1 Corinthians 7:27

Bound. Gr. deo, “to bind,” “to fasten.” Marriage is often spoken of today as a tie or bond, stressing the permanent nature of the union that is entered into when two people are married.

Loosed. That is, by separation or divorce. The apostle teaches that even in times of crisis or emergency there must be no neglect of the responsibility that falls upon married persons. They are required to continue in the marriage relation and to do their duty as married persons. Though they might find increased difficulties facing them in times of persecution and trial, they must not think of breaking the bond of duty in order to avoid inconvenience and suffering. They should do their duty, and trust in God to care for them.

Art thou loosed? That is, are you in a state of freedom from the marriage bond? The phrase applies to bachelors as well as to widowers.

Seek not a wife. To the widower or bachelor is given the advice not to be anxious to enter the married state (cf. on v. 1). This verse does not teach that Paul disapproved of marriage or that he declared it to be unlawful (as some of the Corinthian believers probably thought, see on v. 28). He was seeking, rather, to save Christians from unnecessary involvements in times of emergency (see on v. 26). It is true that the unmarried have an easier time in periods of distress.