1 Corinthians 7:11

Translations

Modern

But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

Traditional

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

Literal

But if indeed she might be separated, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to the husband; and a husband is not to send away a wife.

Latin

…quod si discesserit, manere innuptam, aut viro suo reconciliari. Et vir uxorem non dimittat.

Original

Greek

English

But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

Notes

1 Corinthians 7:10–11

Paul advises Christian couples considering divorce.
not I, but the Lord: This does not mean Paul's other instructions (see 1 Corinthians 7:12, 25, 40) have less authority. It means this advice is based on known teachings of Jesus (see Matthew 5:32; 19:9; Mark 10:11–12; Luke 16:18).
But if she does: Paul recognizes that some couples struggle to live together, but even then, they must honor their marriage vows and remain faithful to their spouse alone (see 1 Corinthians 7:27; Romans 7:2).
–

1 Corinthians 7:1–40

Paul often says that true Christians, as servants of Christ, belong completely to Christ for his service. Because of this, he suggests Christians stay single. However, he admits that getting married is not a sin.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Biblical Marriage Human Sexuality Intermarriage and Divorce

Related verses

Jeremiah 3:1
“If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers—and you would return to Me?” declares the LORD.
1 Corinthians 7:10
To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband.
Deuteronomy 22:19
They are also to fine him a hundred shekels of silver and give them to the young woman’s father, because this man has given a virgin of Israel a bad name. And she shall remain his wife; he must not divorce her as long as he lives.
Isaiah 50:1
This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.
Judges 19:2–3
But she was unfaithful to him and left him to return to her father’s house in Bethlehem in Judah. After she had been there four months,
Mark 10:2
Some Pharisees came to test Him. “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” they inquired.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) First Letter to the Corinthians Love Marriage, Marriage Customs Virgin

Topics

A Healthy Marriage Committing Adultery Divorce: General Scriptures Concerning Divorces Early Marriage Falling out of Love Grounds for Divorce Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: Not to Leave Them, Though Unbelieving Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To No Other Foundation Second Marriage Separation in Marriage Wanting to Be Married Wife: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

1 Corinthians 7:11

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?