1 Corinthians 7:24 kjv
Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
1 Corinthians 7:24 nkjv
Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.
1 Corinthians 7:24 niv
Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
1 Corinthians 7:24 esv
So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.
1 Corinthians 7:24 nlt
Each of you, dear brothers and sisters, should remain as you were when God first called you.
1 Corinthians 7 24 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 7:20 | "Let each person remain in the condition in which he was called." | Establishes the foundational principle. |
| Eph 4:1 | "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." | Parallel teaching on living in one's calling. |
| Col 3:24 | "knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." | Highlights the divine perspective of service. |
| Phil 4:11 | "Not that I am speaking of want, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." | The spirit of contentment in all circumstances. |
| 1 Tim 6:6 | "But godliness with contentment is great gain." | Connects godliness and contentment. |
| Gal 3:28 | "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." | States spiritual equality despite social status. |
| John 3:30 | "He must increase, but I must decrease." | Principle of yielding to God's plan. |
| Rom 12:11 | "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." | Encourages zealous service. |
| Matt 6:33 | "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." | Prioritizing God's kingdom leads to provision. |
| Heb 13:5 | "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" | God's presence is the ultimate assurance. |
| 1 Pet 2:18 | "Servants, be subject to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh." | Specific instruction for servants. |
| Luke 3:12-14 | Tax collectors and soldiers asking John what they should do. | Practical application of callings. |
| Acts 18:3 | Paul working as a tentmaker. | Example of maintaining livelihood. |
| 1 Cor 1:27-29 | God choosing the weak and humble to shame the wise. | God's method of operation. |
| 1 Cor 7:21 | "Were you a bondservant when called? Do not worry about it. But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of it." | Clarifies freedom's place within the principle. |
| Eph 6:5-7 | "Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ," | Paul's instruction to bondservants in Ephesians. |
| 1 Tim 6:1-2 | Instructions regarding slaves and masters. | Guidance on relationships within social structures. |
| Titus 2:9-10 | Instructions to slaves to please their masters. | Emphasizes respectful conduct in servitude. |
| Mark 12:17 | "Jesus said to them, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.'" | Distinct spheres of allegiance. |
| John 17:15 | "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one." | Believers remain in their world. |
| Rom 14:17 | "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." | Focus on internal spiritual realities. |
1 Corinthians 7 verses
1 Corinthians 7 24 Meaning
In whatever state each was called, in that state let him remain with God. This verse from 1 Corinthians 7:24 emphasizes remaining in one's divinely appointed situation, whether as a servant or a free person, while maintaining a relationship with God. It's about contentment and faithfulness within existing circumstances, rather than seeking change for personal status.
1 Corinthians 7 24 Context
1 Corinthians chapter 7 addresses various questions concerning marriage, singleness, divorce, and the practical implications of Christian life within societal structures. The Corinthian church, situated in a bustling port city with diverse social strata, faced challenges in harmonizing their new faith with existing customs. Paul's advice in this chapter aims to promote stability, holiness, and effective Christian witness amidst these realities.
Specifically, verses 17-24 deal with the status of believers during the time of their calling. Paul insists that personal status, such as circumcision or slavery, should not be a primary concern for a believer. Instead, the focus should be on the transformation and calling received through Christ. This section directly counters any tendency within the Corinthian church to place undue emphasis on social standing or to believe that a particular social status was a prerequisite for or detracted from their Christian commitment.
1 Corinthians 7 24 Word Analysis
- “Each” (ἑκάστῳ - hekasto): Dative singular of ἑκάτερος (hekateros), meaning "each of two," or more commonly, "each one," "every one." This distributive singular emphasizes individual application of the instruction.
- “in” (ἐν - en): A fundamental preposition indicating "in," "on," "with," or "by means of." Here it signifies the state or condition within which one is called.
- “what condition” (οἴῳ – oiōi): A relative pronoun, in the dative plural, meaning "of what sort," "of what kind." It refers to the state, manner, or situation.
- “called” (ἐκλήθη – eklēthē): Aorist passive indicative, 3rd person singular of καλέω (kaleō), meaning "to call." Refers to the divine call to faith in Christ.
- “in this” (ἐν τούτῳ – en toutōi): Dative singular masculine/neuter demonstrative pronoun, meaning "in this." It points back to the previously mentioned condition.
- “remain” (μενέτω – menetō): Present active imperative, 3rd person singular of μένω (menō), meaning "to remain," "to stay," "to abide." It's a command to continue in one's present state.
- “with” (παρά – para): Preposition typically meaning "beside," "near," "alongside." Here, it signifies "with" or "in the presence of," often implying association or connection.
- “God” (Θεῷ – Theōi): Dative singular of Θεός (Theos), God. This is the object with whom one remains. It signifies maintaining fellowship and communion with God regardless of external circumstances.
Word-group Analysis
- "In whatever condition each was called, in this remain with God": This phrase is a concise imperative, rooted in the understanding that God's call transcends social distinctions. The emphasis is not on changing one's external status, but on deepening one's relationship with God within that status. The "remain" (μενέτω - menetō) suggests a steadfastness and constancy in the spiritual life, not a passive resignation, but an active decision to honor God in the present reality.
1 Corinthians 7 24 Bonus Section
The instruction to "remain with God" (παρὰ Θεῷ - para Theōi) implies an ongoing relationship and dependence on God in one's current state. This isn't a passive existence but a consecrated life, where every aspect, including one's social role, is surrendered to God's will. This perspective challenges any notion that a certain social standing is required for true spiritual devotion. The context of slavery and freedom highlights how deeply entrenched these social stratifications were, yet Paul elevates the Christian calling above them. This aligns with Jesus' teaching that "the kingdom of heaven is not in word but in power" (1 Corinthians 4:20). The core message is spiritual transformation and faithfulness in one's given context, for ultimately, all believers serve the same Lord Christ.
1 Corinthians 7 24 Commentary
This verse serves as a crucial anchor for believers navigating their responsibilities in the world. Paul's counsel is not about fatalism or passive acceptance of injustice, but about recognizing that one's spiritual identity in Christ is paramount and independent of societal structures. It calls for faithfulness and integrity in the place where God has placed you, whether that involves serving others or being served. The "remain with God" aspect is key; it shifts the focus from outward conditions to inward spiritual reality and communion with the divine. True freedom and contentment are found in this relationship, not in changing one's social position. The apostle Peter echoes this by commanding believers to live "for the Lord" (1 Peter 2:13-17).