1 Corinthians 7:39
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New International Version (©1984)
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.

New Living Translation (©2007)
A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord.

English Standard Version (©2001)
A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.

International Standard Version (©2008)
A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, only in the Lord.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
A married woman must remain with her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if the man is a Christian.

King James Bible
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

American King James Version
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

American Standard Version
A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

Bible in Basic English
It is right for a wife to be with her husband as long as he is living; but when her husband is dead, she is free to be married to another; but only to a Christian.

Douay-Rheims Bible
A woman is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband die, she is at liberty: let her marry to whom she will; only in the Lord.

Darby Bible Translation
A wife is bound for whatever time her husband lives; but if the husband be fallen asleep, she is free to be married to whom she will, only in the Lord.

English Revised Version
A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

Webster's Bible Translation
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband is dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

Weymouth New Testament
A woman is bound to her husband during the whole period that he lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to marry whom she will, provided that he is a Christian.

World English Bible
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 whoever she desires, only in the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation
A wife hath been bound by law as long time as her husband may live, and if her husband may sleep, she is free to be married to whom she will -- only in the Lord;

Geneva Study Bible

{18} The wife is bound by the {m} law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the {n} Lord.

(18) That which he spoke of a widower, he speaks now of a widow, that is, that she may marry again, but that she does it in the fear of God. And yet he does not hide the fact that if she still remains a widow, she will be free of many cares.

(m) By the law of marriage.

(n) Religiously, and in the fear of God.

People's New Testament

7:39 The wife is bound by the law, etc. One point remains to be discussed, viz. The remarriage of widows. I suppose that the letter of inquiry asked about this.

She is at liberty to be married to whom she will. In case of her husband's death, she is free from the marriage bond, and can marry whom she will, with one limitation--she must marry

only in the Lord; that is, a Christian. An alien marriage is prohibited. Indeed, so far was an ancient Christian from marrying an unbeliever that the question actually arose whether, when the sinner was converted, he could still live with an unconverted partner. See 1Co 7:12-14.

Wesley's Notes

7:39 Only in the Lord - That is, only if Christians marry Christians: a standing direction, and one of the utmost importance.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

39. bound by the law-The oldest manuscripts omit "by the law."

only in the Lord-Let her marry only a Christian (2Co 6:14).

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

7:36-40 The apostle is thought to give advice here about the disposal of children in marriage. In this view, the general meaning is plain. Children should seek and follow the directions of their parents as to marriage. And parents should consult their children's wishes; and not reckon they have power to do with them, and dictate just as they please, without reason. The whole is closed with advice to widows. Second marriages are not unlawful, so that it is kept in mind, to marry in the Lord. In our choice of relations, and change of conditions, we should always be guided by the fear of God, and the laws of God, and act in dependence on the providence of God. Change of condition ought only to be made after careful consideration, and on probable grounds, that it will be to advantage in our spiritual concerns.


Romans 7:2 For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband.
2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? (NASB ©1995)

Asleep Belong Bound Christian Dead Desires Dies Fallen Free Husband Law Live Married Marry Period Provided Right Sleep Whole Wife Wishes


The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

wife. 10,15 Ro 7:2,3

only. Ge 6:2 De 7:3,4 Mal 2:11 2Co 6:14-16

Bible Gateway: 1 Corinthians Chapter 7 Verse 39 NIV ESV NKJV NLT KJV Message Amplified

Alphabetical: A anyone as be belong bound But dead dies free he her husband if in is lives long Lord married marry must only she the to whom wife wishes woman

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