1 Corinthians 7:23

Translations

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

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

Latin

Pretio empti estis: nolite fieri servi hominum.

Original

Greek

English

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

Notes

1 Corinthians 7:21–23

Slavery shows the general idea mentioned in 1 Corinthians 7:17, 20, 24. Slavery was common in the Greco-Roman world, and many Christian converts were slaves serving wealthy families. According to Paul, like circumcision, being a slave is not very important for a Christian. Even as a slave, a Christian is spiritually free from sin, death, and the law (see Romans 6:14; 7:4–6; 8:2). As a free person, the believer is still a servant of Christ (see Ephesians 6:5–6; 1 Peter 2:16).
As someone bought at a high price, the free Christian should not be controlled by the world (see 1 Cor 6:20).

1 Corinthians 7:17–24

Paul says Christians should accept the life God has given them.

1 Corinthians 7:1–40

Paul often says that true Christians, as servants of Christ, belong completely to Christ for his service. Because of this, he suggests Christians stay single. However, he admits that getting married is not a sin.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Belonging to Christ Biblical Marriage Human Sexuality Slavery

Related verses

1 Corinthians 6:20
…you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.
1 Peter 1:18–19
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers,
Titus 2:14
He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
Leviticus 25:42
Because the Israelites are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt, they are not to be sold as slaves.
Revelation 5:9
And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,
Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
Galatians 2:4
This issue arose because some false brothers had come in under false pretenses to spy on our freedom in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us.
Matthew 23:8–11
But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) First Letter to the Corinthians Letter to Philemon Lord Love Redeemer, Redemption Virgin

Topics

Freeing a Slave God: Love of, Exemplified Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Military Service Redemption of Our Souls Redemption: Defined Servant: Figurative Servant: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Servants: Bond of Saints

1 Corinthians 7:23

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