1 Corinthians 7:39

A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives; but, if the husband should pass to his rest, the widow is free to marry anyone she wishes, provided he is a believer.

Open English Bible (US)

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

38In short, the one who consents to his daughter’s marriage is doing right, and yet the other will be doing better.

40Yet she will be happier if she remains as she is – in my opinion, for I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

Read all of 1 Corinthians 7

Cross References

Genesis 6:2some of the heavenly beings saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful; and they took them as wives, whoever they chose.

Malachi 2:11Judah is treacherous, and abominations are committed in Israel and in Jerusalem because Judah has profaned the holy things loved by the Lord, and has married the daughter of a foreign god.

1 Corinthians 7:10To those who are married my direction is – yet it is not mine, but the Master’s – that a woman is not to leave her husband

2 Corinthians 6:14Do not enter into inconsistent relations with those who reject the faith. For what partnership can there be between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what has light to do 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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