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Book of 1 Corinthians - Chapter 7 - Verse 7

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.

Meaning

First Corinthians 7:7 is a verse where the apostle Paul is expressing his desire for all people to live a life of singleness and celibacy like himself. However, he acknowledges that not everyone is called to this lifestyle. He explains that each person has their own unique gift from God, some may have the gift of celibacy while others may have the gift of marriage. This verse emphasizes the diversity of gifts that God has given to individuals and highlights the importance of embracing and using these gifts for the greater good. It reminds us that not everyone is called to the same path in life, and that God has a unique plan and purpose for each person. This verse encourages us to appreciate and respect the different gifts and callings that people have, recognizing that they all ultimately come from God.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the apostle Paul expresses his desire for all men to be like he is, which likely refers to his celibate and single state. Paul viewed celibacy as a gift from God that allowed him to fully devote himself to the service of the Lord without distraction. However, Paul acknowledges that not everyone is called to celibacy and that each person has their own unique gift from God. This verse emphasizes the diversity of gifts within the body of believers and the importance of each individual using their gift to serve God and others. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the value of celibacy as a gift from God, while also affirming the diversity of gifts within the Christian community. It serves as a reminder that each person is uniquely gifted by God and called to serve Him in different ways according to their individual abilities and strengths.

American Standard Version

Yet I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.
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