King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:15 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:15 in the King James Version says “But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath ca... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 7:15 · KJV


Context

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

17

But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart—the verb chōrizetai (χωρίζεται, "separates/divorces") indicates the unbeliever's choice to leave. Paul's permission chōrizesthō (χωριζέσθω, "let him/her depart") releases the believer from the obligation to preserve the marriage. A brother or a sister is not under bondage uses dedoulōtai (δεδούλωται, "enslaved/bound").

The phrase "not under bondage" has been debated: does it merely permit separation, or allow remarriage? The verb dedoulōtai suggests release from marital obligation. Many interpreters see here the "Pauline privilege"—the believer is free to remarry when the unbeliever abandons the marriage. Paul's rationale: but God hath called us to peace (en eirēnē, ἐν εἰρήνῃ, "in peace").

Paul will not require believers to remain in contentious marriages where the unbeliever refuses to stay. Forced cohabitation contradicts the peace to which God calls His people. This exception (like Jesus' exception for sexual immorality in Matthew 19:9) protects the abandoned believer while upholding marriage's ideal permanence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In Greco-Roman and Jewish contexts, conversion to Christianity could prompt unbelieving spouses to divorce. Paul's teaching that believers are "not bound" in such cases provided pastoral care for abandoned Christians, protecting them from being trapped in marriages the unbeliever had dissolved.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that believers are "not bound" when an unbeliever departs—does this permit remarriage?
  2. How does God's call to "peace" inform decisions about remaining in difficult mixed marriages?
  3. How should the church support believers who are abandoned by unbelieving spouses?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
εἰ1 of 23

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 23

But

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 23
G3588

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

ἄπιστος4 of 23

the unbelieving

G571

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

χωριζέσθω·5 of 23

depart

G5563

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

χωριζέσθω·6 of 23

depart

G5563

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

οὐ7 of 23

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δεδούλωται8 of 23

is

G1402

to enslave (literally or figuratively)

9 of 23
G3588

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

ἀδελφὸς10 of 23

A brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

11 of 23

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

12 of 23
G3588

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

ἀδελφὴ13 of 23

a sister

G79

a sister (naturally or ecclesiastically)

ἐν14 of 23

in

G1722

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

τοῖς15 of 23
G3588

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

τοιούτοις·16 of 23

such

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

ἐν17 of 23

in

G1722

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

δὲ18 of 23

But

G1161

but, and, etc

εἰρήνῃ19 of 23

peace

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

κέκληκεν20 of 23

hath called

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

ἡμᾶς21 of 23

us

G2248

us

22 of 23
G3588

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

θεός23 of 23

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


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 7:15 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 7:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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