Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 7:20
Each one should remain in the situation he was in when he was called.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church to address practical questions about social and marital status. He issues this directive in the middle of a chapter detailing how believers should conduct themselves in their present earthly circumstances.
The words — The Greek ἕκαστος (hekastos) means "each," and κλήσει (klēsei) translates literally to "calling." The text explicitly commands remaining in the specific condition one occupied at the moment of divine summons.
The thread — This directive repeats in 1 Corinthians 7:17 and parallels the call to quiet diligence in 1 Thessalonians 4:11. It aligns with the structural warning against abandoning one's assigned place in Proverbs 27:8.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to prioritize keeping God's commandments within their current station rather than treating environmental change as a spiritual prerequisite. It demands immediate obedience to one's present circumstances as the primary field of faithfulness.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 7:17 Regardless, each one should lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is what I prescribe in all the churches.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:11 and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.
- Proverbs 27:8 Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home.
- 1 Corinthians 7:21 Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:12 We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.
- Luke 3:10 The crowds asked him, “What then should we do?”