1 Corinthians 7:39-40
Marriage binds for life, but widows may remarry in the Lord.
39 A wife is bound by law for as long as her husband lives; but if the husband is dead, she is free to be married to whomever she desires, only in the Lord.
40 But she is happier if she stays as she is, in my judgment, and I think that I also have God’s Spirit.
Marriage binds for life, but widows may remarry in the Lord.
Paul concludes his teaching on marriage by explaining that a wife is bound to her husband while he lives, yet if he dies she is free to remarry, provided the new marriage is in the Lord.
These verses close Paul's extended discussion about marriage, singleness, and Christian calling in chapter seven. After addressing questions about sexual ethics, marital obligations, singleness, and betrothal, Paul now summarizes the covenantal nature of marriage and the freedom that exists after the death of a spouse. His counsel reflects both biblical marriage theology and pastoral wisdom for believers navigating life circumstances. The emphasis returns to spiritual discernment and devotion to the Lord in all decisions.
In the first-century Roman world, widows often faced social and economic pressures regarding remarriage. Paul addresses the freedom that widows have while also establishing the spiritual boundary that Christian marriage must be within the faith community.
Marriage, Singleness, Calling, and Undistracted Devotion to the Lord
In light of the present age and the believer’s belonging to Christ, marriage and singleness are both gifts to be stewarded with holiness, faithfulness, contentment, and undistracted devotion to the Lord.