1 Corinthians 7:17 kjv
But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
1 Corinthians 7:17 nkjv
But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches.
1 Corinthians 7:17 niv
Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.
1 Corinthians 7:17 esv
Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.
1 Corinthians 7:17 nlt
Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches.
1 Corinthians 7 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 17:10-14 | Covenant sign of circumcision, signifying belonging | Command on present status |
| Joshua 3:4 | Sanctify yourselves; march around Jordan | Focus on holy living |
| 1 Cor 1:10 | Unity in Christ, avoid divisions | Church unity emphasis |
| 1 Cor 7:20-24 | Remain in the calling one was called in | Repetition of the theme |
| 1 Cor 12:13 | Baptized into one body by one Spirit | Unity in the Spirit |
| Gal 3:28 | No longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female | Spiritual equality |
| Eph 4:1 | Walk worthy of the calling | Walk in the calling |
| Col 3:11 | Christ is all and in all | Christ's supremacy |
| Rom 8:30 | Whom He predestined, He also called | Divine calling |
| Acts 10:34-35 | God shows no partiality; accepts anyone who fears Him | God's impartial acceptance |
| Phil 4:11 | Learned contentment in all circumstances | Contentment in condition |
| Heb 13:5 | Be content with what you have | God's faithfulness |
1 Corinthians 7 verses
1 Corinthians 7 17 Meaning
Christ commands believers to remain in the condition God assigned them when called. This emphasizes God’s sovereignty and the believer’s responsibility to live faithfully within their circumstances, whether circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or free, male or female. It’s about spiritual unity and service, not social upheaval.
1 Corinthians 7 17 Context
This verse is part of Paul’s extensive discussion on marriage and singleness in 1 Corinthians chapter 7. The Corinthian church was likely struggling with issues related to social status and religious identity within their new faith. Some may have been advocating for radical changes in social structures or relationships upon conversion, blurring the lines between spiritual transformation and social upheaval. Paul's response is to ground believers in their present realities, highlighting that God’s call addresses their spiritual state, not their worldly circumstances.
1 Corinthians 7 17 Word Analysis
- “And” (καί - kai): Conjunction, connecting this instruction to the previous statements about marriage and the calling.
- “let” (οὕτως - houtōs): Adverb meaning "thus," "so," or "in this way." It’s a strong directive.
- “every one” (ἕκαστος - hekastos): Each individual person. Emphasis on personal application.
- “as” (ὡς - hōs): Adverb or conjunction, meaning "as," "like," or "in the same way."
- “God” (θεός - theos): The Almighty Creator and Sustainer.
- “hath” (δέδωκεν - dedōken): Perfect tense of δίδωμι (didōmi), "to give." It implies a completed action with ongoing results. God has permanently assigned states.
- “called” (ἐκάλεσεν - ekalesen): Aorist tense of καλέω (kaleō), "to call." Refers to God's specific, divine calling into salvation and into a particular life situation.
- “to him” (αὐτῷ - autō): Dative pronoun, referring back to each individual.
- “so” (οὕτως - houtōs): Again, "thus" or "in this way." Reinforces the preceding instruction.
- “walk” (περιπατεῖν - peripatein): Present infinitive of περιπατέω (peripateō), meaning "to walk," "to live," "to conduct oneself." Implies a continuous, daily manner of living.
- “let” (ἀναστρέφεσθαι - anastreрhesthai): Present infinitive, middle or passive voice of ἀναστρέφω (anastreрhō). Means "to turn oneself about," "to live," "to conduct oneself," "to behave." Often used for reputable or honorable conduct. It implies continuing to live in one’s called state with proper conduct.
- “in” (ἐν - en): Preposition, "in," "at," "with."
Words group analysis:
- “as God hath called every one”: Highlights divine initiative. God, in His sovereignty, initiates the calling and places individuals into specific life circumstances.
- “so let him walk” / “so let him walk, so let him be”: Connects God's sovereign placement with human responsibility. Our living and conduct should align with the state God has assigned.
1 Corinthians 7 17 Bonus Section
This verse addresses potential spiritual pride or anxiety regarding one's past or present social status. Paul reiterates a core tenet of the Gospel: conversion transforms one’s spiritual identity and relationship with God, not necessarily their external circumstances overnight. The emphasis is on inner conformity to Christ, which will naturally manifest in righteous living regardless of external conditions. The "calling" (καὶ ὡς ὁ θεὸς ἐκάλεσεν ἑκαστον, ὃν τρόπον ὁ κύριος ἐκάλεσεν ἑκαστον, καθὼς ἑκαστος ἐκλήθη) can be understood both as the call to salvation and the state in which one was called. The practical application is to pursue holiness and fulfill one's duties with excellence within the sphere God has placed them.
1 Corinthians 7 17 Commentary
Paul establishes a principle of stewardship concerning one’s life circumstances. God calls individuals into their current states—whether social, economic, or marital—and expects them to live faithfully within those contexts. This is not an endorsement of remaining in sinful situations, but rather a call to accept one’s divinely ordained (or permitted) station with dignity and godliness. The focus is on inner transformation and faithfulness, rather than external change. True freedom is found in obeying God within one’s present reality, reflecting Christ in any situation.