1 Corinthians 7:39

A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives; but if the husband is dead, she is free to be married to whomever she desires, only in the Lord.

New Heart English Bible

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 then both he who gives his own virgin in marriage does well, and he who does not give her in marriage does better.

40But she is happier if she stays as she is, in my judgment, and I think that I also have God's Spirit.

Read all of 1 Corinthians 7

Cross References

Genesis 6:2that God's sons saw that men's daughters were beautiful, and they took for themselves wives of all that they chose.

Malachi 2:11Judah has dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has profaned the holiness of the Lord which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god.

1 Corinthians 7:10But to the married I command-not I, but the Lord-that the wife not leave her husband

2 Corinthians 6:14Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light 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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