WEBNETListen to the readings for Aug 26 from the NET Bible (Video)
or the World English Bible
This page is now calculating which verses have comments and referenced comments. Please be patient.
You will not be able to view any Comments in the Verse sections below until this notice disappears
Notes that are not verse specific
Both the Septuagint and Josephus say that the account of Ch. 21 took place before the war with Ben-hadad. In that case, Ch. 21 should precede Ch. 20.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Michael
v4 Ahab went to bed and had a sulk! Thats something we like to do isnt it when we are feeling low, dont get our own way or dont feel 100%? "go to bed and you will feel better in the morning" people say. But Psa 36:4 tells us its on our beds were plan mischief, how many of us lie tossing and turning at night after a bad day? How often do we lie thinking of what to say or do the next day? Mic 2:1 tells us those plans turn to actions!
Contrast this with David Psa 16:3 at night his mind was right before his God. It had no evil thoughts it had no plans. Psa 1:2
We see why, David mediated on Gods words both night and day, when he read Gods word he handed his daily problems over to him and slept well. Psa 63:5 so in our beds remember God, look back on our day and not see how others have wronged us or offended us and how we can repay them but rather think of how God has been with u sthrough the day and what is God trying to tell us. Psa 4:4
stephen cox [Sedgley UK] Comment added in 2013 Reply to stephen
22:17 the prophet’s lament about the people being like lost sheep is a sad reflection on the way that the king was not living up to the task that, as a king, he should have taken seriously.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2021 Reply to Peter
v6 I will not give you my vineyard.
Notice that Ahab does not mention to Jezebel all that Naboth had said. Naboth's refusal to sell his vineyard was based on honouring God - God had decreed that the vineyard was not Naboth's to sell but must remain as an inheritance for his family. Ahab portrays himself as the potential buyer making a reasonable set of offers and that Naboth was truculent in his response to these offers. God was missing from Ahab's account of events to Jezebel. Similar massaging of the truth occurred when Ahab gave an account of Elijah's actions on Carmel (1 Kings 19:1). Ahab is a snivelling, weak king unable to rise above his own self-centred desires and unable to be objective in front of Jezebel.
Jezebel's solution was bold - destroy Naboth (v10) and the heirs to the vineyard (2 Kings 9:26 cp Micah 2:2). Problem solved.
Bruce Bates [Forbes Australia] Comment added in 2023 Reply to Bruce
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. And it came to pass after <310> these things <1697>, that Naboth <5022> the Jezreelite <3158> had a vineyard <3754>, which was in Jezreel <3157>, hard by <681> the palace <1964> of Ahab <256> king <4428> of Samaria <8111>.
2. And Ahab <256> spake <1696>(8762) unto Naboth <5022>, saying <559>(8800), Give <5414>(8798) me thy vineyard <3754>, that I may have it for a garden <1588> of herbs <3419>, because it is near <7138> unto <681> my house <1004>: and I will give <5414>(8799) thee for it a better <2896> vineyard <3754> than it; or, if it seem good <2896> to thee <5869>, I will give <5414>(8799) thee the worth <4242> of it in money <3701>.
3. And Naboth <5022> said <559>(8799) to Ahab <256>, The LORD <3068> forbid <2486> it me, that I should give <5414>(8800) the inheritance <5159> of my fathers <1> unto thee.
4. And Ahab <256> came <935>(8799) into his house <1004> heavy <5620> and displeased <2198> because of the word <1697> which Naboth <5022> the Jezreelite <3158> had spoken <1696>(8765) to him: for he had said <559>(8799), I will not give <5414>(8799) thee the inheritance <5159> of my fathers <1>. And he laid him down <7901>(8799) upon his bed <4296>, and turned away <5437>(8686) his face <6440>, and would eat <398>(8804) no bread <3899>.
5. But Jezebel <348> his wife <802> came <935>(8799) to him, and said <1696>(8762) unto him, Why is thy spirit <7307> so sad <5620>, that thou eatest <398>(8802) no bread <3899>?
6. And he said <1696>(8762) unto her, Because I spake <1696>(8762) unto Naboth <5022> the Jezreelite <3158>, and said <559>(8799) unto him, Give <5414>(8798) me thy vineyard <3754> for money <3701>; or else, if it please <2655> thee, I will give <5414>(8799) thee another vineyard <3754> for it: and he answered <559>(8799), I will not give <5414>(8799) thee my vineyard <3754>.
7. And Jezebel <348> his wife <802> said <559>(8799) unto him, Dost thou now govern <6213>(8799) the kingdom <4410> of Israel <3478>? arise <6965>(8798), and eat <398>(8798) bread <3899>, and let thine heart <3820> be merry <3190>(8799): I will give <5414>(8799) thee the vineyard <3754> of Naboth <5022> the Jezreelite <3158>.
8. So she wrote <3789>(8799) letters <5612> in Ahab's <256> name <8034>, and sealed <2856>(8799) them with his seal <2368>, and sent <7971>(8799) the letters <5612> unto the elders <2205> and to the nobles <2715> that were in his city <5892>, dwelling <3427>(8802) with Naboth <5022>.
9. And she wrote <3789>(8799) in the letters <5612>, saying <559>(8800), Proclaim <7121>(8798) a fast <6685>, and set <3427>(8685) Naboth <5022> on high <7218> among the people <5971>:
10. And set <3427>(8685) two <8147> men <582>, sons <1121> of Belial <1100>, before him, to bear witness <5749>(8686) against him, saying <559>(8800), Thou didst blaspheme <1288>(8765) God <430> and the king <4428>. And then carry him out <3318>(8689), and stone <5619>(8798) him, that he may die <4191>(8799).
11. And the men <582> of his city <5892>, even the elders <2205> and the nobles <2715> who were the inhabitants <3427>(8802) in his city <5892>, did <6213>(8799) as Jezebel <348> had sent <7971>(8804) unto them, and as it was written <3789>(8803) in the letters <5612> which she had sent <7971>(8804) unto them.
12. They proclaimed <7121>(8804) a fast <6685>, and set <3427>(8689) Naboth <5022> on high <7218> among the people <5971>.
13. And there came <935>(8799) in two <8147> men <582>, children <1121> of Belial <1100>, and sat <3427>(8799) before him: and the men <582> of Belial <1100> witnessed <5749>(8686) against him, even against Naboth <5022>, in the presence of the people <5971>, saying <559>(8800), Naboth <5022> did blaspheme <1288>(8765) God <430> and the king <4428>. Then they carried him forth <3318>(8686) out <2351> of the city <5892>, and stoned <5619>(8799) him with stones <68>, that he died <4191>(8799).
14. Then they sent <7971>(8799) to Jezebel <348>, saying <559>(8800), Naboth <5022> is stoned <5619>(8795), and is dead <4191>(8799).
15. And it came to pass, when Jezebel <348> heard <8085>(8800) that Naboth <5022> was stoned <5619>(8795), and was dead <4191>(8799), that Jezebel <348> said <559>(8799) to Ahab <256>, Arise <6965>(8798), take possession <3423>(8798) of the vineyard <3754> of Naboth <5022> the Jezreelite <3158>, which he refused <3985>(8765) to give <5414>(8800) thee for money <3701>: for Naboth <5022> is not alive <2416>, but dead <4191>(8804).
16. And it came to pass, when Ahab <256> heard <8085>(8800) that Naboth <5022> was dead <4191>(8804), that Ahab <256> rose up <6965>(8799) to go down <3381>(8800) to the vineyard <3754> of Naboth <5022> the Jezreelite <3158>, to take possession <3423>(8800) of it.
17. And the word <1697> of the LORD <3068> came to Elijah <452> the Tishbite <8664>, saying <559>(8800),
18. Arise <6965>(8798), go down <3381>(8798) to meet <7125>(8800) Ahab <256> king <4428> of Israel <3478>, which is in Samaria <8111>: behold, he is in the vineyard <3754> of Naboth <5022>, whither he is gone down <3381>(8804) to possess <3423>(8800) it.
19. And thou shalt speak <1696>(8765) unto him, saying <559>(8800), Thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068>, Hast thou killed <7523>(8804), and also taken possession <3423>(8804)? And thou shalt speak <1696>(8765) unto him, saying <559>(8800), Thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068>, In the place <4725> where dogs <3611> licked <3952>(8804) the blood <1818> of Naboth <5022> shall dogs <3611> lick <3952>(8799) thy blood <1818>, even thine.
20. And Ahab <256> said <559>(8799) to Elijah <452>, Hast thou found <4672>(8804) me, O mine enemy <341>(8802)? And he answered <559>(8799), I have found <4672>(8804) thee: because thou hast sold <4376>(8692) thyself to work <6213>(8800) evil <7451> in the sight <5869> of the LORD <3068>.
21. Behold, I will bring <935>(8688) evil <7451> upon thee, and will take away <1197>(8765) thy posterity <310>, and will cut off <3772>(8689) from Ahab <256> him that pisseth <8366>(8688) against the wall <7023>, and him that is shut up <6113>(8803) and left <5800>(8803) in Israel <3478>,
22. And will make <5414>(8804) thine house <1004> like the house <1004> of Jeroboam <3379> the son <1121> of Nebat <5028>, and like the house <1004> of Baasha <1201> the son <1121> of Ahijah <281>, for the provocation <3708> wherewith thou hast provoked me to anger <3707>(8689), and made Israel <3478> to sin <2398>(8686).
23. And of Jezebel <348> also spake <1696>(8765) the LORD <3068>, saying <559>(8800), The dogs <3611> shall eat <398>(8799) Jezebel <348> by the wall <2426> of Jezreel <3157>.
24. Him that dieth <4191>(8801) of Ahab <256> in the city <5892> the dogs <3611> shall eat <398>(8799); and him that dieth <4191>(8801) in the field <7704> shall the fowls <5775> of the air <8064> eat <398>(8799).
25. But there was none like unto Ahab <256>, which did sell <4376>(8694) himself to work <6213>(8800) wickedness <7451> in the sight <5869> of the LORD <3068>, whom Jezebel <348> his wife <802> stirred up <5496>(8689).
26. And he did very <3966> abominably <8581>(8686) in following <3212>(8800) <310> idols <1544>, according to all things as did <6213>(8804) the Amorites <567>, whom the LORD <3068> cast out <3423>(8689) before <6440> the children <1121> of Israel <3478>.
27. And it came to pass, when Ahab <256> heard <8085>(8800) those words <1697>, that he rent <7167>(8799) his clothes <899>, and put <7760>(8799) sackcloth <8242> upon his flesh <1320>, and fasted <6684>(8799), and lay <7901>(8799) in sackcloth <8242>, and went <1980>(8762) softly <328>.
28. And the word <1697> of the LORD <3068> came to Elijah <452> the Tishbite <8664>, saying <559>(8800),
29. Seest <7200>(8804) thou how Ahab <256> humbleth <3665>(8738) himself before <6440> me? because <3282> he humbleth <3665>(8738) himself before <6440> me, I will not bring <935>(8686) the evil <7451> in his days <3117>: but in his son's <1121> days <3117> will I bring <935>(8686) the evil <7451> upon his house <1004>.
Notes that are not verse specific
Moab was to be punished for pride and the idolatry it brought Israel through the worship of its god Chemosh. By 700 BC, Moab had fallen under the influence of Assyria.
Michael Parry [Montreal (Can)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Michael
Moab was the elevated and rich plateau which lay east of the Dead Sea. The Israelites conquered her northern territory (Josh 13:15-32), but as time went on many of the cities reverted back to Moab. Moab's arrogance was founded on its god Chemosh, and also on its material strength, so we read in the opening ten verses, the cities would fall, and the priests would be driven into exile.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2007 Reply to John
Jer 48 This word against Moab follows on from Jer 25:21 where the prophet had spoken against the Moab at the conference to discuss the problems of the forthcoming invasion of the Babylonians.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2014 Reply to Peter
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. Against Moab <4124> thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068> of hosts <6635>, the God <430> of Israel <3478>; Woe <1945> unto Nebo <5015>! for it is spoiled <7703>(8795): Kiriathaim <7156> is confounded <3001>(8689) and taken <3920>(8738): Misgab <4869> is confounded <3001>(8689) and dismayed <2865>(8804).
2. There shall be no more praise <8416> of Moab <4124>: in Heshbon <2809> they have devised <2803>(8804) evil <7451> against it; come <3212>(8798), and let us cut it off <3772>(8686) from being a nation <1471>. Also thou shalt be cut down <1826>(8735), O Madmen <4086>; the sword <2719> shall pursue <3212>(8799) thee <310>.
3. A voice <6963> of crying <6818> shall be from Horonaim <2773>, spoiling <7701> and great <1419> destruction <7667>.
4. Moab <4124> is destroyed <7665>(8738); her little ones <6810> have caused a cry <2201> to be heard <8085>(8689).
5. For in the going up <4608> of Luhith <3872> continual <1065> weeping <1065> shall go up <5927>(8799); for in the going down <4174> of Horonaim <2773> the enemies <6862> have heard <8085>(8804) a cry <6818> of destruction <7667>.
6. Flee <5127>(8798), save <4422>(8761) your lives <5315>, and be <1961>(8799) like the heath <6176> in the wilderness <4057>.
7. For because thou hast trusted <982>(8800) in thy works <4639> and in thy treasures <214>, thou shalt also be taken <3920>(8735): and Chemosh <3645> shall go forth <3318>(8804) into captivity <1473> with his priests <3548> and his princes <8269> together <3162>.
8. And the spoiler <7703>(8802) shall come <935>(8799) upon every city <5892>, and no city <5892> shall escape <4422>(8735): the valley <6010> also shall perish <6>(8804), and the plain <4334> shall be destroyed <8045>(8738), as the LORD <3068> hath spoken <559>(8804).
9. Give <5414>(8798) wings <6731> unto Moab <4124>, that it may flee <5323>(8800) and get away <3318>(8799): for the cities <5892> thereof shall be desolate <8047>, without any to dwell <3427>(8802) therein <2004>.
10. Cursed <779>(8803) be he that doeth <6213>(8802) the work <4399> of the LORD <3068> deceitfully <7423>, and cursed <779>(8803) be he that keepeth back <4513>(8802) his sword <2719> from blood <1818>.
11. Moab <4124> hath been at ease <7599>(8768) from his youth <5271>, and he hath settled <8252>(8802) on his lees <8105>, and hath not been emptied <7324>(8717) from vessel <3627> to vessel <3627>, neither hath he gone <1980>(8804) into captivity <1473>: therefore his taste <2940> remained <5975>(8804) in him, and his scent <7381> is not changed <4171>(8738).
12. Therefore, behold, the days <3117> come <935>(8802), saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>, that I will send <7971>(8765) unto him wanderers <6808>(8802), that shall cause him to wander <6808>(8765), and shall empty <7324>(8686) his vessels <3627>, and break <5310>(8762) their bottles <5035>.
13. And Moab <4124> shall be ashamed <954>(8804) of Chemosh <3645>, as the house <1004> of Israel <3478> was ashamed <954>(8804) of Bethel <1008> their confidence <4009>.
14. How say <559>(8799) ye, We are mighty <1368> and strong <2428> men <582> for the war <4421>?
15. Moab <4124> is spoiled <7703>(8795), and gone up <5927>(8804) out of her cities <5892>, and his chosen <4005> young men <970> are gone down <3381>(8804) to the slaughter <2874>, saith <5002>(8803) the King <4428>, whose name <8034> is the LORD <3068> of hosts <6635>.
16. The calamity <343> of Moab <4124> is near <7138> to come <935>(8800), and his affliction <7451> hasteth <4116>(8765) fast <3966>.
17. All ye that are about <5439> him, bemoan <5110>(8798) him; and all ye that know <3045>(8802) his name <8034>, say <559>(8798), How is the strong <5797> staff <4294> broken <7665>(8738), and the beautiful <8597> rod <4731>!
18. Thou daughter <1323> that dost inhabit <3427>(8802) Dibon <1769>, come down <3381>(8798) from thy glory <3519>, and sit <3427>(8798) in thirst <6772>; for the spoiler <7703>(8802) of Moab <4124> shall come <5927>(8804) upon thee, and he shall destroy <7843>(8765) thy strong holds <4013>.
19. O inhabitant <3427>(8802) of Aroer <6177>, stand <5975>(8798) by the way <1870>, and espy <6822>(8761); ask <7592>(8798) him that fleeth <5127>(8801), and her that escapeth <4422>(8737), and say <559>(8798), What is done <1961>(8738)?
20. Moab <4124> is confounded <3001>(8689); for it is broken down <2865>(8804): howl <3213>(8685) and cry <2199>(8798); tell <5046>(8685) ye it in Arnon <769>, that Moab <4124> is spoiled <7703>(8795),
21. And judgment <4941> is come <935>(8804) upon the plain <4334> country <776>; upon Holon <2473>, and upon Jahazah <3096>, and upon Mephaath <4158>,
22. And upon Dibon <1769>, and upon Nebo <5015>, and upon Bethdiblathaim <1015>,
23. And upon Kiriathaim <7156>, and upon Bethgamul <1014>, and upon Bethmeon <1010>,
24. And upon Kerioth <7152>, and upon Bozrah <1224>, and upon all the cities <5892> of the land <776> of Moab <4124>, far <7350> or near <7138>.
25. The horn <7161> of Moab <4124> is cut off <1438>(8738), and his arm <2220> is broken <7665>(8738), saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>.
26. Make ye him drunken <7937>(8685): for he magnified <1431>(8689) himself against the LORD <3068>: Moab <4124> also shall wallow <5606>(8804) in his vomit <6892>, and he also shall be in derision <7814>.
27. For was not Israel <3478> a derision <7814> unto thee? was he found <4672>(8738) among thieves <1590>? for since <1767> thou spakest <1697> of him, thou skippedst <5110>(8709) for joy.
28. O ye that dwell <3427>(8802) in Moab <4124>, leave <5800>(8798) the cities <5892>, and dwell <7931>(8798) in the rock <5553>, and be like the dove <3123> that maketh her nest <7077>(8762) in the sides <5676> of the hole's <6354> mouth <6310>.
29. We have heard <8085>(8804) the pride <1347> of Moab <4124>, (he is exceeding <3966> proud <1343>) his loftiness <1363>, and his arrogancy <1346>, and his pride <1347>, and the haughtiness <7312> of his heart <3820>.
30. I know <3045>(8804) his wrath <5678>, saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>; but it shall not be so; his lies <907> shall not so effect <6213>(8804) it.
31. Therefore will I howl <3213>(8686) for Moab <4124>, and I will cry out <2199>(8799) for all Moab <4124>; mine heart shall mourn <1897>(8799) for the men <582> of Kirheres <7025>.
32. O vine <1612> of Sibmah <7643>, I will weep <1058>(8799) for thee with the weeping <1065> of Jazer <3270>: thy plants <5189> are gone over <5674>(8804) the sea <3220>, they reach <5060>(8804) even to the sea <3220> of Jazer <3270>: the spoiler <7703>(8802) is fallen <5307>(8804) upon thy summer fruits <7019> and upon thy vintage <1210>.
33. And joy <8057> and gladness <1524> is taken <622>(8738) from the plentiful field <3759>, and from the land <776> of Moab <4124>; and I have caused wine <3196> to fail <7673>(8689) from the winepresses <3342>: none shall tread <1869>(8799) with shouting <1959>; their shouting <1959> shall be no shouting <1959>.
34. From the cry <2201> of Heshbon <2809> even unto Elealeh <500>, and even unto Jahaz <3096>, have they uttered <5414>(8804) their voice <6963>, from Zoar <6820> even unto Horonaim <2773>, as an heifer <5697> of three years old <7992>: for the waters <4325> also of Nimrim <5249> shall be desolate <4923>.
35. Moreover I will cause to cease <7673>(8689) in Moab <4124>, saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>, him that offereth <5927>(8688) in the high places <1116>, and him that burneth incense <6999>(8688) to his gods <430>.
36. Therefore mine heart <3820> shall sound <1993>(8799) for Moab <4124> like pipes <2485>, and mine heart <3820> shall sound <1993>(8799) like pipes <2485> for the men <582> of Kirheres <7025>: because the riches <3502> that he hath gotten <6213>(8804) are perished <6>(8804).
37. For every head <7218> shall be bald <7144>, and every beard <2206> clipped <1639>(8803): upon all the hands <3027> shall be cuttings <1417>, and upon the loins <4975> sackcloth <8242>.
38. There shall be lamentation <4553> generally upon all the housetops <1406> of Moab <4124>, and in the streets <7339> thereof: for I have broken <7665>(8804) Moab <4124> like a vessel <3627> wherein is no pleasure <2656>, saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>.
39. They shall howl <3213>(8685), saying, How is it broken down <2865>(8804)! how hath Moab <4124> turned <6437>(8689) the back <6203> with shame <954>(8804)! so shall Moab <4124> be a derision <7814> and a dismaying <4288> to all them about <5439> him.
40. For thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068>; Behold, he shall fly <1675>(8799) as an eagle <5404>, and shall spread <6566>(8804) his wings <3671> over Moab <4124>.
41. Kerioth <7152> is taken <3920>(8738), and the strong holds <4679> are surprised <8610>(8738), and the mighty men's <1368> hearts <3820> in Moab <4124> at that day <3117> shall be as the heart <3820> of a woman <802> in her pangs <6887>(8688).
42. And Moab <4124> shall be destroyed <8045>(8738) from being a people <5971>, because he hath magnified <1431>(8689) himself against the LORD <3068>.
43. Fear <6343>, and the pit <6354>, and the snare <6341>, shall be upon thee, O inhabitant <3427>(8802) of Moab <4124>, saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>.
44. He that fleeth <5127>(8801)(8675) <5211> from <6440> the fear <6343> shall fall <5307>(8799) into the pit <6354>; and he that getteth up <5927>(8802) out of the pit <6354> shall be taken <3920>(8735) in the snare <6341>: for I will bring <935>(8686) upon it, even upon Moab <4124>, the year <8141> of their visitation <6486>, saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>.
45. They that fled <5127>(8801) stood <5975>(8804) under the shadow <6738> of Heshbon <2809> because of the force <3581>: but a fire <784> shall come forth <3318>(8804) out of Heshbon <2809>, and a flame <3852> from the midst <996> of Sihon <5511>, and shall devour <398>(8799) the corner <6285> of Moab <4124>, and the crown of the head <6936> of the tumultuous <7588> ones <1121>.
46. Woe <188> be unto thee, O Moab <4124>! the people <5971> of Chemosh <3645> perisheth <6>(8804): for thy sons <1121> are taken <3947>(8795) captives <7628>, and thy daughters <1323> captives <7633>.
47. Yet will I bring again <7725>(8804) the captivity <7622> of Moab <4124> in the latter <319> days <3117>, saith <5002>(8803) the LORD <3068>. Thus far <2008> is the judgment <4941> of Moab <4124>.
Notes that are not verse specific
This chapter is so full of good solid advice. Maybe we should remember that all scripture is God-breathed. It is very hard to abide by these principles when all around us the world are losing sight of them, but this chapter (and many others) make it quite clear where God expects us to make our stand.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2001 Reply to Peter
STATUS QUO
Where has God put you in your life to serve Him? There is no "best" or "only" way to serve God. He has called so many different people and we all have different needs, skills, abilities, likes and dislikes that no matter how hard we tried we could never all be the same - like a production line of robots. So Paul tells us in this chapter that if we are married - stay married, if you are circumcised - stay circumcised, if you are unmarried or uncircumcised - stay that way. If you are in a job - there is no need to move. God can use us as well where we are as where we could be. There is probably a reason that he calls us where we are, and it may be that we will be able to reach someone more in the position we are in, than in some other way. So let us not get disheartened or miserable because we think God may have put us in the wrong place, but instead renew our energies to serve him harder, how, when and where he has put us. God knows best and if we put our trust in Him, he will direct our paths. (Prov 3 v 5 - 6) Live for Him today!
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
7:1 Paul's advice is looking at the realistic and practical side of spiritual life when we have to deal with other humans including our wives. We can in no way construe that he is puting down marriage as an institution. We see that in Eph. 5 where he clearly shows that one man one woman joined together is type of our relationship with Christ.
Paul would never go against the judgement of God in Gen 2
Gen 2:18
18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
Paul like Christ (Matt. 19:10-12) say that it is a choice for a few that can stand to be alone but it is not for everyone.
It is interesting to note also that God made the animals male and female but he only initially made man. It was not until no suitable partner was found for man that God through a unique process made the woman (taken out of man). No other female creature was made in this manner.
It was God's assessment that man needed a help meet or a partner but this did not prevent that partner from causing difficulty in the life of her husband.
Paul's reflection here may be an echo back to Gen 3 where the man ate of the fruit at the urging of the woman.
Alex Browning [Kitchener-Waterloo] Comment added in 2008 Reply to Alex
Bro. Peter's comment above should remind us of a fundamental teaching of our Lord that is contained in Luke 14:7-14
But how often do we actually carry out our Lord's specific command in verses 13-14? If you're anything like me, very rarely indeed - if ever!
The fleshly nature we all bear encourages us us to gravitate towards those of equal or greater wealth and higher social standing than ourselves. This is a particularly ugly manifestation of the pride of life, the same pride of life that was the root cause of the Fall in Eden ("...then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods...").
Bro. Peter's comments highlight another vital lesson about the poor in our community: the very same lesson taught by the Apostle James in chapter 2:1-9. Verses 5-7 are particularly powerful.
It is interesting to note how our Lord emptied himself of all pride and "put his money where his mouth was" in such passages as Matt 11:5 and verse 29. He was indeed a lowly man in his own estimation and one who was not above preaching to and feeding the poor.
We would do well to emulate his example.
Nigel Morgan [Fawley UK] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Nigel
To view any notes specific to the verses below, use the icons:
Comments made directly on this verse Comments made elsewhere with reference to this verse
Please note that comments referring to a range of verses will be generated for every verse in that range
1. Now <1161> concerning <4012> the things whereof <3739> ye wrote <1125>(5656) unto me <3427>: It is good <2570> for a man <444> not <3361> to touch <680>(5733) a woman <1135>.
2. Nevertheless <1223> <1161>, to avoid fornication <4202>, let <2192> <0> every man <1538> have <2192>(5720) his own <1438> wife <1135>, and <2532> let <2192> <0> every woman <1538> have <2192>(5720) her own <2398> husband <435>.
3. Let <591> <0> the husband <435> render <591>(5720) unto the wife <1135> due <3784>(5746) benevolence <2133>: and <1161> likewise <3668> also <2532> the wife <1135> unto the husband <435>.
4. The wife <1135> hath <1850> <0> not <3756> power <1850>(5719) of her own <2398> body <4983>, but <235> the husband <435>: and <1161> likewise <3668> also <2532> the husband <435> hath <1850> <0> not <3756> power <1850>(5719) of his own <2398> body <4983>, but <235> the wife <1135>.
5. Defraud ye <650>(5720) not <3361> one the other <240>, except <1509> <302> it be <5100> with <1537> consent <4859> for <4314> a time <2540>, that <2443> ye may give yourselves <4980>(5725) to fasting <3521> and <2532> prayer <4335>; and <2532> come <4905>(5741) together <1909> <846> again <3825>, that <3363> <0> Satan <4567> tempt <3985>(5725) you <5209> not <3363> for <1223> your <5216> incontinency <192>.
6. But <1161> I speak <3004>(5719) this <5124> by <2596> permission <4774>, and not <3756> of <2596> commandment <2003>.
7. For <1063> I would <2309>(5719) that all <3956> men <444> were <1511>(5750) even <2532> as <5613> I myself <1683>. But <235> every man <1538> hath <2192>(5719) his proper <2398> gift <5486> of <1537> God <2316>, one <3739> <3303> after this manner <3779>, and <1161> another <3739> after that <3779>.
8. I say <3004>(5719) therefore <1161> to the unmarried <22> and <2532> widows <5503>, It is <2076>(5748) good <2570> for them <846> if <1437> they abide <3306>(5661) even <2504> <0> as <5613> I <2504>.
9. But <1161> if <1487> they <1467> <0> cannot <3756> contain <1467>(5736), let them marry <1060>(5657): for <1063> it is <2076>(5748) better <2909> to marry <1060>(5658) than <2228> to burn <4448>(5745).
10. And <1161> unto the married <1060>(5761) I command <3853>(5719), yet not <3756> I <1473>, but <235> the Lord <2962>, Let <5563> <0> not <3361> the wife <1135> depart <5563>(5683) from <575> her husband <435>:
11. But <1161> and <2532> if <1437> she depart <5563>(5681), let her remain <3306>(5720) unmarried <22>, or <2228> be reconciled <2644>(5649) to her husband <435>: and <2532> let <863> <0> not <3361> the husband <435> put away <863>(5721) his wife <1135>.
12. But <1161> to the rest <3062> speak <3004>(5719) I <1473>, not <3756> the Lord <2962>: If any <1536> brother <80> hath <2192>(5719) a wife <1135> that believeth not <571>, and <2532> she <846> be pleased <4909>(5719) to dwell <3611>(5721) with <3326> him <846>, let him <863> <0> not <3361> put <863> <0> her <846> away <863>(5720).
13. And <2532> the woman <1135> which <3748> hath <2192>(5719) an husband <435> that believeth not <571>, and <2532> if he <846> be pleased <4909>(5719) to dwell <3611>(5721) with <3326> her <846>, let her <863> <0> not <3361> leave <863>(5720) him <846>.
14. For <1063> the unbelieving <571> husband <435> is sanctified <37>(5769) by <1722> the wife <1135>, and <2532> the unbelieving <571> wife <1135> is sanctified <37>(5769) by <1722> the husband <435>: else <686> <1893> were <2076>(5748) your <5216> children <5043> unclean <169>; but <1161> now <3568> are they <2076>(5748) holy <40>.
15. But <1161> if <1487> the unbelieving <571> depart <5563>(5731), let him depart <5563>(5744). A brother <80> or <2228> a sister <79> is <1402> <0> not <3756> under bondage <1402>(5769) in <1722> such <5108> cases: but <1161> God <2316> hath called <2564>(5758) us <2248> to <1722> peace <1515>.
16. For <1063> what <5101> knowest thou <1492>(5758), O wife <1135>, whether <1487> thou shalt save <4982>(5692) thy husband <435>? or <2228> how <5101> knowest thou <1492>(5758), O man <435>, whether <1487> thou shalt save <4982>(5692) thy wife <1135>?
17. But <1508> as <5613> God <2316> hath distributed <3307>(5656) to every man <1538>, as <5613> the Lord <2962> hath called <2564>(5758) every one <1538>, so <3779> let him walk <4043>(5720). And <2532> so <3779> ordain I <1299>(5731) in <1722> all <3956> churches <1577>.
18. Is <2564> <0> any man <5100> called <2564>(5681) being circumcised <4059>(5772)? let him <1986> <0> not <3361> become uncircumcised <1986>(5737). Is <2564> <0> any <5100> called <2564>(5681) in <1722> uncircumcision <203>? let him <4059> <0> not <3361> be circumcised <4059>(5744).
19. Circumcision <4061> is <2076>(5748) nothing <3762>, and <2532> uncircumcision <203> is <2076>(5748) nothing <3762>, but <235> the keeping <5084> of the commandments <1785> of God <2316>.
20. Let <3306> <0> every man <1538> abide <3306>(5720) in <1722> the same <5026> calling <2821> wherein <1722> <3739> he was called <2564>(5681) <1722>.
21. Art thou called <2564>(5681) being a servant <1401>? care <3199> <0> <4671> not <3361> for it <3199>(5720): but <235> <2532> if <1499> thou mayest <1410>(5736) be made <1096>(5635) free <1658>, use <5530>(5663) it rather <3123>.
22. For <1063> he that is called <2564>(5685) in <1722> the Lord <2962>, being a servant <1401>, is <2076>(5748) the Lord's <2962> freeman <558>: likewise <3668> also <2532> he that is called <2564>(5685), being free <1658>, is <2076>(5748) Christ's <5547> servant <1401>.
23. Ye are bought <59>(5681) with a price <5092>; be <1096> <0> not <3361> ye <1096>(5737) the servants <1401> of men <444>.
24. Brethren <80>, let <3306> <0> every man <1538>, wherein <1722> <3739> he is called <2564>(5681), therein <1722> <5129> abide <3306>(5720) with <3844> God <2316>.
25. Now <1161> concerning <4012> virgins <3933> I have <2192>(5719) no <3756> commandment <2003> of the Lord <2962>: yet <1161> I give <1325>(5719) my judgment <1106>, as <5613> one that hath obtained mercy <1653>(5772) of <5259> the Lord <2962> to be <1511>(5750) faithful <4103>.
26. I suppose <3543>(5719) therefore <3767> that this <5124> is <5225>(5721) good <2570> for <1223> the present <1764>(5761) distress <318>, I say, that <3754> it is good <2570> for a man <444> so <3779> to be <1511>(5750).
27. Art thou bound <1210>(5769) unto a wife <1135>? seek <2212>(5720) not <3361> to be loosed <3089>(5769). Art thou loosed <3080> from <575> a wife <1135>? seek <2212>(5720) not <3361> a wife <1135>.
28. But <1161> and <2532> if <1437> thou marry <1060>(5661), thou hast <264> <0> not <3756> sinned <264>(5627); and <2532> if <1437> a virgin <3933> marry <1060>(5661), she hath <264> <0> not <3756> sinned <264>(5627). Nevertheless <1161> such <5108> shall have <2192>(5692) trouble <2347> in the flesh <4561>: but <1161> I <1473> spare <5339>(5736) you <5216>.
29. But <1161> this <5124> I say <5346>(5748), brethren <80>, the time <2540> is short <4958>(5772): it remaineth <2076>(5748) <3063>, that <2443> both <2532> they that have <2192>(5723) wives <1135> be <5600>(5753) as though <5613> they had <2192>(5723) none <3361>;
30. And <2532> they that weep <2799>(5723), as <5613> though they wept <2799>(5723) not <3361>; and <2532> they that rejoice <5463>(5723), as <5613> though they rejoiced <5463>(5723) not <3361>; and <2532> they that buy <59>(5723), as <5613> though they possessed <2722>(5723) not <3361>;
31. And <2532> they that use <5530>(5740) this <5127> world <2889>, as <5613> not <3361> abusing <2710>(5740) it: for <1063> the fashion <4976> of this <5129> world <2889> passeth away <3855>(5719).
32. But <1161> I would have <1511>(5750) <2309>(5719) you <5209> without carefulness <275>. He that is unmarried <22> careth <3309>(5719) for the things that belong to <3588> the Lord <2962>, how <4459> he may please <700>(5692) the Lord <2962>:
33. But <1161> he that is married <1060>(5660) careth <3309>(5719) for the things that are <3588> of the world <2889>, how <4459> he may please <700>(5692) his wife <1135>.
34. There is difference also between <3307>(5769) a wife <1135> and <2532> a virgin <3933>. The unmarried woman <22> careth for <3309>(5719) the things <3588> of the Lord <2962>, that <2443> she may be <5600>(5753) holy <40> both <2532> in body <4983> and <2532> in spirit <4151>: but <1161> she that is married <1060>(5660) careth <3309>(5719) for the things <3588> of the world <2889>, how <4459> she may please <700>(5692) her husband <435>.
35. And <1161> this <5124> I speak <3004>(5719) for <4314> your <5216> own <846> profit <4851>(5723); not <3756> that <2443> I may cast <1911>(5632) a snare <1029> upon you <5213>, but <235> for that which <4314> is comely <2158>, and <2532> that ye may attend upon <2145> the Lord <2962> without distraction <563>.
36. But <1161> if any man <1536> think <3543>(5719) that he behaveth himself uncomely <807>(5721) toward <1909> his <848> virgin <3933>, if <1437> she pass the flower of her age <5230> <5600>(5753), and <2532> need <3784>(5719) so <3779> require <1096>(5738), let him do <4160>(5720) what <3739> he will <2309>(5719), he sinneth <264>(5719) not <3756>: let them marry <1060>(5720).
37. Nevertheless <1161> he <3739> that standeth <2476>(5707)(5758) stedfast <1476> in <1722> his heart <2588>, having <2192>(5723) no <3361> necessity <318>, but <1161> hath <2192>(5719) power <1849> over <4012> his own <2398> will <2307>, and <2532> hath <2919> <0> so <5124> decreed <2919>(5758) in <1722> his <848> heart <2588> that he will keep <5083>(5721) his <1438> virgin <3933>, doeth <4160>(5719) well <2573>.
38. So <5620> then <2532> he that giveth her in marriage <1547>(5723) doeth <4160>(5719) well <2573>; but <1161> he that giveth her <1547> <0> not <3361> in marriage <1547>(5723) doeth <4160>(5719) better <2908>.
39. The wife <1135> is bound <1210>(5769) by the law <3551> <1909> as long <5550> as <3745> her husband <435> liveth <2198>(5719); but <1161> if <1437> her <846> husband <435> be dead <2837>(5686), she is <2076>(5748) at liberty <1658> to be married <1060>(5683) to whom <3739> she will <2309>(5719); only <3440> in <1722> the Lord <2962>.
40. But <1161> she is <2076>(5748) happier <3107> if <1437> she <3306> <0> so <3779> abide <3306>(5661), after <2596> my <1699> judgment <1106>: and <1161> I think <1380>(5719) also <2504> that I have <2192>(5721) the Spirit <4151> of God <2316>.