‏ 1 Corinthians 7:27

 Art thou bound to a wife? ( δεδεσα γυναικι; ). Perfect passive indicative of  δεω, to bind, with dative case  γυναικ. Marriage bond as in Ro 7:2.

 Seek not to be loosed ( μη ζητε λυσιν ). Present active imperative with negative  μη, "Do not be seeking release" ( λυσιν ) from the marriage bond, old word, here only in N.T.

 Seek not a wife ( μη ζητε γυναικα ). Same construction, Do not be seeking a wife. Bachelors as well as widowers are included in  λελυσα (loosed, perfect passive indicative of  λυω ). This advice of Paul he only urges "because of the present necessity" (verse 26). Whether he held on to this opinion later one does not know. Certainly he gives the noblest view of marriage in Eph 5:22-33. Paul does not present it as his opinion for all men at all times. Men feel it their duty to seek a wife.

Copyright information for RWP