1 Corinthians 7:39

A wife, is bound for as long a time as her husband is living; but, if the husband have fallen asleep, she is, free, to be married unto whom she pleaseth,—only, in the Lord;

The Emphasised Bible by J. B. Rotherham

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, he that giveth in marriage his own virginity, doeth, well; and, he that giveth it not, shall do, better.

40But, happier, is she, if, so, she remain,—in my judgment; for I think, I also, have the Spirit of God.

Read all of 1 Corinthians 7

Cross References

Genesis 6:2that the sons of God saw the daughters of men! that they were, fair,—so they took to themselves wives of whomsoever they chose,

Malachi 2:11Judah, hath dealt treacherously, and, an abomination, hath been wrought in Israel, and in Jerusalem,— for Judah, had profaned, the holy place of Yahweh, which he had loved, and hath taken to himself the daughter of a foreign GOD.

1 Corinthians 7:10To the married, however, I give charge—not, I, but the Lord,—that, a wife, from her husband, do not depart,—

2 Corinthians 6:14Be not getting diversely yoked with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship hath 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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