1 Corinthians 7 18

1 Corinthians 7:18 kjv

Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

1 Corinthians 7:18 nkjv

Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised.

1 Corinthians 7:18 niv

Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised.

1 Corinthians 7:18 esv

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? Let him not seek circumcision.

1 Corinthians 7:18 nlt

For instance, a man who was circumcised before he became a believer should not try to reverse it. And the man who was uncircumcised when he became a believer should not be circumcised now.

1 Corinthians 7 verses

1 Corinthians 7 18 Meaning

This verse is about a person's current status in Christ, emphasizing that the outward condition of circumcision or uncircumcision is insignificant. What truly matters is obedience to God's commands. It highlights that if a person was a slave when called by God, their slavery does not nullify their new identity and freedom in Christ. The crucial aspect is the "call" itself, representing God's salvation and purpose for them.

1 Corinthians 7 18 Context

Chapter Context: 1 Corinthians chapter 7 is part of Paul's response to questions from the Corinthian church. This chapter deals with issues concerning marriage, singleness, and the conduct of believers within their existing social circumstances. Verses 17-24 specifically address how believers should conduct themselves in their various life situations after being called into Christ, whether they are circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or free.

Historical/Cultural Context: In the Greco-Roman world, social status was rigidly defined by distinctions like circumcision (which identified Jews and some proselytes) and, significantly, slavery. Slavery was a pervasive and accepted institution. The early Christian message offered a radical transformation, asserting a new spiritual identity and value in Christ that transcended these worldly distinctions. Paul was addressing practical implications for believers who held differing social standings and backgrounds. The emphasis on circumcision and uncircumcision also speaks to the ongoing tension between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church.

1 Corinthians 7 18 Word Analysis

• Év (en): Preposition. "in," "into," "on," "at," "with." Here it indicates the sphere or state within which a person is.
• Èpístē (episte): From the verb pisteuó. "to believe," "to trust," "to commit to." It refers to the act of faith by which one is called.
• klētheis (klētheis): From the verb kléō. "to call." It signifies the divine summons into salvation and relationship with God. This is a past passive participle, indicating an action received.
• Í (ei): Conditional particle. "if." Introduces a condition or circumstance.
• klēthés (klēthes): Past passive participle of kléō. "having been called."
• doûlos (doulos): "slave," "servant." Refers to someone in a state of servitude or bondage, either voluntary or involuntary.
• zoe (zoē): "life." Here, it emphasizes the ongoing state or condition of being a slave.
• kaí (kai): Conjunction. "and," "but also." Connects clauses.
• moíchau (moichao): From the verb moicháō. "to commit adultery."
• elathóntōn (elathontōn): From the verb eleútheros. "free." This form seems incorrect or a variation of eleútheros. The intended meaning refers to the state of being free. Paul is contrasting the state of being a slave (doûlos) with the state of being free (eleútheros).
• kratos (kratos): "power," "strength," "might." Refers to inherent ability or dominion.
• poíēsei (poieseis): From the verb poiéō. "to do," "to make." Future tense, indicative mood, second person singular. "you will make" or "you will do."
• ep' (ep'): Preposition. "upon," "on," "about," "for."
• eutélias (eutelias): From the adjective eutelḗs. "mean," "small," "insignificant," "contemptible." It signifies something of little value or worth.
• soí (soi): Dative pronoun, second person singular. "to you," "for you."

Group of words analysis:

• "Év Èpístē klētheis" (en episte klētheis): "in faith having been called." This signifies that the calling into Christ is fundamentally an act of faith. One is called into the state of belief and belonging to Christ.
• "Í klēthés doûlos, moíchau elathóntōn kratos" (ei klēthes doulos, moichao elathontōn kratos): "if called a slave, care not concerning it; but if you may be made free, use it rather." This segment, if interpreted as presented with the possible typo, would contrast being a slave when called with the opportunity to become free. However, the more common interpretation in commentaries of this phrase, relating to the prior verse (7:17-20) where Paul advises believers to remain in the calling, suggests: "whether you were a slave when called, do not be troubled about it..." The focus is not on making oneself free, but on fulfilling one's present calling regardless of status.
• "poíēsei ep' eutélias soí" (poieseis ep' eutelias soi): This phrase, "you will make for yourself insignificant things" or "make them of no account to you." The meaning is to regard one's worldly circumstances (like being a slave) as unimportant in the grand scheme of one's calling in Christ.

1 Corinthians 7 18 Bonus Section

The emphasis on "remaining in the same calling wherein he was called" (vs. 17, 20) is crucial. Paul isn't suggesting fatalism, but rather peace and contentment in their current state while pursuing godliness. The world's system of division based on circumcision, slavery, or other markers is rendered secondary by the unifying reality of Christ. This concept mirrors Old Testament themes of unity in God’s people, but profoundly elevated in the New Covenant. It’s about realizing that your true value and identity are established in Christ's redemptive work, not in social constructs. This perspective was revolutionary and challenged the very foundations of the prevailing societal order.

1 Corinthians 7 18 Commentary

Paul addresses the Corinthians on the matter of their status when they were called by God. He establishes a foundational principle: that the state in which a person finds themselves at the moment of God's call is not as significant as the call itself and the response of faith. Whether one was circumcised or uncircumcised, a slave or free, these outward conditions do not alter their new identity in Christ.

Specifically, regarding the slave, Paul advises not to worry about this status. The key is not to change their outward situation but to embrace their inward spiritual freedom and calling. If they have the opportunity to become free, they may take it, but their primary allegiance and transformation is in Christ. This means that being a slave in the eyes of the world does not make one any less a "freeman" in Christ. Conversely, someone called as free remains a "servant" of Christ.

The verse underscores the transformative power of God's call. It redefines a person's status not by their social or physical markers, but by their relationship with Jesus Christ. True liberation comes from being "called in the Lord," making one a "freeman of the Lord." The advice is practical: live in your God-given circumstances with contentment and integrity, prioritizing spiritual freedom and service over worldly status. It is a call to focus on God’s perspective, where human divisions and statuses are overcome by unity in Christ.