Bible Strands
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.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers regarding their social status at the time of their gospel call. He speaks to those enslaved when converted, instructing them on how to navigate their earthly condition.
The words — δοῦλος (doulos) translates literally as slave, and ἐκλήθης (eklēthēs) means were you called. Paul links these terms to establish that spiritual calling does not automatically alter one's civil or social standing.
The thread — The text aligns with Colossians 3:11, which removes slave and free as spiritual divisions, and 1 Peter 2:18, which commands servants to submit to their masters. These passages collectively address how earthly social roles intersect with Christian identity.
Why it lands — The passage commands slaves not to be anxious about their condition but to accept freedom if they can obtain it. It requires readers to assess their social circumstances without allowing them to override their primary spiritual identity.
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
Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
Cross-references
- Colossians 3:11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.
- 1 Peter 2:18 Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable.
- Luke 10:40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”
- Luke 12:29 And do not be concerned about what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about it.
- 1 Corinthians 12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.
- Luke 21:34 But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.
- Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
- Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.
- Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”