17 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.

Other Translations of 1 Corinthians 7:17

King James Version

17 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.

English Standard Version

17 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.

The Message

17 And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life. Don't think I'm being harder on you than on the others. I give this same counsel in all the churches.

New King James Version

17 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 Living Translation

17 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.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:17

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

(Read 1 Corinthians 7:17-24)

The rules of Christianity reach every condition; and in every state a man may live so as to be a credit to it. It is the duty of every Christian to be content with his lot, and to conduct himself in his rank and place as becomes a Christian. Our comfort and happiness depend on what we are to Christ, not what we are in the world. No man should think to make his faith or religion, an argument to break through any natural or civil obligations. He should quietly and contentedly abide in the condition in which he is placed by Divine Providence.