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1 CORINTHIANS 7:39
"ONLY IN THE LORD"
In looking at any phrase in a context, three things are critical: the context; the meaning of
words; and how the phrase is used in other contexts. One might conclude that since the phrase "in the Lord"
is used most frequently with the significance of "those in relationship with Christ" (Christians), then
that is what it must mean in this context. Truly, its most frequent use with that meaning might lend credence to
assigning that significance here; however, it cannot be an absolute rule that since it means "a Christian"
in some contexts that it must mean that in every passage.
Notice first that the phrase "in the Lord" is qualified by the word "only." "Only"
is designed to limit. The Greek word "monon,"
which appears here, carries the thought consistent with our concept of "only." It means "solely,
no other than," (Webster). The widow in 1 Corinthians 7:39, is at liberty to marry no other than whomever
or whatever "in the Lord" means.
"In" is a preposition frequently used to identify location but people and God are not geographical locations;
hence, it has to be understood in many instances in the sense of relationship. "In the Lord" most commonly,
though not exclusively, refers to our relationship with the Lord. Examine the several contexts in which it is found
to verify that statement (Romans 16:2, 8, 11, 12, 13, 22; 1 Corinthians 1:31; 4:17; 7:22, 39; 9:1, 2; 11:11; 15:58;
16:19; 2 Corinthians 10:17; Ephesians 1:15; 2:21; 4:1, 17; 5:8; 6:1, 10, 21; Philippians 1:14; 2:19, 24, 29; 3:1;
4:1, 2, 4, 10; Col. 3:18, 4:7, 17; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 3:8; 5:12; 2 Thessalonians 3:4; Philemon 1:16, 20; Revelation
14:13). Then, add to those passages others which contain similar phrases such as "in Christ" or "in
God" (cf. Romans 6:11, 23; 2 Corinthians 12:2; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 3:3). Even the Lord used the
preposition "in" to describe relationship (John 15:1-7) -- "Every branch in me...(v. 2), Abide in
me...(v. 4), If ye abide in me...(v. 7)."
In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul's statements fit into a context of time described as "the present distress,"
(v. 26). In this setting of time, Paul covers subjects in which he recognizes one thing as being better than another.
Paul's answers and recommendations must be understood in view of how these brethren are being affected by the present
distress -- "...to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I, (v. 8)...that it
is good for a man so to be...Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek
not a wife (vv. 26b-27)...So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage
doeth better (v. 38)...But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment..."(v. 40).
Notice that in v. 40, when he speaks of the widow who is a Christian, he views her single state as being happier
than a married one. This should not be considered as a general rule but one consistently dealing with the pressures
of the present distress. In this instance, she would be happier in a single state than in being married to a fellow
believer, because of the singleness of purpose in serving the Lord. A single life frees her from the care and concern
for a companion with whatever dangers this time might present (cf. 26-33). On the other hand, marriage to an unbeliever
is difficult under the least stressful circumstances and such a union could become an unbearable burden at this
time by hindering her service to the Lord.
The advisability of her remarriage, or for that matter any believer's marriage, to an unbeliever under other circumstances
is not under consideration here. However, it would seem strange that Paul would prohibit a widow from marriage
to an unbeliever, if others were permitted to do so. Why would a widow be excluded and not others?
Obviously, all marriages must be "in harmony with the will of the Lord," but most commonly the phrase
"in the Lord" describes relationship with Christ. The context consistently deals with the problems associated
with a "present distress." In keeping with those observations, I understand the phase "only in the
Lord" to mean that the believing widow is free, during the present distress, to remarry only one who is also
in a saved relationship with the Lord.
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