Lexical Summary lusis: Release, Loosing, Liberation Original Word: λύσις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a release, separationFrom luo; a loosening, i.e. (specially), divorce -- to be loosed. see GREEK luo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom luó Definition a loosing (by divorce) NASB Translation released (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3080: λύσιςλύσις, λυσεως, ἡ (λύω) (from Homer down), a loosing of any bond, as that of marriage; hence, once in the N. T. of divorce, 1 Corinthians 7:27. Topical Lexicon Scriptural Occurrence The noun appears once in the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 7:27, where Paul writes: “Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek release. Are you released from a wife? Do not look for a wife” (Berean Standard Bible). The word stands in deliberate contrast to δέδεσαι (“bound”), highlighting the difference between a continuing marital obligation and its cessation. Historical and Cultural Background In first-century Greco-Roman society marriage could be dissolved through a variety of civil procedures, most far less formal than later Christian practice would allow. Corinth, an international port with a reputation for moral laxity, offered multiple avenues for separating from one’s spouse, sometimes even by mutual consent without state oversight. Paul acknowledges that the possibility of dissolution exists, yet frames his counsel around the “present distress” (1 Corinthians 7:26) and the higher priority of undistracted devotion to the Lord. Theological Themes 1. Covenant Responsibility The juxtaposition of “bound” and “release” underscores marital union as a covenantal bond rather than a mere social contract (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5-6). Paul’s exhortation not to “seek release” reaffirms the permanence intended by God, while still recognizing situations in which a believer might already stand “released.” 2. Contentment in Calling The wider passage (1 Corinthians 7:17-24) teaches contentment within one’s present circumstances—be they marital, ethnic, or economic—so long as they do not violate God’s commands. “Release” is therefore not pursued as a path to greater fulfillment; instead, the believer is urged to find purpose wherever the Lord has placed him. 3. Pastoral Sensitivity Paul distinguishes between objective status (“bound” or “released”) and subjective experience (“do not seek…”). His balanced counsel avoids legalism on the one hand and laxity on the other, guiding believers through complex family situations without compromising scriptural authority (compare Romans 7:2-3; Malachi 2:16). Pastoral Application • Marriage counseling should maintain the biblical tension between honoring the marital covenant and offering grace where dissolution has already occurred. Related Biblical Concepts Although this noun is rare, the wider family of λυ- words appears frequently: Thus, the solitary use of the noun in 1 Corinthians 7:27 connects marriage ethics with the broader biblical motif of true freedom achieved under God’s lordship. Summary Strong’s Greek 3080 signals the termination of a binding relationship, yet Paul’s single use of the term in 1 Corinthians 7:27 reinforces the scriptural ideal of marital permanence, urges contentment in one’s calling, and offers pastoral clarity to those already freed from marital obligation. Forms and Transliterations λύσεις λυσιν λύσιν lusin lysin lýsinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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