1 Corinthians 7 23

1 Corinthians 7:23 kjv

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

1 Corinthians 7:23 nkjv

You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.

1 Corinthians 7:23 niv

You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.

1 Corinthians 7:23 esv

You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men.

1 Corinthians 7:23 nlt

God paid a high price for you, so don't be enslaved by the world.

1 Corinthians 7 verses

1 Corinthians 7 23 Meaning

You were bought at a price. Do not become slaves of men.

1 Corinthians 7 23 Context

This verse is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 7, a chapter dealing with marriage, divorce, singleness, and the various social statuses of believers in the early church, including slaves and free individuals. Paul is addressing questions posed by the Corinthian church about these matters. In the preceding verses, Paul discusses the status of slaves who are called by God, advising them to remain in their calling if possible, while acknowledging that freedom is preferable if obtainable. This verse serves as a strong closing statement to that particular point, grounding the believer's freedom and ultimate loyalty in Christ's redemptive work.

1 Corinthians 7 23 Word analysis

• But: (de) - A conjunction, indicating a transition or contrast. Here, it introduces a contrasting principle to the previous discussion on social status.
• you: (humeis) - Second person plural pronoun. Refers to the believers in Corinth.
• were bought: (epriasthete) - A passive verb in the aorist tense, from priao (to buy or purchase). It signifies a completed action in the past.
  • This Greek word is used in classical Greek for buying goods or slaves in the market.
  • The passive voice emphasizes that the action was done to them, not by them. Someone else did the buying.
• with a price: (timēs) - The noun "price" or "value."
  • In the context of buying slaves, this referred to the cost of purchase.
  • Biblically, this "price" is understood as the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross (see 1 Cor 6:20; Gal 3:13; 1 Pet 1:18-19). It signifies their redemption from sin and its consequences.
• become: (ginesthe) - Present imperative, second person plural of ginomai (to become, to be). It is a command.
• slaves: (douloi) - The plural of doulos, meaning slave, servant, or bondservant.
  • The term doulos carries significant theological weight in the New Testament. A doulos is one who is wholly devoted to the will of their master, having surrendered their own will.
  • Believers are called to be slaves (bondservants) of Christ, implying total dedication and obedience.
• of men: (anthrōpōn) - The genitive plural of anthrōpos (man, human being). Refers to other human beings, either their masters in the earthly sense or those who would seek to exert illegitimate authority or influence.

Group analysis:

• "were bought with a price": This phrase underscores the believers' redemption by Christ. Their spiritual emancipation from sin's bondage came at the ultimate cost – the precious blood of Jesus. This redemption redefines their identity and ownership.
• "become slaves of men": This is a negative imperative, a prohibition. It warns against voluntary or involuntary enslavement to human systems, philosophies, or individuals that usurp the supreme allegiance due to Christ. This can include allegiance to legalistic rules, pagan philosophies, or any form of bondage that detracts from devotion to God.

1 Corinthians 7 23 Bonus section

The concept of being "bought" or "redeemed" with a price is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Israel was redeemed from Egypt by God's mighty hand and outstretched arm, signifying liberation from oppressive slavery. God declared Israel to be His "purchased possession" (Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 7:6). Paul adapts this imagery, applying it to the believer's redemption through Christ's atoning sacrifice. The "price" is understood as the very blood of Christ, marking believers as belonging exclusively to God, setting them free from the dominion of sin and death, and enabling them to serve Him willingly. The contrast with becoming "slaves of men" highlights that true freedom is found not in earthly liberty alone, but in liberation from sin's mastery, which then directs all service towards God alone.

1 Corinthians 7 23 Commentary

Paul emphasizes that believers have been redeemed by Christ. This purchase means they are no longer their own, nor are they to be slaves to any human master. Their primary loyalty and freedom are now in Christ. The "price" signifies Christ's sacrificial death, securing their liberation from sin's dominion. Therefore, they should not submit themselves to slavery to other men, meaning they should not surrender their spiritual autonomy and obedience to Christ by adhering to human dictates or becoming enslaved to any worldly system that compromises their new identity in Christ. They are free in Christ and are His bondservants, and this status supersedes any earthly servitude or allegiance.

• Practical application: Guard against any teaching or pressure that seeks to enslave your conscience or commitment away from Christ. Recognize your ultimate freedom and belonging is in Him.