1 Corinthians 7:39

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

A wife is bound [i.e., to stay married] for as long as her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to anyone she wants; [but it must be] only in the Lord [i.e., he must be a faithful Christian].

Cross References

1 Corinthians 7:10

Now I command married people, although it is [really] the Lord’s command [See. Mark 10:2-12]: A wife should not separate from her husband. [Note: This act implies the intention of pursuing a legal and permanent breach of the marriage relationship by divorce. “Separate” and “divorce” appear to be used interchangeably in this section. See verses 11-15].

1 Corinthians 7:15

Yet if the unbelieving mate separates [from his spouse], let him go. The brother or sister is not obligated [to continue the marriage] under such circumstances. For God has called you [believers] to live in peace.

1 Corinthians 7:38

So then, the man who marries his virgin [fiancée] is doing the right thing and the man who does not marry her is doing [even] better.