1 Corinthians 7:39 – “A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul is giving instructions about marriage, particularly concerning widows. He teaches that marriage is a lifelong covenant, but if a woman’s husband dies, she is free to remarry. However, Paul adds an important condition—if she chooses to remarry, she must marry a fellow believer.

• “A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives.” – Marriage is meant to be a permanent, lifelong commitment. It is not something to be taken lightly or abandoned for convenience.
• “But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes.” – Paul affirms that widowhood ends the marriage covenant, meaning a widow has the freedom to remarry if she chooses.
• “But he must belong to the Lord.” – If she does remarry, it must be to a fellow believer. Paul emphasizes that a Christian marriage should be built on shared faith in Christ.

Paul’s teaching here is both practical and spiritual. It provides clarity on marriage’s lifelong nature, but also gives freedom and guidance for those who find themselves widowed.

Historical Context

1. Marriage and Widowhood in Ancient Culture – In both Jewish and Roman societies, widows often remarried for social and financial security. However, Paul reminds believers that their faith should guide their decisions, not just cultural expectations.
2. The Permanence of Marriage – The idea that marriage lasts until death was consistent with Jewish teaching (Genesis 2:24). However, some people may have questioned whether they could remarry after losing a spouse. Paul affirms that they can, but only within the faith.
3. The Christian Perspective on Marriage – Unlike the surrounding culture, which often saw marriage as just a social contract, Christians understood marriage as a covenant before God. Paul’s teaching aligns with Jesus’ own words about the lifelong nature of marriage (Mark 10:9).

Paul’s teaching honored the sanctity of marriage while also allowing for remarriage under godly conditions.

Theological Implications

1. Marriage is a Lifelong Commitment – Paul reinforces that marriage is meant to last until death, showing that it is not something to be entered into casually.
2. Widows Have Freedom, But Within God’s Boundaries – While a widow is free to remarry, she must do so in a way that honors God, by choosing a spouse who is also a believer.
3. Christian Marriage Should Be Between Believers – Paul makes it clear that faith should be the foundation of a marriage, warning against marrying someone who does not share a commitment to Christ (see also 2 Corinthians 6:14).

This verse emphasizes that God’s design for marriage includes faithfulness, commitment, and unity in Christ.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording is clear and structured, showing both the permanence of marriage and the freedom for remarriage within biblical guidelines:

• “A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives.” – This emphasizes marriage as a lifelong covenant, consistent with Jesus’ teachings.
• “She is free to marry anyone she wishes.” – This highlights personal freedom in remarriage, rather than cultural restrictions.
• “But he must belong to the Lord.” – This clause is key, showing that faith is more important than personal preference in marriage.

Paul balances freedom and responsibility, ensuring that believers make godly choices in their relationships.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 2:24 – “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” (Marriage is a lifelong union.)
• Romans 7:2-3 – “For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him.” (Marriage ends at death.)
• 2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.” (Marrying within the faith is essential.)
• Mark 10:9 – “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Jesus’ teaching on the permanence of marriage.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Marriage Should Be Entered Into With a Lifelong Commitment – Christians should not take marriage lightly but should see it as a lifelong covenant before God.
2. Widows and Widowers Have Freedom to Remarry – Losing a spouse is painful, but Paul reassures that remarriage is an option for those who desire it.
3. Christians Should Marry Within the Faith – Paul’s instruction still applies today. A believer’s faith should be the foundation of their marriage, ensuring spiritual unity.

This verse guides both married and single believers in making wise and godly choices regarding relationships.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God Created Marriage as a Blessing – He designed it to be a lifelong partnership that reflects His faithfulness.
2. God Provides Guidance for Life’s Challenges – He does not leave widows and widowers without direction but gives them freedom and wisdom for their next steps.
3. God Wants the Best for His People – His command to marry within the faith is not restrictive but protective, ensuring that believers share a common spiritual foundation.

God’s love is seen in His care for widows and in His desire for marriages that glorify Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus Taught That Marriage Reflects God’s Design – In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus reinforced that marriage was meant to be permanent and God-honoring.
2. Jesus Calls for Spiritual Unity – In John 17:21, Jesus prayed for His followers to be united in faith, which also applies to marriage.
3. Jesus Provides Comfort to the Brokenhearted – For those who have lost a spouse, Jesus offers healing, hope, and new purpose.

Through Christ, we see marriage as a reflection of God’s love and faithfulness—whether in a lifelong union or in the decision to remarry in the Lord.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse shape your understanding of marriage as a lifelong commitment?
2. If you are single or widowed, how does this verse guide your decisions about marriage?
3. Why is it important for a believer to marry someone who shares their faith?
4. How can this verse bring comfort and clarity to widows and widowers considering remarriage?
5. How can you encourage those who are single, married, or widowed to make choices that honor God?