1 Corinthians 7:22
New International Version
For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave.

New Living Translation
And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ.

English Standard Version
For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ.

Berean Standard Bible
For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave.

Berean Literal Bible
For the one having been called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord's freedman; likewise the one having been called while free is a slave of Christ.

King James Bible
For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

New King James Version
For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave.

New American Standard Bible
For the one who was called in the Lord as a slave, is the Lord’s freed person; likewise the one who was called as free, is Christ’s slave.

NASB 1995
For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave.

NASB 1977
For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave.

Legacy Standard Bible
For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave.

Amplified Bible
For he who was a slave when he was called in the Lord is a freedman of the Lord, likewise he who was free when he was called is a slave of Christ.

Christian Standard Bible
For he who is called by the Lord as a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called as a free man is Christ’s slave.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For he who is called by the Lord as a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called as a free man is Christ’s slave.

American Standard Version
For he that was called in the Lord being a bondservant, is the Lord's freedman: likewise he that was called being free, is Christ's bondservant.

Contemporary English Version
When the Lord chooses slaves, they become his free people. And when he chooses free people, they become slaves of Christ.

English Revised Version
For he that was called in the Lord, being a bondservant, is the Lord's freedman: likewise he that was called, being free, is Christ's bondservant.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If the Lord called you when you were a slave, you are the Lord's free person. In the same way, if you were free when you were called, you are Christ's slave.

Good News Translation
For a slave who has been called by the Lord is the Lord's free person; in the same way a free person who has been called by Christ is his slave.

International Standard Version
For the slave who has been called to belong to the Lord is the Lord's free person. In the same way, the free person who has been called is the Messiah's slave.

Majority Standard Bible
For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord?s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ?s slave.

NET Bible
For the one who was called in the Lord as a slave is the Lord's freedman. In the same way, the one who was called as a free person is Christ's slave.

New Heart English Bible
For he who was called in the Lord being a slave is the Lord's free person. Likewise he who was called being free is Christ's slave.

Webster's Bible Translation
For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's free-man: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

Weymouth New Testament
For a Christian, if he was a slave when called, is the Lord's freed man, and in the same way a free man, if called, becomes the slave of Christ.

World English Bible
For he who was called in the Lord being a bondservant is the Lord’s free man. Likewise he who was called being free is Christ’s bondservant.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for he who [is] in the LORD—having been called a servant—is the LORD’s freedman: in like manner also he the freeman, having been called, is servant of Christ:

Berean Literal Bible
For the one having been called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord's freedman; likewise the one having been called while free is a slave of Christ.

Young's Literal Translation
for he who is in the Lord -- having been called a servant -- is the Lord's freedman: in like manner also he the freeman, having been called, is servant of Christ:

Smith's Literal Translation
For the servant called in the Lord, is the freedman of the Lord: likewise also the freedman called, is the servant of Christ.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For he that is called in the Lord, being a bondman, is the freeman of the Lord. Likewise he that is called, being free, is the bondman of Christ.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For any servant who has been called in the Lord is free in the Lord. Similarly, any free person who has been called is a servant in Christ.

New American Bible
For the slave called in the Lord is a freed person in the Lord, just as the free person who has been called is a slave of Christ.

New Revised Standard Version
For whoever was called in the Lord as a slave is a freed person belonging to the Lord, just as whoever was free when called is a slave of Christ.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For he who is called by our LORD, being a slave, is God’s free man; likewise he who is called, being a freeman, is also Christ’s servant.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For whoever is called as a Servant is God's Freeman in Our Lord. So also whoever is called as a Freeman is a Servant of The Messiah.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For he that is in the Lord, having been called when a servant, is the Lord's freedman. Likewise, also, the freeman who has been called, is Christ's servant.

Godbey New Testament
For the one having been called in the Lord, being a slave, is the Lord's freeman: likewise the one having been called, while free, is the slave of Christ.

Haweis New Testament
For he that is called in the Lord, being a slave, is the Lord?s freed man: in like manner also, he that is called, being a free man, is the servant of Christ.

Mace New Testament
for the slave that turns christian, is the Lord's freedman: likewise, the freeman that becomes a convert is Christ's servant.

Weymouth New Testament
For a Christian, if he was a slave when called, is the Lord's freed man, and in the same way a free man, if called, becomes the slave of Christ.

Worrell New Testament
For he that was called in the Lord, being a slave, is the Lord's freedman: likewise, he that was called, being free, is Christ's slave.

Worsley New Testament
For he that is called in the Lord being a slave, is the Lord's freed-man: and he likewise that is called being free is the servant of Christ.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Live Your Calling
21Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. 22For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. 23You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.…

Cross References
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:18
You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Ephesians 6:8
because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

Colossians 3:11
Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.

Philemon 1:16
no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.

Romans 8:2
For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death.

1 Peter 2:16
Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.

Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.

John 15:15
No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.

Romans 6:22
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life.

Ephesians 6:5-9
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ...

Colossians 3:22-24
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ...

Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,


Treasury of Scripture

For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

is the.

Luke 1:74,75
That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, …

John 8:32-36
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…

Romans 6:18-22
Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness…

freeman.

1 Corinthians 9:19
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

Psalm 116:16
O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

Romans 1:1
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

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Bondman Bondservant Christ Christian Christ's Free Freed Freeman Free-Man Lord's Manner Servant Similarly Slave Way
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Bondman Bondservant Christ Christian Christ's Free Freed Freeman Free-Man Lord's Manner Servant Similarly Slave Way
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.














For he who was a slave
In the Greco-Roman world, slavery was a common institution, and many early Christians were slaves. The Greek word for "slave" here is "δοῦλος" (doulos), which denotes a person who is legally owned by someone else and whose entire livelihood and purpose was determined by their master. Paul is addressing those who were in this social status when they received the call of Christ, emphasizing that their earthly status does not define their spiritual identity.

when he was called
The term "called" (Greek: "κληθείς," klethéis) refers to the divine invitation to embrace salvation in Christ. This calling transcends earthly circumstances, indicating that God's call to salvation and service is not limited by social or economic status. It is a reminder that God's grace reaches all individuals, regardless of their position in society.

by the Lord
The phrase "by the Lord" underscores the divine authority and initiative in the calling. The Lord, referring to Jesus Christ, is the one who calls individuals into a new life. This highlights the sovereignty of Christ in the salvation process and the personal relationship each believer has with Him.

is the Lord’s freedman
The term "freedman" (Greek: "ἀπελεύθερος," apeleutheros) refers to someone who has been set free from slavery. In Christ, the believer who was once a slave is now free from the bondage of sin and spiritual death. This freedom is not merely a change in social status but a profound transformation of identity and purpose, as they now belong to the Lord.

Similarly, he who was a free man
Paul addresses those who were free in the societal sense when they were called. The Greek word for "free man" is "ἐλεύθερος" (eleutheros), indicating someone who is not under the control of another. This highlights the equality of all believers in Christ, regardless of their earthly status.

when he was called
Reiterating the divine calling, this phrase emphasizes that the call to follow Christ is universal and inclusive. It is a reminder that the call to discipleship and service is the same for all, whether slave or free.

is Christ’s slave
The paradoxical statement that a free man becomes "Christ’s slave" (Greek: "δοῦλος Χριστοῦ," doulos Christou) illustrates the concept of willing servitude to Christ. This servitude is not oppressive but liberating, as it involves a voluntary submission to the loving and righteous rule of Christ. It signifies a total commitment to Christ, where one's life is dedicated to His service and glory.

(22) For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, . . .--Better, For he that was converted as a slave is Christ's freedman; and, similarly, the one who was converted as a freeman is Christ's slave. Therefore, no one need trouble himself as to his mere earthly servitude or freedom. If he be a slave, let him be cheered by remembering that he is a freedman belonging to Christ; and if he be a freeman, let him not despise the state of the one in servitude, realising that he himself is Christ's slave. A "freedman," as distinct from a "freeman," was one who had been in bondage but was now free.

Verse 22. - Is the Lord's freeman; rather, freedman. Clearly the entire bearing of this verse favours the view which we have taken of the previous verse. Christ's servant. The sharp antithesis of this verse was often present to the mind of the early Christians. They knew that the bondage of Satan was so crushing that mere earthly bondage was, in comparison, as nothing; and that the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, though it might seem to take the form of service, was the sole perfect freedom. The freedmen of sin are the most hopeless slaves; the servants of God alone are free (see Romans 6:22; 2 Timothy 2:26; 1 Peter 2:16).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

he who
(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.

[was] a slave
δοῦλος (doulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1401: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.

when he was called
κληθεὶς (klētheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2564: (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.

by
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.

[the] Lord
Κυρίῳ (Kyriō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

is
ἐστίν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

[the] Lord’s
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

freedman.
ἀπελεύθερος (apeleutheros)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 558: From apo and eleutheros; one freed away, i.e. A freedman.

Conversely,
ὁμοίως (homoiōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3668: In like manner, similarly, in the same way, equally. Adverb from homoios; similarly.

he who
(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.

[was] a free man
ἐλεύθερος (eleutheros)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1658: Free, delivered from obligation. Probably from the alternate of erchomai; unrestrained, i.e. not a slave, or exempt.

when he was called
κληθεὶς (klētheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2564: (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

Christ’s
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

slave.
δοῦλός (doulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1401: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 7:22 For he who was called (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 7:21
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