1 Corinthians 7:17-27

English Standard Version

Live as You Are Called

¹⁷ Only let each person lead the life^{[a] (A)}that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. ^(B)This is my rule in ^(C)all the churches. ¹⁸ Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? ^(D)Let him not seek circumcision. ^19 (E)For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but ^(F)keeping the commandments of God. ^20 (G)Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. ²¹ Were you a bondservant^[b] when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) ²² For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is ^(H)a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is ^(I)a bondservant of Christ. ^23 (J)You were bought with a price; ^(K)do not become bondservants of men. ²⁴ So, brothers,^{[c] (L)}in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.

The Unmarried and the Widowed

²⁵ Now concerning^[d] the betrothed,^{[e] (M)}I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as ^(N)one who by the Lord's mercy is ^(O)trustworthy. ²⁶ I think that in view of the present^[f] distress ^(P)it is good for a person to remain as he is. ²⁷ Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.