1 Corinthians 7:39
Verse
Context
The Unmarried and Widowed
38So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better. 39A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.40In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
Sermons
Walter Chantry
Denny Kenaston
James Smith
D.S. Warner
J.H. Newman
George Fox
Zac PoonenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The wife is bound by the law - This seems to be spoken in answer to some other question of the Corinthians to this effect: "May a woman remarry whose husband is dead, or who has abandoned her?" To which he replies, in general, That as long as her husband is living the law binds her to him alone; but, if the husband die, she is free to remarry, but only in the Lord; that is she must not marry a heathen nor an irreligious man; and she should not only marry a genuine Christian, but one of her own religious sentiments; for, in reference to domestic peace, much depends on this.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
bound by the law--The oldest manuscripts omit "by the law." only in the Lord--Let her marry only a Christian (Co2 6:14).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth,.... That is, she is bound to her husband, by the law of marriage, during his life; nor can the bond of marriage between them be dissolved but by the death of one of them, except in the cases of adultery, and wilful desertion, see Rom 7:2. But if her husband be dead; or "asleep", for so the word may be rendered; though it designs death: death is often expressed by sleeping in Scripture; for the dead will not always remain in such a state, but be raised from thence at the last day, just as persons are awaked out of sleep. The Alexandrian copy reads "dead"; and so seems the Ethiopic version to have read. She is at liberty to marry whom she will: so that second marriages are lawful, though condemned by many of the ancients: the liberty of a widow is greater than that of a virgin, because a virgin is under the power, and at the dispose of her parents; but a widow is at her own dispose; and death having dissolved her former obligation, she is at entire liberty to marry, or not marry, and to marry whom she pleases, that is not forbidden by the laws of God: only in the Lord; not that it is absolutely necessary that her husband should be in the Lord, a converted person, a believer in Christ; though such an one should be most desirable and eligible: but either that she should continue in the possession of her faith in Christ, and not relinquish it for the sake of an husband; or that she enter into this state in the fear of the Lord, calling upon him, and consulting him in such an important affair; and take care that whom she marries is not within the line prohibited by the Lord.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The whole is here closed up with advice to widows: As long as the husband liveth the wife is bound by the law, confined to one husband, and bound to continue and cohabit with him. Note, The marriage - contract is for life; death only can annul the bond. But, the husband being dead, she is at liberty to marry whom she will. There is no limitation by God's law to be married only for such a number of times. It is certain, from this passage, that second marriages are not unlawful; for then the widow could not be at liberty to marry whom she pleased, nor to marry a second time at all. But the apostle asserts she has such a liberty, when her husband is dead, only with a limitation that she marry in the Lord. In our choice of relations, and change of conditions, we should always have an eye to God. Note, Marriages are likely to have God's blessing only when they are made in the Lord, when persons are guided by the fear of God, and the laws of God, and act in dependence on the providence of God, in the change and choice of a mate - when they can look up to God, and sincerely seek his direction, and humbly hope for his blessing upon their conduct. But she is happier, says the apostle, if she so abide (that is, continue a widow) in my judgment; and I think I have the Spirit of God, Co1 7:40. At this juncture, at least, if not ordinarily, it will be much more for the peace and quiet of such, and give them less hindrance in the service of God, to continue unmarried. And this, he tells them, was by inspiration of the Spirit. "Whatever your false apostles may think of me, I think, and have reason to know, that I have the Spirit of God." Note, Change of condition in marriage is so important a matter that it ought not to be made but upon due deliberation, after careful consideration of circumstances, and upon very probable grounds, at least, that it will be a change to advantage in our spiritual concerns.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:39 A widow may marry another man, but only if he loves the Lord. Paul strongly discouraged the marriage of Christians to unbelievers (cp. 2 Cor 6:14-16).
1 Corinthians 7:39
The Unmarried and Widowed
38So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better. 39A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.40In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Love Not the World
By Walter Chantry78134:32GEN 20:5MAT 11:281CO 7:39JAS 4:41JN 2:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of riches and deceit. He emphasizes that while it is not evil to have wealth, it becomes deceitful when it becomes the focus of one's love and devotion, overshadowing one's love for God. The preacher uses the example of Moses, who chose the fleeting joys of the world over the eternal rewards of following God's commandments. He also highlights the importance of not loving the world and its sinful ways, but instead seeking to be delivered from them and living in a way that pleases God. The sermon concludes with a reminder that one cannot serve both God and the world, and that choosing to love and serve God will require sacrifice.
Audio Sermon: Marriage, Courtship and Marriage
By Denny Kenaston5521:11:10PRO 18:221CO 6:181CO 7:391CO 13:4EPH 5:251TH 4:3
This sermon emphasizes the importance of being married to the Lord first, followed by courtship within the right standards of the Word of God, and then entering into marriage. It highlights the blessings of uniting two dedicated Christians in marriage, cautioning against weak courtship standards and the need for maturity and dedication in relationships. The sermon encourages seeking God's will, seeking counsel, and maintaining holy courtship practices to build a strong foundation for a blessed marriage.
Mixed Marriages
By James Smith01KI 11:4PRO 22:241CO 7:392CO 6:142CO 6:17James Smith preaches about the dangers of being unequally yoked in marriage, emphasizing the negative spiritual, emotional, and societal consequences that arise from such unions. He warns young believers to be cautious in choosing a life partner, urging them to align their decisions with the teachings of God's Word to avoid falling into Satan's snares. Smith highlights the historical examples of mixed marriages leading to misery and sin, and encourages those who may have already made this mistake to seek forgiveness, repent, and warn others of the harmful effects. He concludes by stressing the importance of obedience to God's commands and the inevitable repercussions of disregarding His wisdom.
Marriage and Divorce
By D.S. Warner01CO 7:39D.S. Warner preaches on the sacredness of marriage as a Divine institution, emphasizing the importance of marrying within the faith and the consequences of going against God's Word in this matter. He delves into the topic of divorce, separation, and remarriage, highlighting the strict biblical guidelines that prohibit remarriage while a former spouse is alive, except in cases of fornication. Warner stresses the need for repentance and restoration in cases of adultery, urging individuals to seek God's will and guidance in their specific circumstances. He addresses the complexity of unscriptural marriages, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's direction and living in accordance with His Word to maintain salvation and victory.
Richard Nelson Iii. Baptism
By J.H. Newman0ECC 11:1MAT 28:19JHN 3:51CO 7:392CO 6:14J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of Baptism and the necessity of being born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. He shares a story of a man, Richard Nelson, who stands firm in his belief and opposes a marriage between a baptized man and an unbaptized woman, highlighting the significance of being united in faith within the Church. Richard's conversations with his family members and the young couple reveal the challenges of upholding Christian principles in the face of societal pressures and differing beliefs. Through Richard's unwavering stance, the sermon emphasizes the need to prioritize spiritual unity and obedience to God's Word over worldly expectations and personal desires.
To Friends, Concerning Marriages
By George Fox0MarriageUnity in ChristGEN 2:24PRO 18:22MAT 5:161CO 7:392CO 6:14EPH 5:31COL 3:14HEB 13:41PE 3:71JN 1:7George Fox emphasizes that true and honorable marriages are those joined by God in the Light, which represents unity and the Covenant of Life and Peace. He asserts that any marriage not rooted in the Lord is not honorable, and those who oppose marriage are not in the Light. Fox encourages the Children of Light to let their Light shine, ensuring that honorable marriages are recognized and anything contrary is condemned. He calls for transparency in marriage proceedings, urging that they be examined in the Light to maintain unity and purity among believers. Ultimately, he prays for the God of Peace and Love to guide them in wisdom and purity.
Don't Miss God's Will in Your Marriage
By Zac Poonen0GEN 24:14GEN 24:27PSA 32:8PRO 3:5PRO 18:22PRO 19:21MAT 19:6ROM 8:281CO 7:39EPH 2:10Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in choosing a life partner, highlighting that God has a specific plan for each of His children, including in the area of marriage. Poonen warns against entering into a marriage outside of God's will, stressing that it is better to remain single than to make such a crucial decision without God's leading. He uses the example of Abraham's servant seeking a bride for Isaac to illustrate the concept of God's direct involvement in bringing two people together for marriage.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The wife is bound by the law - This seems to be spoken in answer to some other question of the Corinthians to this effect: "May a woman remarry whose husband is dead, or who has abandoned her?" To which he replies, in general, That as long as her husband is living the law binds her to him alone; but, if the husband die, she is free to remarry, but only in the Lord; that is she must not marry a heathen nor an irreligious man; and she should not only marry a genuine Christian, but one of her own religious sentiments; for, in reference to domestic peace, much depends on this.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
bound by the law--The oldest manuscripts omit "by the law." only in the Lord--Let her marry only a Christian (Co2 6:14).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth,.... That is, she is bound to her husband, by the law of marriage, during his life; nor can the bond of marriage between them be dissolved but by the death of one of them, except in the cases of adultery, and wilful desertion, see Rom 7:2. But if her husband be dead; or "asleep", for so the word may be rendered; though it designs death: death is often expressed by sleeping in Scripture; for the dead will not always remain in such a state, but be raised from thence at the last day, just as persons are awaked out of sleep. The Alexandrian copy reads "dead"; and so seems the Ethiopic version to have read. She is at liberty to marry whom she will: so that second marriages are lawful, though condemned by many of the ancients: the liberty of a widow is greater than that of a virgin, because a virgin is under the power, and at the dispose of her parents; but a widow is at her own dispose; and death having dissolved her former obligation, she is at entire liberty to marry, or not marry, and to marry whom she pleases, that is not forbidden by the laws of God: only in the Lord; not that it is absolutely necessary that her husband should be in the Lord, a converted person, a believer in Christ; though such an one should be most desirable and eligible: but either that she should continue in the possession of her faith in Christ, and not relinquish it for the sake of an husband; or that she enter into this state in the fear of the Lord, calling upon him, and consulting him in such an important affair; and take care that whom she marries is not within the line prohibited by the Lord.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The whole is here closed up with advice to widows: As long as the husband liveth the wife is bound by the law, confined to one husband, and bound to continue and cohabit with him. Note, The marriage - contract is for life; death only can annul the bond. But, the husband being dead, she is at liberty to marry whom she will. There is no limitation by God's law to be married only for such a number of times. It is certain, from this passage, that second marriages are not unlawful; for then the widow could not be at liberty to marry whom she pleased, nor to marry a second time at all. But the apostle asserts she has such a liberty, when her husband is dead, only with a limitation that she marry in the Lord. In our choice of relations, and change of conditions, we should always have an eye to God. Note, Marriages are likely to have God's blessing only when they are made in the Lord, when persons are guided by the fear of God, and the laws of God, and act in dependence on the providence of God, in the change and choice of a mate - when they can look up to God, and sincerely seek his direction, and humbly hope for his blessing upon their conduct. But she is happier, says the apostle, if she so abide (that is, continue a widow) in my judgment; and I think I have the Spirit of God, Co1 7:40. At this juncture, at least, if not ordinarily, it will be much more for the peace and quiet of such, and give them less hindrance in the service of God, to continue unmarried. And this, he tells them, was by inspiration of the Spirit. "Whatever your false apostles may think of me, I think, and have reason to know, that I have the Spirit of God." Note, Change of condition in marriage is so important a matter that it ought not to be made but upon due deliberation, after careful consideration of circumstances, and upon very probable grounds, at least, that it will be a change to advantage in our spiritual concerns.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:39 A widow may marry another man, but only if he loves the Lord. Paul strongly discouraged the marriage of Christians to unbelievers (cp. 2 Cor 6:14-16).