New English Translation
1 Corinthians 7:22
22For the one who was called in the Lord as a slave is the Lord’s freedman. In the same way, the one who was called as a free person is Christ’s slave.
1 Corinthians 7:22 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.
- New International Version (NIV)For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave.
- English Standard Version (ESV)For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ.
- New King James Version (NKJV)For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave.
Context of 1 Corinthians 7:22
20Let each one remain in that situation in life in which he was called. 21Were you called as a slave? Do not worry about it. But if indeed you are able to be free, make the most of the opportunity. For the one who was called in the Lord as a slave is the Lord’s freedman. In the same way, the one who was called as a free person is Christ’s slave. 23You were bought with a price. Do not become slaves of men. 24In whatever situation someone was called, brothers and sisters, let him remain in it with God.
Read all of 1 Corinthians 71 Corinthians 7:22 word by word
ὁ γὰρ ἐν κυρίῳ κληθεὶς δοῦλος ἀπελεύθερος κυρίου ἐστίν· ὁμοίως ὁ ἐλεύθερος κληθεὶς δοῦλός ἐστιν Χριστοῦ.Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
- Forγάρgar · forG1063
- he thatὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
- is calledκαλέωkaleō · to call: callG2564
- inἐνen · in/on/amongG1722
- the Lordκύριοςkurios · lord: GodG2962
- a servantδοῦλοςdoulos · slaveG1401
- isεἰμίeimi · to beG1510
- freemanἀπελεύθεροςapeleutheros · freedG558
- likewiseὁμοίωςhomoiōs · similarlyG3668
- alsoκαίkai · andG2532
- freeἐλεύθεροςeleutheros · free/freedomG1658
- Christ’sΧριστόςChristos · ChristG5547
Cross-references for 1 Corinthians 7:22
- Luke 1:74that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, may serve him without fear,
- John 8:32and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
- Romans 6:18and having been freed from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.
- Galatians 5:1For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery.
- Ephesians 6:5Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart as to Christ,
- Colossians 3:22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching – like those who are strictly people-pleasers – but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord.
- Philemon 1:16no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a dear brother. He is especially so to me, and even more so to you now, both humanly speaking and in the Lord.
- 1 Peter 2:16Live as free people, not using your freedom as a pretext for evil, but as God’s slaves.
- 1 Corinthians 9:19For since I am free from all I can make myself a slave to all, in order to gain even more people.
- Psalms 116:16Yes, Lord! I am indeed your servant; I am your lowest slave. You saved me from death.
- Romans 1:1From Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.
- Galatians 1:10Am I now trying to gain the approval of people, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ!
- Colossians 4:12Epaphras, who is one of you and a slave of Christ, greets you. He is always struggling in prayer on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
- 2 Peter 1:1From Simeon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, have been granted a faith just as precious as ours.
- Jude 1:1From Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and brother of James, to those who are called, wrapped in the love of God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.
Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 7:22
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 22For he that is called - The man who, being a slave, is converted to the Christian faith, is the Lord's freeman; his condition as a slave does not vitiate any of the privileges to which he is entitled as a Christian: on the other hand, all free men, who receive the grace of Christ, must consider themselves the slaves of the Lord, i.e. his real property, to be employed and disposed of according to his godly wisdom, who, notwithstanding their state of…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 22For he that is called in the Lord - He that is called by the Lord; he that becomes a Christian. Being a servant - A slave when he is converted. Is the Lord‘s freeman - Margin, “Made free” ( ̓́ apeleutheros). Is manumitted, made free, endowed with liberty by the Lord. This is designed evidently to comfort the heart of the slave, and to make him contented with his condition; and it is a most delicate, happy, and tender argument. The sense is this. “You are…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 17-24Verses 17-24 The rules of Christianity reach every condition; and in every state a man may live so as to be a credit to it. It is the duty of every Christian to be content with his lot, and to conduct himself in his rank and place as becomes a Christian. Our comfort and happiness depend on what we are to Christ, not what we are in the world. No man should think to make his faith or religion, an argument to break through any natural or civil obligations…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 21-23Slavery 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…Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2222. the Lord's freeman--(Phm 16)--rather, "freedman." Though a slave externally, spiritually made free by the Lord: from sin, Joh 8:36; from the law, Ro 8:2; from "circumcision," 1Co 7:19; Ga 5:1. Christ's servant--(1Co 9:21). Love makes Christ's service perfect freedom (Mt 11:29, 30; Ga 5:13; 1Pe 2:16).Read the comment
Topics related to 1 Corinthians 7:22
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 7
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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