King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:16 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:16 in the King James Version says “For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save ...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

1 Corinthians 7:16 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

18

Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

Read 1 Corinthians 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband?—the interrogative suggests uncertainty: ti gar oidas (τί γὰρ οἶδας, "for what do you know?"). The verb sōseis (σώσεις, "you will save") refers to spiritual salvation through the husband's conversion. Paul asks a rhetorical question that can be read two ways: (1) as encouragement—"you might save your spouse!" or (2) as caution—"you cannot be certain."

Context suggests interpretation (2): Paul has just permitted separation when the unbeliever departs (v. 15). This verse provides rationale—the believer should not feel obligated to endure an abusive or intolerable situation hoping to convert the spouse, since conversion is uncertain. The reciprocal question or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? applies the principle equally.

Paul's pastoral wisdom balances hope (the believer's presence does sanctify, v. 14) with realism (conversion cannot be guaranteed). Believers in mixed marriages should not remain solely from evangelistic obligation if the unbeliever chooses to leave. Salvation belongs to God's sovereign work, not the believing spouse's endurance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christians faced pressure from two directions: pagans might demand divorce from Christian spouses, while some Christians felt obligated to remain in destructive marriages for evangelistic purposes. Paul protects believers from false guilt while acknowledging the possibility of conversion through godly witness (1 Peter 3:1-2).

Reflection Questions

  1. How should believers in mixed marriages balance evangelistic hope with the reality that conversion is uncertain?
  2. What does it look like to witness faithfully to an unbelieving spouse without manipulation or obligation?
  3. How does Paul's teaching protect believers from remaining in destructive situations out of false guilt?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
τί1 of 16

“how”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

γὰρ2 of 16

“For”

G1063

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

οἶδας3 of 16

“knowest thou”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

γυναῖκα4 of 16

“O wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

εἰ5 of 16

“whether”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τὸν6 of 16
G3588

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

ἄνερ7 of 16

“O man”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

σώσεις8 of 16

“thou shalt save”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

ἢ9 of 16

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τί10 of 16

“how”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οἶδας11 of 16

“knowest thou”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἄνερ12 of 16

“O man”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

εἰ13 of 16

“whether”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τὴν14 of 16
G3588

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

γυναῖκα15 of 16

“O wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

σώσεις16 of 16

“thou shalt save”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

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 7:16 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 7:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 3:1-2Romans 11:141 Corinthians 9:22James 5:19-201 Timothy 4:16Luke 15:10

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