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1 Corinthians 7:39

Jesus
MarriageFaithfulness and loyaltyDeath and loss

37 But the man who is firmly established in his heart and under no constraint, with control over his will and resolve in his heart not to marry the virgin, he will do well.

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

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.

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

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Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
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.
KJV
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.
WEB
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.
ASV
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.
DARBY
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.
BLB
A wife has been bound for as long a time [as] her husband may live; but if the husband shall have died, she is free to be married to whom she wants, only in the Lord.
ÅB
En hustru er bundet så lenge hennes mann lever; men når hennes mann er hensovet, da har hun frihet til å gifte seg med hvem hun vil, bare det skjer i Herren.
OTB
En kone er forpliktet til sin mann så lenge han lever; men hvis hennes mann går bort, er hun fri til å gifte seg med hvem hun vil, bare i Herren.
B1930
En hustru er bundet så lenge hennes mann lever; men når hennes mann er hensovet, da har hun frihet til å gifte sig med hvem hun vil, bare det skjer i Herren.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Romans 7:2–3

    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.

    Read in context

  • 2 Corinthians 6:14–16

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

    Read in context

  • 1 Corinthians 7:10

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

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  • 1 Corinthians 7:15

    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.

    Read in context

  • Malachi 2:11

    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.

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  • Deuteronomy 7:3–4

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

    Read in context

  • Genesis 6:2

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

    Read in context