King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:11 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:11 in the King James Version says “But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his w...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.”

1 Corinthians 7:11 · KJV

Context

9

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

10

And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

11

But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

12

But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

13

And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But and if she depart—Paul acknowledges the reality of separation (possibly physical separation short of legal divorce, or divorce that has already occurred). The concessive ean de kai (ἐὰν δὲ καί, "but if indeed") suggests Paul is addressing actual cases in Corinth. He offers two options: let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband.

The command meneto agamos (μενέτω ἄγαμος, "let her remain unmarried") forbids remarriage after divorce, as this would constitute adultery (Matthew 5:32). The alternative, katallage (καταλλαγή, "reconciliation"), is strongly preferred—restoration of the marriage covenant. Both imperatives protect the permanence of marriage: if divorce occurs, the bond is not truly severed.

Paul adds and let not the husband put away his wife (aphienai, ἀφιέναι, "send away/divorce"), using the standard Jewish term for divorce. This repeats the command of verse 10 with emphasis on the husband's responsibility. Paul's repetition underscores that neither spouse may initiate divorce, reflecting Jesus' teaching on marriage's indissolubility.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish law allowed husbands to divorce wives (Deuteronomy 24:1) but not vice versa. Roman law permitted wives to initiate divorce. Paul addresses both, maintaining Jesus' standard that neither party should divorce. His insistence on remaining unmarried or reconciling protected divorced women from economic vulnerability while upholding marriage's permanence.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul forbid remarriage after divorce, even though separation has occurred?
  2. What does "reconciliation" involve—how can a divorced couple work toward restoring their covenant?
  3. How should the church balance upholding marriage permanence with compassion for those in difficult marriages?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἐὰν1 of 15

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

δὲ2 of 15

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 15

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

χωρισθῇ4 of 15

“she depart”

G5563

to place room between, i.e., part; reflexively, to go away

μενέτω5 of 15

“let her remain”

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

ἄγαμος6 of 15

“unmarried”

G22

unmarried

ἢ7 of 15

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τῷ8 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄνδρα9 of 15

“the husband”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

καταλλαγήτω10 of 15

“be reconciled”

G2644

to change mutually, i.e., (figuratively) to compound a difference

καὶ11 of 15

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἄνδρα12 of 15

“the husband”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

γυναῖκα13 of 15

“his wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

μὴ14 of 15

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀφιέναι15 of 15

“let”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 7:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 7:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 3:11 Corinthians 7:10Judges 19:2-3Isaiah 50:1Deuteronomy 22:19Mark 10:2

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