1 Corinthians 7:39

A woman is bound under the law for as long as her husband lives. But if her husband has died, she is free. She may marry whomever she wishes, but only in the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version

In The 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.

In Context

38And so, he who joins with his virgin in matrimony does well, and he who does not join with her does better.

40But she will be more blessed, if she remains in this state, in accord with my counsel. And I think that I, too, have the Spirit of God.

Read all of 1 Corinthians 7

Cross References

Genesis 6:2the sons of God, seeing that the daughters of men were beautiful, took to themselves wives from all whom they chose.

Malachi 2:11Judah has transgressed, and abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has contaminated the sanctified of the Lord, which he loved, and has held the daughter of a strange god.

1 Corinthians 7:10But to those who have been joined in matrimony, it is not I who commands you, but the Lord: a wife is not to separate from her husband.

2 Corinthians 6:14Do not choose to bear the yoke with unbelievers. For how can justice be a participant with iniquity? Or how can the fellowship of light be a participant with darkness?

Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 7:37-39

Prudential Directions to the Unmarried. ( a. d. 57.) 36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. 37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. 38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in… Read the whole commentary →

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