1 Corinthians 7:39

A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

Follow its threads on the canvas →

Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation regarding marital regulations, specifically responding to inquiries about widows and remarriage. He places this instruction within a broader structural discussion on celibacy and marriage in 1 Corinthians 7.

The words — γυνὴ (gunē) translates to "a wife" and δέδεται (dedetai) means "has been bound." These terms establish the legal and relational constraint that defines the passage's scope.

The thread — The principle of marital binding until death appears in Romans 7:2, while the restriction on remarriage to non-believers echoes 2 Corinthians 6:14. Paul reinforces this marital boundary in 1 Corinthians 7:10 regarding separation.

Why it lands — The text states that a widow is free to remarry upon her husband's death, provided the new spouse belongs to the Lord. It requires a practical evaluation of spiritual alignment over personal preference when considering a new marriage.

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

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.

Cross-references

Romans 7:2 For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage.
2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?
1 Corinthians 7:10 To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband.
1 Corinthians 7:15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let him go. The believing brother or sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace.
Malachi 2:11 Judah has broken faith; an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the LORD’s beloved sanctuary by marrying the daughter of a foreign god.
Genesis 6:2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose.
Deuteronomy 7:3 Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons,