1 Corinthians 7:22

Translations

Modern

For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave.

Traditional

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.

Literal

For the one having been called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman; likewise the one having been called while free is a slave of Christ.

Latin

Qui enim in Domino vocatus est servus, libertus est Domini: similiter qui liber vocatus est, servus est Christi.

Original

Greek

English

For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave.

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 2:16
Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
Philemon 1:16
…no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.
Colossians 3:22–24
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.
Romans 6:18–22
You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:13
For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.
Psalm 116:16
Truly, O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have broken my bonds.
2 Peter 1:1
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God.
Luke 1:74–75
…deliverance from hostile hands, that we may serve Him without fear,
Jude 1:1
Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who are called, loved by God the Father, and kept in Jesus Christ:
Romans 1:1
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God—

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) First Letter to the Corinthians Lord Love Redeemer, Redemption Virgin

Topics

Christian Liberty: The Service of Christ Is Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Servant: Bond: Equal Status of, with Other Disciples of Jesus Servant: Figurative Servant: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Servants: when Good are the Lord's Freemen Titles and Names of Saints: Servants of Christ Titles and Names of Saints: The Lord's Freemen

1 Corinthians 7:22

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