1 Corinthians 7:39 Meaning: Widow's Remarriage
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.
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.
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.
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;
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.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul permits widows to remarry after their husband's death, but with one condition: only in the Lord. Discover what that means for your life.
Context
Paul has been answering questions from the church in Corinth about marriage and singleness. In this chapter, he addresses different situations: married couples, those who are unmarried, and now widows. The surrounding verses show he is giving his judgment, not a command from the Lord. He has already said that remaining single can be good for undivided devotion to God. But here he acknowledges that marriage is a lifelong bond, and only death can break it. When that bond is broken, the widow is free to marry again. Paul adds one careful condition, which has shaped Christian teaching on remarriage ever since.
Key Words
The word Paul uses for 'bound' (dedetai) carries the sense of being tied or fastened. Marriage is not a casual arrangement; it is a real bond that lasts as long as both partners live. When Paul describes the husband's death, he chooses a tender word: koimēthēi, which means 'to fall asleep.' Early Christians often used this word to describe the death of believers, hinting at the hope of resurrection. The widow is then called eleuthera, free. She is no longer under the marriage bond; she has liberty. But immediately Paul adds the phrase 'only in the Lord' (monon en kuriō). That little word 'only' is a boundary. She is free to choose, but her choice should be made within the circle of faith in Christ. The Lord is not just a label, He is the place where the decision is made.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions agree that remarriage after the death of a spouse is allowed. The main point of conversation has always been the meaning of 'only in the Lord.' Matthew Henry taught that marriages are likely to have God's blessing only when they are made with an eye to God. Adam Clarke stressed that the widow should not marry an unbeliever or an irreligious man. Barnes reasoned that marrying a pagan would hinder her usefulness and endanger her faith. Calvin saw the verse as affirming the liberty of widows against those who looked down on second marriages. While some traditions emphasize the need for a fellow believer, others focus on the attitude of seeking the Lord's guidance in the choice.
A common misunderstanding
Some think this verse forbids a widow from remarrying at all, or that 'only in the Lord' means she must marry someone from her exact church. In fact, Paul plainly says she is free to marry anyone she wishes. The restriction is not on remarriage itself, but on who she marries: she must marry someone who belongs to the Lord. This is a call to spiritual unity, not to narrow legalism.
Living This Out
If you are a widow or widower, this verse brings both freedom and a gentle direction. You are not bound to remain single; death has ended that marriage bond. But as you consider a new marriage, let your heart be guided by faith. Choose someone who shares your trust in Christ. For any Christian, the phrase 'only in the Lord' can apply to other life decisions too. Before you make a big choice, a move, a job, a relationship, ask yourself: can I honestly say this is 'in the Lord'? That small question can change everything.
Main takeaway: A widow is free to remarry, but she must choose a husband who is in the Lord, sharing her faith in Christ.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
When you get married, you stay together forever. But if your husband or wife dies, you are free to marry someone else. God wants you to marry someone who loves Jesus.
For ages 9, 12
This verse teaches that marriage is for life. But when a spouse dies, the widow is free to marry again. Paul gives one important rule: she must marry someone who belongs to the Lord. That means marrying a Christian, someone who shares her faith in Jesus. God's people should make their most important decisions with Him in mind.
Questions People Ask
What does 'only in the Lord' mean in 1 Corinthians 7:39?
Paul means the widow must marry a fellow believer in Christ. The phrase indicates that marriage should be within the community of faith. Many commentators understand it as a command to avoid being unequally yoked with an unbeliever.
Does this verse allow a widow to remarry?
Yes, clearly. Paul states that when her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes. The verse affirms that second marriages after the death of a spouse are permitted and are not sinful.
Can a Christian marry a non-Christian according to this verse?
Paul says 'only in the Lord,' which most Christians have understood as a prohibition against marrying an unbeliever. The warning is based on the spiritual dangers and lack of common faith that can harm the believer's walk with God.
Is it a sin for a widow to remarry?
No. Paul calls it a liberty, not a sin. He does say she may be happier if she remains single, but he does not forbid remarriage. The church has historically recognized remarriage after the death of a spouse as honorable.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study