King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:14 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:14 in the King James Version says “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were ... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

1 Corinthians 7:14 · KJV


Context

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

16

For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? how: Gr. what


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife—the verb hēgiastai (ἡγίασται, "has been sanctified") does not mean the unbeliever is saved through the spouse, but that the marriage itself is holy and legitimate. Paul addresses fears that union with an unbeliever defiles the believer. Instead, the believer's presence sanctifies the relationship.

The reciprocal statement and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband emphasizes mutuality. Paul's reasoning: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. The term akatharta (ἀκάθαρτα, "unclean") versus hagia (ἅγια, "holy") draws on Old Testament purity categories. Christian children of mixed marriages are not illegitimate or unholy, but set apart for God.

This teaching directly counters Jewish concerns about mixed marriages defiling the covenant community (Ezra 9-10). Paul asserts that holiness is contagious, not defilement—the gospel reverses Old Covenant separation principles. The believer's presence brings the household within God's covenant sphere, offering hope for the unbeliever's eventual salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Old Testament law required separating from foreign wives to maintain covenant purity (Ezra 10:10-11). Paul's teaching reflects the New Covenant's expansive reach: rather than contamination through contact with unbelievers, the gospel sanctifies relationships. This parallels Jesus' pattern of bringing holiness through contact (Mark 1:41; Luke 7:14).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's teaching that holiness is "contagious" rather than defilement reflect the gospel's power?
  2. What does it mean that children of mixed marriages are "holy"—how should this affect Christian parenting?
  3. How should believers in mixed marriages view their evangelistic opportunity without manipulating their spouse?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
ἡγίασται1 of 29

is sanctified

G37

to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate

γὰρ2 of 29

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

3 of 29
G3588

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

ἀνδρί·4 of 29

husband

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

5 of 29
G3588

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

ἄπιστος6 of 29

the unbelieving

G571

(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)

ἐν7 of 29

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ8 of 29
G3588

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

γυνὴ9 of 29

the wife

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

καὶ10 of 29

and

G2532

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

ἡγίασται11 of 29

is sanctified

G37

to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate

12 of 29
G3588

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

γυνὴ13 of 29

the wife

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

14 of 29
G3588

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

ἄπιστος15 of 29

the unbelieving

G571

(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)

ἐν16 of 29

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ17 of 29
G3588

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

ἀνδρί·18 of 29

husband

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἐπεὶ19 of 29
G1893

thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)

ἄρα20 of 29

else

G686

a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)

τὰ21 of 29
G3588

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

τέκνα22 of 29

children

G5043

a child (as produced)

ὑμῶν23 of 29

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἀκάθαρτά24 of 29

unclean

G169

impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))

ἐστιν25 of 29

are they

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

νῦν26 of 29

now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

δὲ27 of 29

but

G1161

but, and, etc

ἅγιά28 of 29

holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

ἐστιν29 of 29

are they

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are


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 7:14 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 7:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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