King James Version
What Does 1 Corinthians 7:13 Mean?
“And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.”
Context
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.
14
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
15
But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. to peace: Gr. in peace
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(13) **Let her not leave him.**—Better, *let her not put him away;* the Greek being the same as is applied to the husband in 1Corinthians 7:12. Under Roman law—and St. Paul was writing to those who were under such law—the wife, as well as the husband, was permitted to obtain a divorce. It is therefore probable that St. Paul uses the stronger term here in reference to the woman’s action in the matter, instead of repeating the same word as in 1Corinthians 7:10. Some have suggested that the reason St. Paul applies this word to the action of the woman in the matter is that, in the case under consideration, the fact of the wife being a Christian inverts, in St. Paul’s opinion, the natural order, and makes her the superior. This is wholly inadmissible, and quite contrary to St. Paul’s view of the absolute superiority of the " husband. (See 1Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:22; 1Timothy 2:11.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 7:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.