Meaning of 1 Corinthians 7:39

This verse, 1 Corinthians 7:39, from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Corinthian church, addresses the issue of remarriage after widowhood, stipulating that a woman is legally and religiously bound to her husband until his death. Upon his death, she is released from this marital bond and gains the freedom to remarry. However, Paul introduces a crucial qualification for this remarriage: the new husband "must belong to the Lord," meaning he must be a follower of Christ, a believer. This instruction reflects Paul's concern for the spiritual well-being of believers and the sanctity of marriage within the Christian community, emphasizing that unions should be formed between those united in faith.

Context and Background

The Corinthian church was a diverse community with various social and religious influences. Questions regarding marriage, divorce, and remarriage were evidently a significant concern for them, prompting Paul's detailed instructions in chapter 7 of his letter. This particular verse comes at the end of a section where Paul has already discussed the complexities of marriage, including advice for married couples and the unmarried. He has also addressed the permissibility of divorce and the implications for remarriage, setting the stage for this final clarification on widowhood and remarriage. Paul's overarching aim is to provide guidance that honors God and promotes spiritual maturity within the church.

Key Themes and Messages

• Marital Bond: The verse underscores the seriousness and permanence of the marital covenant as a bond that is dissolved only by the death of one of the spouses. This reflects a high view of marriage as instituted by God.
• Freedom in Widowhood: Upon the death of a husband, the wife is no longer under the obligation of that specific marital union. This grants her the liberty to form a new union.
• Spiritual Qualification for Remarriage: The most critical stipulation is that any remarriage must be within the Lord, meaning the prospective spouse must be a fellow believer in Christ. This prioritizes spiritual compatibility and shared faith as foundational for a Christian marriage.
• Holiness and Purity: Paul's emphasis on marrying "in the Lord" aims to protect believers from being unequally yoked with unbelievers, which could lead to spiritual compromise and division within the household.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, this verse continues to hold significant weight. It affirms the sanctity of marriage and the profound commitment it entails. It also provides clear guidance for widows and widowers contemplating remarriage. The emphasis on marrying "in the Lord" is paramount, serving as a directive to seek a partner who shares a commitment to Christ, ensuring a foundation of shared spiritual values and a mutual pursuit of God within the marriage. This principle extends beyond remarriage to all marriages within the Christian community, advocating for unions that honor God and strengthen the spiritual life of both partners and the church.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The principle of choosing a partner who "belongs to the Lord" resonates throughout Scripture. The Old Testament, for instance, frequently warns against intermarriage with pagans, as it could lead to idolatry and a departure from God (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:3-4). In the New Testament, the concept of being "equally yoked" is further elaborated by Paul in 2 Corinthians 6:14, where he admonishes believers not to be yoked together with unbelievers, as there can be no fellowship between righteousness and lawlessness, or light and darkness. This verse in 1 Corinthians 7:39, therefore, aligns with a consistent biblical ethic regarding the importance of shared faith in forming significant relationships, particularly marriage.

Analogies

One analogy for the marital bond is a covenant, much like the covenant God makes with His people. This covenant is intended to be enduring, broken only by death. When a spouse dies, the covenant is fulfilled, releasing the survivor. Another analogy is that of a team. When playing on a team, it is most effective and harmonious when all players are committed to the same game plan and understand the rules. Similarly, a marriage is a partnership, and it functions best when both partners are committed to the same ultimate goal and guiding principles—in this case, serving the Lord.

Relation to Other Verses

• Matthew 19:4-6 / Mark 10:6-9: These passages from the Gospels recount Jesus affirming the creation ordinance of marriage as a union of one man and one woman, "what God has joined together, let no one separate." This reinforces the idea of the marital bond's permanence.
• Romans 7:2-3: Paul uses the analogy of a married woman being bound to her husband while he lives, but freed from the law of marriage if he dies, to illustrate the believer's release from the law through the death of Christ. This demonstrates Paul's consistent use of marriage as a metaphor for spiritual realities.
• 1 Corinthians 7:27-28: In the preceding verses, Paul advises against seeking divorce but also states that if a divorce does occur (though he discourages it), the person is not to remarry. This context highlights his nuanced approach to marital dissolution and remarriage, with 7:39 providing a specific exception for widowhood.
• 2 Corinthians 6:14: As mentioned earlier, this verse directly supports the principle of not being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers, reinforcing the wisdom of Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 7:39.