1 Corinthians 7:17
New International Version
Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.

New Living Translation
Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches.

English Standard Version
Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.

Berean Standard Bible
Regardless, each one should lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is what I prescribe in all the churches.

Berean Literal Bible
Nevertheless, as the Lord has assigned to each, as God has called to each, so let him walk. And thus I prescribe in all the churches.

King James Bible
But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

New King James Version
But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches.

New American Standard Bible
Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this way let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches.

NASB 1995
Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches.

NASB 1977
Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And thus I direct in all the churches.

Legacy Standard Bible
Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches.

Amplified Bible
Only, let each one live the life which the Lord has assigned him, and to which God has called him [for each person is unique and is accountable for his choices and conduct, let him walk in this way]. This is the rule I make in all the churches.

Christian Standard Bible
Let each one live his life in the situation the Lord assigned when God called him. This is what I command in all the churches.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
However, each one must live his life in the situation the Lord assigned when God called him. This is what I command in all the churches.

American Standard Version
Only, as the Lord hath distributed to each man, as God hath called each, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all the churches.

Contemporary English Version
In every church I tell the people to stay as they were when the Lord Jesus chose them and God called them to be his own. Now I say the same thing to you.

English Revised Version
Only, as the Lord hath distributed to each man, as God hath called each, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all the churches.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Everyone should live the life that the Lord gave him when God called him. This is the guideline I use in every church.

Good News Translation
Each of you should go on living according to the Lord's gift to you, and as you were when God called you. This is the rule I teach in all the churches.

International Standard Version
Nevertheless, everyone should live the life that the Lord gave him and to which God called him. This is my rule in all the churches.

Majority Standard Bible
Regardless, each one should lead the life that God has assigned to him and to which the Lord has called him. This is what I prescribe in all the churches.

NET Bible
Nevertheless, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each person, so must he live. I give this sort of direction in all the churches.

New Heart English Bible
Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, so let him walk. So I command in all the churches.

Webster's Bible Translation
But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all churches.

Weymouth New Testament
Only, whatever be the condition in life which the Lord has assigned to each individual--and whatever the condition in which he was living when God called him--in that let him continue.

World English Bible
Only, as the Lord has distributed to each man, as God has called each, so let him walk. So I command in all the assemblies.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
If not, as God distributed to each, as the LORD has called each—so let him walk; and thus I direct in all the assemblies:

Berean Literal Bible
Nevertheless, as the Lord has assigned to each, as God has called to each, so let him walk. And thus I prescribe in all the churches.

Young's Literal Translation
if not, as God did distribute to each, as the Lord hath called each -- so let him walk; and thus in all the assemblies do I direct:

Smith's Literal Translation
Except as God divided to each, as the Lord has called each, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But as the Lord hath distributed to every one, as God hath called every one, so let him walk: and so in all churches I teach.

Catholic Public Domain Version
However, let each one walk just as the Lord has distributed to him, each one just as God has called him. And thus do I teach in all the churches.

New American Bible
Only, everyone should live as the Lord has assigned, just as God called each one. I give this order in all the churches.

New Revised Standard Version
However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But every man, according as the LORD has distributed to him, and every man, as God has called him, so let him walk. And this I command also for all the churches.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But as THE LORD JEHOVAH distributes to each man, howsoever God calls him, let each man walk; and so I command all the churches.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But as God has assigned a place to every one, as the Lord has called every one, so let him continue to live: and so do I command in all the churches.

Godbey New Testament
If not as the Lord has imparted to each one, and as God has called each one, so let him or her walk. And thus I command in all the churches.

Haweis New Testament
Nevertheless as God has bestowed the gift on every man as the Lord hath called every man, so let him walk, and so I give command in all the churches.

Mace New Testament
Whatever condition God has allotted to any man, let him go on in the same state he was in when he became a christian: this I give as a standing rule to all churches.

Weymouth New Testament
Only, whatever be the condition in life which the Lord has assigned to each individual--and whatever the condition in which he was living when God called him--in that let him continue.

Worrell New Testament
Only, as the Lord hath distributed to each one, as God hath called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the assemblies.

Worsley New Testament
However, as God hath distributed to every man, and as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk: and thus I order in all the churches.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Live Your Calling
16How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? 17Regardless, each one should lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is what I prescribe in all the churches. 18Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised.…

Cross References
Galatians 5:25
Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.

Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.

Ephesians 4:1
As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received:

Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.

Philippians 3:16
Nevertheless, we must live up to what we have already attained.

1 Peter 4:10
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.

Romans 12:6
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

2 Thessalonians 1:11
To this end, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith,

1 Timothy 6:17
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.

1 Thessalonians 4:7
For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.

2 Corinthians 10:13
We, however, will not boast beyond our limits, but only within the field of influence that God has assigned to us—a field that reaches even to you.

Acts 17:26
From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.


Treasury of Scripture

But as God has distributed to every man, as the Lord has called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

as God.

1 Corinthians 7:7
For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

Matthew 19:12
For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

Romans 12:3-8
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith…

as the.

1 Corinthians 7:18,20,21,24
Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised…

so ordain.

1 Corinthians 4:17
For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

1 Corinthians 16:1
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

2 Corinthians 11:28
Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

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Assemblies Assigned Churches Command Condition Continue Direct Distribute Distributed Divided However Individual Life Manner Nevertheless Ordain Orders Purpose Retain Rule Walk Whatever
1 Corinthians 7
1. He discusses marriage;
4. showing it to be a remedy against sinful desires,
10. and that the bond thereof ought not lightly to be dissolved.
20. Every man must be content with his vocation.
25. Virginity wherefore to be embraced;
35. and for what respects we may either marry, or abstain from marrying.














Nevertheless
This word serves as a transition, indicating a shift or continuation of thought from the previous verses. In the context of 1 Corinthians 7, Paul has been discussing various states of life, such as marriage and singleness. "Nevertheless" suggests that despite the specific circumstances or conditions one might find themselves in, there is a broader principle at play. The Greek word here, "plēn," often introduces a contrast or exception, emphasizing the importance of the following instruction.

each one
This phrase underscores the individual responsibility and personal nature of the Christian walk. The Greek "hekastos" implies that the instruction is universal, applying to every believer without exception. It highlights the personal relationship each believer has with God, and the unique path God has for each person.

should live the life
The Greek verb "peripateō," often translated as "walk," is used here metaphorically to mean living one's life. It suggests a continuous, habitual way of living. The phrase implies that one's life is a journey or a path to be walked, with daily steps taken in faith and obedience.

that the Lord assigned to him
This part of the verse speaks to the sovereignty of God in the life of the believer. The Greek word "merizō" means to divide or apportion, indicating that God has a specific plan or portion for each person. It reassures believers that their life circumstances are not random but are part of God's divine plan.

and to which God has called him
The concept of calling, from the Greek "kaleō," is central to understanding one's purpose in life. It suggests a divine invitation or summons to a particular way of life. This calling is not just about one's occupation or marital status but encompasses the entirety of one's life in Christ.

This is what I prescribe
Paul uses the Greek word "diatassō," meaning to arrange or ordain, indicating that this instruction is not merely a suggestion but an authoritative directive. It reflects Paul's role as an apostle, providing guidance and order within the early church.

in all the churches
This phrase emphasizes the universality of Paul's instruction. The Greek "ekklēsia" refers to the assembly or congregation of believers. By stating "in all the churches," Paul underscores that this teaching is not limited to the Corinthian church but is applicable to all Christian communities, reflecting the unity and consistency of Christian doctrine across different cultures and contexts.

(17) But as God hath distributed . . .--Regarding 1Corinthians 7:16 as a kind of parenthesis, these words follow on from 1Corinthians 7:15 as a general principle to be ever borne in mind, as limiting in practice the very broad liberty which the Apostle has given regarding separation in cases of mixed marriages. It is to be noticed that in 1Corinthians 7:15 the unbelieving partner is the only one who is spoken of as taking an active part in the separation; the believer is, merely for the sake of peace, to acquiesce in it; he is never to cause or promote a separation, for he is to be guided by the great principle that we are to continue to walk in those social and political relations by which we were bound when God called us. Christianity does not destroy them, but purifies and exalts them, and thus makes them more binding on us than before. According as the Lord has divided to each man his portion in life, and as God has called each man, so in that condition let him continue to walk as a Christian. Let him not try to change it for another. The words "God" and "Lord" have been transposed by later copyists. The order in the English version is different from that in the older MSS. It is important to preserve the accurate reading here, for it speaks of Christ--"the Lord"--as the one who allots to men their natural condition in life, while "God" calls them from heathenism to the Christian faith.

And so ordain I in all churches.--This principle was of universal application, and the Apostle lays it down authoritatively for all Churches. The I is emphatic, as the writer speaks with apostolic authority. It is noticeable that in some few later MSS. there is an attempt to weaken its force by the substitution of "I teach" for "I appoint or direct." (See 1Corinthians 16:1.)

Verses 17-24. - Corroborative instances of the duty of remaining in the state wherein each was called. Verse 17. - But; literally, if not. The phrase introduces a caution. The rule is that the circumstances of our lives are regulated by the providence of God, and must not be arbitrarily altered at our own caprice. Christ allotted his portion to each Christian, God hath called each man; that lot and that call are to guide his life. "Qua positus fueris in statione mane" (Ovid). Hath distributed; rather, apportioned. So ordain I in all Churches. He proceeds to give specific instances to which his rule applies.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Regardless,
Εἰ (Ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

each one
ἑκάστῳ (hekastō)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1538: Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.

should lead
περιπατείτω (peripateitō)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4043: From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.

[ the life ]
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

[that]
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord
Κύριος (Kyrios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

has assigned [to him]
ἐμέρισεν (emerisen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3307: From meros; to part, i.e. to apportion, bestow, share, or to disunite, differ.

[and to which]
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

God
Θεός (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

has called
κέκληκεν (keklēken)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2564: (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.

[him].
ἕκαστον (hekaston)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1538: Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.

This [is what]
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

I prescribe
διατάσσομαι (diatassomai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1299: To give orders to, prescribe, arrange. From dia and tasso; to arrange thoroughly, i.e. institute, prescribe, etc.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

all
πάσαις (pasais)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

the
ταῖς (tais)
Article - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

churches.
ἐκκλησίαις (ekklēsiais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 7:17 Only as the Lord has distributed (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 7:16
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