1 Corinthians 7 20

1 Corinthians 7:20 kjv

Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

1 Corinthians 7:20 nkjv

Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.

1 Corinthians 7:20 niv

Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

1 Corinthians 7:20 esv

Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called.

1 Corinthians 7:20 nlt

Yes, each of you should remain as you were when God called you.

1 Corinthians 7 verses

1 Corinthians 7 20 Meaning

To remain in the condition one was called. If a slave, do not let it distress you; but even if you can gain your freedom, do so.

1 Corinthians 7 20 Context

1 Corinthians chapter 7 addresses various issues within the Corinthian church, particularly concerning marriage, divorce, and remaining in one's God-given station. Paul is responding to questions from the Corinthians, seeking to bring clarity and godly wisdom. In verse 20, he elaborates on the principle stated earlier in the chapter: that individuals should remain in the state in which they were called by God, emphasizing the irrelevance of outward social or religious distinctions when seen through the lens of faith. This includes slaves remaining as slaves and free persons remaining free, finding their ultimate freedom and identity in Christ.

1 Corinthians 7 20 Word analysis

• KAI (καί): "and." A conjunction used to connect clauses or words.
• EKASTOS (ἕκαστος): "each person," "each one." Emphasizes individual responsibility within the broader community.
• HS (ὣς): "as," "in the manner that." Introduces a clause specifying the state or condition.
• EKALETH (ἐκλήθη): "he was called." Perfect passive indicative of kaleo (καλέω). Refers to the divine call into salvation and community with God, transcending earthly circumstances.
• EN (ἐν): "in," "by." Preposition indicating the sphere or means.
• AUTO (αὐτῷ): "him," "this." Refers to God, the source of the call.
• Houtos (οὗτος): "this." Refers to the state or condition of being called.
• SOULOS (δοῦλος): "slave," "servant." In this context, referring to a person in a state of servitude, a bondservant. Paul uses the term but immediately qualifies it with a divine perspective.
• MEN (μὲν): "on the one hand," "indeed." Introduces the first part of a contrast.
• ME SOI (μὴ σοὶ): "let it not be concerning to you," "do not let it be a concern." A negative imperative used to prohibit something from causing distress or worry.
• GEINOMOS (γένηται): "it happens," "it may become." From ginomai (γίνομαι), to come into being, to happen.
• ANALLAUTES (ἀναλλάξαι): "to gain freedom," "to become free." From anallasso (ἀναλλάσσω), to exchange, to gain release. Often used in the context of freedom from debt or obligation.
• ALLA (ἀλλά): "but," "but rather." A strong adversative conjunction, introducing a stronger alternative or clarification.
• MALISTA (μᾶλλον): "rather," "more," "even more so." Intensifies the following statement.
• KAI (καὶ): "and," "also."

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Kai hekastos hōs ekaleth en auto, houtos meinato" (Καὶ ἕκαστος ὡς ἐκλήθη ἐν αὐτῷ, οὕτως μενέτω): This phrase means "And each person as he was called in Him, let him remain so." It underscores that the Christian calling transcends earthly status, and believers should continue in their God-appointed state, finding their true identity and value in Christ.
• "Souos men, me soi geinomos" (δοῦλος μὲν, μὴ σοὶ γεινόμενος): This part translates to "A slave, let it not be concerning to you." It advises slaves not to be troubled or distressed by their status, as their servitude does not hinder their spiritual standing.
• "alla malista kai anallautes, malista poieson" (ἀλλὰ μᾶλλον καὶ ἀναλλάξαι, μᾶλλον ποίησον): This signifies "but rather if you can also gain your freedom, do so." It's an encouragement for slaves to pursue freedom if the opportunity arises, without it being a primary spiritual obligation, implying that freedom is good but not essential to one's calling. The "malista poieson" suggests an earnest pursuit.

1 Corinthians 7 20 Bonus section

The concept of "calling" (klesis, κλῆσις) in the New Testament refers not just to salvation but also to the sphere of life and service into which one is placed by God. This verse, therefore, encourages stability and peace within one's present responsibilities, focusing on obedience to God rather than social ambition. This perspective countered potential social upheavals within the early church where newly converted slaves might have seen baptism as an immediate reason for liberation, causing discord. Paul guides them to spiritual freedom first, then acknowledges the appropriateness of pursuing earthly freedom. The phrase "malista poieson" (μᾶλλον ποίησον - "do so rather" or "seek this endeavor") suggests that while staying is acceptable, pursuing freedom is also good and should be done earnestly if possible.

1 Corinthians 7 20 Commentary

The core instruction is to maintain one's current status when called to faith, finding deep spiritual identity in Christ regardless of social standing. For slaves, their earthly bondage is not a barrier to their spiritual freedom. While not an obligation, seeking earthly freedom is permissible and even encouraged if the opportunity arises, as it is a natural desire. The focus remains on abiding in the "calling," which signifies belonging to Christ and living in accordance with His will, not on changing external circumstances for the sake of comfort or status. This fosters contentment and shifts the believer's perspective to the eternal realm, where such earthly distinctions hold no ultimate value.