1 Corinthians 7 21

1 Corinthians 7:21 kjv

Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

1 Corinthians 7:21 nkjv

Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it.

1 Corinthians 7:21 niv

Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you?although if you can gain your freedom, do so.

1 Corinthians 7:21 esv

Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.)

1 Corinthians 7:21 nlt

Are you a slave? Don't let that worry you ? but if you get a chance to be free, take it.

1 Corinthians 7 verses

1 Corinthians 7 21 Meaning

The verse advises believers not to be overly concerned about their social standing or freedom when called to faith. If a person was a slave when called, they should not let this status trouble them. Instead, they should embrace their new identity in Christ, recognizing that God values all His people equally. The freedom found in Christ transcends earthly social divisions.

1 Corinthians 7 21 Context

This verse is part of a larger section in 1 Corinthians chapter 7 where Paul addresses issues related to marriage, singleness, and various social circumstances within the Corinthian church. Specifically, he is responding to questions raised by the Corinthians regarding whether they should change their social status upon becoming Christians. Paul’s overarching theme is unity and living for Christ regardless of one's earthly condition. He is not advocating for a passive acceptance of unjust social structures but for an internal freedom in Christ that reorients one's perspective on external circumstances.

1 Corinthians 7 21 Word Analysis

• καὶ (kai): "and," a conjunctive particle linking clauses.
• ὁ (ho): "the," a definite article.
• κληθεὶς (klētheis): "called" (passive participle, aorist, masculine, nominative from καλέω - kaleō). This refers to the divine calling into salvation and community in Christ.
• ἐν (en): "in," a preposition indicating the sphere or means.
• Κυρίῳ (Kyriō): "Lord" (dative case of Κύριος - Kyrios). Refers to Jesus Christ, who is Lord over all creation and believers.
• δοῦλος (doulos): "slave," "servant." This denotes a state of bondage or servitude, which was a common social reality in the ancient world.
• εἰ (ei): "if," introducing a conditional clause.
• δοῦλος (doulos): "slave," "servant." Repeated for emphasis in the conditional statement.
• κληθείς (klētheis): "called" (passive participle, aorist, masculine, nominative). Refers to being called by God.
• εἶ (ei): "you are," a form of the verb to be.
• καὶ (kai): "and."
• τούτῳ (toutōi): "this" or "use" (dative demonstrative pronoun). The sense is "concerning this" or "with regard to this."
• χρῶ (chrō): "use" (imperative, 2nd person singular, aorist from χράομαι - chraomai). This is a strong imperative.
• καὶ (kai): "and."
• τούτῳ (toutōi): "this" or "use." The focus is on how to respond to one's current status.
• σκόπεῖ (skopei): "consider," "regard," "be concerned" (imperative, 2nd person singular, present from σκοπέω - skopeō). This carries the idea of mental preoccupation and anxiety.

Group of words analysis:

• "the one called in the Lord as a slave": This phrase signifies an individual who was a slave at the time God called them to faith in Christ. It highlights that one's social status does not preclude or change their divine calling.
• "whether you are a slave or free": This directly contrasts the social conditions, asserting that these distinctions are made irrelevant in Christ's call.
• "use this with concern": This phrase advises against excessive worry or preoccupation with one's slave status. The imperative "use" (chrō) in conjunction with "concern" (skopei) means to manage or handle this situation without undue anxiety.

1 Corinthians 7 21 Bonus Section

This verse echoes the Old Testament concept that in God's eyes, there is no respect of persons. Deuteronomy 10:17 states, "For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribe." Similarly, the New Testament expands this by showing Christ's inclusive message and work. Paul's instruction here aims to foster spiritual maturity and unity in a diverse community where stark social hierarchies existed. The intention is not to condone slavery, which is later addressed more directly as a condition to be left if possible (1 Cor 7:21), but to minister to those within the existing structures with the perspective of spiritual equality and freedom.

1 Corinthians 7 21 Commentary

Paul reassures those who were slaves when called to Christ. Their enslavement is not to be a source of inner turmoil or a reason to regret their faith. The central truth is their calling in the Lord. In Christ, all are unified, and earthly distinctions lose their ultimate significance. True freedom is found in spiritual union with Christ, which empowers believers to bear their circumstances with grace and equanimity. While social conditions should be accepted, it doesn't mean neglecting responsible behavior within those roles; rather, it's about re-orienting one's internal state. The slave, in essence, becomes "Christ's slave" and therefore enjoys a profound spiritual liberty that supersedes physical servitude. This liberty is not to be squandered on rebellion against earthly authorities but lived out with a renewed purpose in serving Christ through one's present situation. The emphasis is on inward transformation and freedom, not outward change of status necessarily.