1 Corinthians 7:39 “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband…”

1 Corinthians 7:39

A 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.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

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.

World English Bible

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

American Standard Version

A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

Geneva Bible 1599

The wife is bounde by the Lawe, as long as her husband liueth: but if her husband bee dead, shee is at libertie to marie with whome she will, onely in the Lord.

Darby Translation

A wife is bound for whatever time her husband lives; but if the husband be fallen asleep, she is free to be married to whom she will, only in [the] Lord.

Young's Literal Translation

A wife hath been bound by law as long 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;

Bible in Basic English

It is right for a wife to be with her husband as long as he is living; but when her husband is dead, she is free to be married to another; but only to a Christian.

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Cross references

“wife”

1 Corinthians 7:10 1 Corinthians 7:15 Romans 7:2 Romans 7:3

1 Corinthians 7:10 · BSB

To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband.

1 Corinthians 7:15 · BSB

But if the unbeliever leaves, let him go. The believing brother or sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace.

Romans 7:2 · BSB

For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage.

Romans 7:3 · BSB

So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

“only”

2 Corinthians 6:14–16 Malachi 2:11 Genesis 6:2 Deuteronomy 7:3 Deuteronomy 7:4

2 Corinthians 6:14–16 · BSB

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?

Malachi 2:11 · BSB

Judah has broken faith; an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the LORD’s beloved sanctuary by marrying the daughter of a foreign god.

Genesis 6:2 · BSB

the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose.

Deuteronomy 7:3 · BSB

Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons,

Deuteronomy 7:4 · BSB

because they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and He will swiftly destroy you.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

38So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better.

40In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

Read 1 Corinthians 7