1 Corinthians 7:21

Translations

Modern

Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity.

Traditional

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

Literal

Were you called while a slave? Let it not be a care to you; but if also you have power to become free, rather use it.

Latin

Servus vocatus es? non sit tibi curæ: sed et si potes fieri liber, magis utere.

Original

Greek

English

Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity.

Notes

1 Corinthians 7:21–23

Slavery shows the general idea mentioned in 1 Corinthians 7:17, 20, 24. Slavery was common in the Greco-Roman world, and many Christian converts were slaves serving wealthy families. According to Paul, like circumcision, being a slave is not very important for a Christian. Even as a slave, a Christian is spiritually free from sin, death, and the law (see Romans 6:14; 7:4–6; 8:2). As a free person, the believer is still a servant of Christ (see Ephesians 6:5–6; 1 Peter 2:16).
As someone bought at a high price, the free Christian should not be controlled by the world (see 1 Cor 6:20).

1 Corinthians 7:17–24

Paul says Christians should accept the life God has given them.

1 Corinthians 7:1–40

Paul often says that true Christians, as servants of Christ, belong completely to Christ for his service. Because of this, he suggests Christians stay single. However, he admits that getting married is not a sin.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Belonging to Christ Biblical Marriage Human Sexuality Slavery

Related verses

1 Peter 2:18–24
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.
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.
Luke 10:40–41
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!”
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 12:29
And do not be concerned about what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about it.
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
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.
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.”
Philippians 4:11
I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
1 Timothy 6:1–3
All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) First Letter to the Corinthians Freedom, Liberty Letter to Philemon Love Virgin

Topics

Contentment: General Scriptures Concerning Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Servant: Bond: Emancipation of Servant: Bond: Equal Status of, with Other Disciples of Jesus Servant: Figurative Servant: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Servants: should be Contented in Their Situation Slavery

1 Corinthians 7:21

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