A frequent misinterpretation views this verse as a blanket rejection of all human authority, such as employers, governments, or leaders, inciting rebellion or individualism; in reality, Paul addresses slaves and free persons alike, warning against spiritual enslavement to human agendas over God's will, without negating biblical calls to honor legitimate authorities or serve others humbly.
I Corinthians 7:23
King James Version (1769)
23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
The core truth of this passage is that believers have been purchased at great cost by Christ's redemptive sacrifice, establishing their ultimate freedom and ownership by God; thus, they must not allow themselves to become enslaved to human masters, opinions, or worldly systems that would rival their devotion to the Lord, emphasizing spiritual liberty amid any earthly circumstance like slavery or freedom.