and a free person is Christ’s servant, revealing the paradox of Christian freedom and servanthood. This theological truth highlights that true liberty is found in serving Christ. The verse encourages believers to find identity in Christ above social status.

1 Corinthians 7:23

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

Study: Believers are bought with a price and must not become servants of men, emphasizing Christ’s costly redemption and the call to live for Him alone. This reminds Christians of their high value and allegiance to God. The takeaway is to reject worldly bondage and live in grateful obedience.

1 Corinthians 7:24

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

Study: Paul exhorts believers to remain in their calling with God, promoting steadfastness and trust in God’s plan. This practical advice helps believers avoid unnecessary turmoil and focus on faithful service. The verse teaches that God’s calling is sufficient for every circumstance.

1 Corinthians 7:25

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.

Study: Paul offers his judgment about virgins, acknowledging no direct command from the Lord but speaking as one entrusted with mercy. This shows pastoral care and wisdom guiding believers in uncertain matters. The insight is that godly counsel supports believers in making wise decisions.

1 Corinthians 7:26

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

Study: Paul suggests that remaining single is good in the present distress, likely referring to persecution or trials, highlighting practical wisdom in difficult times. This teaches that circumstances affect God’s guidance and believers should consider context. The verse encourages thoughtful obedience amid hardship.

1 Corinthians 7:27

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

Study: Those bound to a wife should not seek to be loosed, and those loosed should not seek a wife, promoting contentment and faithfulness in current states. This counters impulsive decisions and fosters stability. The insight is that God’s timing and calling should govern life choices.

1 Corinthians 7:28

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.

Study: Marriage is not sin, but it brings worldly troubles, which Paul spares the Corinthians from detailing, balancing affirmation with realism. This acknowledges marriage’s challenges while affirming its goodness. The verse teaches that believers should enter marriage with eyes open but without fear of sin.

1 Corinthians 7:29

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

Study: Paul reminds believers that time is short, urging those married to live as though unmarried, focusing on eternal priorities over earthly ties. This eschatological perspective encourages detachment from worldly concerns. The insight is that believers should live with heaven in view, regardless of marital status.

1 Corinthians 7:30

And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

Study: Those who weep, rejoice, or buy should do so as if not fully attached, recognizing the temporary nature of this world. This teaches believers to maintain spiritual perspective amid life’s ups and downs. The verse calls for a balanced, kingdom-focused attitude.

1 Corinthians 7:31

And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

Study: Using the world without abusing it reflects wise stewardship, acknowledging the world’s passing fashion. This encourages believers to engage with life responsibly, avoiding worldly entanglement. The insight is that Christian living involves discerning use of earthly resources.

1 Corinthians 7:32

But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

Study: Paul desires believers to be free from worldly cares so the unmarried can focus on pleasing the Lord, highlighting singleness as a unique opportunity for spiritual devotion. This verse contrasts the divided interests of married life with the undistracted service possible in singleness. It encourages believers to embrace their calling wholeheartedly.

1 Corinthians 7:33

But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

Study: The married person’s care for worldly things centers on pleasing their spouse, showing how marriage shifts priorities and responsibilities. This reflects the covenantal commitment and mutual love in marriage. The verse teaches that marriage requires selflessness and attention to another’s needs.

1 Corinthians 7:34

There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

Study: Paul distinguishes between the unmarried woman’s devotion to the Lord and the married woman’s care for her husband, illustrating how marital roles shape spiritual focus. This highlights the practical realities of different callings. The insight is that holiness is possible in both states, though expressed differently.

1 Corinthians 7:35

And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

Study: Paul speaks for the Corinthians’ benefit, not to trap them, encouraging them to serve the Lord without distraction, showing pastoral concern for their spiritual welfare. This verse reveals Paul’s heart to help believers live well in their circumstances. The takeaway is that God’s guidance aims to promote holiness and peace.

1 Corinthians 7:36

But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

Study: If a man acts honorably toward his virgin who is past her prime, he may marry her without sin, showing sensitivity to social and personal realities. This practical advice respects cultural norms and individual needs. The verse teaches that God’s commands accommodate human situations with grace.

1 Corinthians 7:37

Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

Study: A man who steadfastly chooses to keep his virgin unmarried does well, demonstrating the value of personal conviction and self-control. This highlights the virtue of intentional singleness for God’s purposes. The insight is that faithfulness includes honoring one’s own godly decisions.

1 Corinthians 7:38

So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

Study: Giving a virgin in marriage is good, but not giving her is better, affirming celibacy as a higher calling while respecting marriage’s goodness. This balances freedom and responsibility, encouraging believers to seek God’s will. The verse teaches that both marriage and singleness serve God’s kingdom.

1 Corinthians 7:39

The 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.

Study: A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives but is free to remarry only in the Lord after his death, emphasizing the permanence of marriage and the importance of spiritual unity. This reflects God’s design for covenant faithfulness and holiness. The verse teaches respect for marriage vows and spiritual discernment in remarriage.

1 Corinthians 7:40

But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

Study: Paul judges that a widow is happier to remain single, and he believes this judgment is Spirit-led, showing pastoral wisdom and spiritual insight. This encourages widows to consider singleness as a way to serve God fully. The verse highlights the Spirit’s role in guiding believers toward holiness.

1 Corinthians 7 addresses the Corinthian church’s concerns about marriage, singleness, and sexual morality, offering balanced guidance rooted in God’s wisdom. Paul affirms celibacy as a good calling but recognizes marriage as God’s provision to prevent sin. He emphasizes mutual care and faithfulness in marriage, the sanctifying influence of believing spouses, and the value of remaining in one’s God-given calling. The chapter encourages believers to live with eternal perspective, serving the Lord wholeheartedly in every circumstance.

Lord, help us to honor You in our relationships, whether married or single. Grant us faithfulness, self-control, and a heart fully devoted to You. Teach us to serve You without distraction and to trust Your wisdom in every calling. May Your Spirit guide us in holiness and peace, that our lives reflect Your love and grace. Amen.

• Pray for faithfulness and unity in your marriage or relationships.
• Memorize 1 Corinthians 7:32 to remind yourself of the value of undistracted devotion to God.
• Reflect on your current life calling and journal ways to serve God faithfully in it.
• Discuss with a trusted Christian friend or mentor how to honor God in your singleness or marriage.
• Practice mutual respect and care in your closest relationships this week.
• Fast and pray for guidance if facing difficult decisions about marriage or singleness.
• Worship God for His wisdom and grace in all life circumstances.

Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 7 guides believers to live faithfully in marriage and singleness, emphasizing holiness, mutual care, and undistracted devotion to the Lord. He balances the goodness of marriage with the higher calling of celibacy, encouraging contentment and peace in all circumstances. This chapter calls Christians to honor God’s design for relationships and to serve Him wholeheartedly, trusting His sovereign plan amid life’s challenges.

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