1 Corinthians 7:39

A wife has been bound by law [for] as long [a] time as her husband may live, and if her husband may sleep, she is free to be married to whom she will—only in the LORD;

Literal Standard 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

38so that both he who is giving in marriage does well, and he who is not giving in marriage does better.

40and she is happier if she may so remain—according to my judgment; and I think I also have the Spirit of God.

Read all of 1 Corinthians 7

Cross References

Genesis 6:2and the sons of God see that they, the daughters of men, [are] beautiful, and they take women for themselves of all whom they have chosen.

Malachi 2:11Judah has dealt treacherously, || And abomination has been done in Israel and in Jerusalem, || For Judah has defiled the holy thing of YHWH that He has loved, || And has married the daughter of a strange god.

1 Corinthians 7:10and to the married I announce—not I, but the LORD—do not let a wife separate from a husband:

2 Corinthians 6:14Do not become yoked with others—unbelievers, for what partaking [is there] to righteousness and lawlessness?

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 →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 1 Corinthians 7:39