1 Corinthians 7:13
And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔχει
hath
G2192
ἔχει
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
4 of 15
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἄπιστον
that believeth not
G571
ἄπιστον
that believeth not
Strong's:
G571
Word #:
6 of 15
(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτόν
her
G846
αὐτόν
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
συνευδοκεῖ
be pleased
G4909
συνευδοκεῖ
be pleased
Strong's:
G4909
Word #:
9 of 15
to think well of in common, i.e., assent to, feel gratified with
οἰκεῖν
to dwell
G3611
οἰκεῖν
to dwell
Strong's:
G3611
Word #:
10 of 15
to occupy a house, i.e., reside (figuratively, inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication, to cohabit
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτόν
her
G846
αὐτόν
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
13 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Historical Context
Greco-Roman wives who converted to new religions often faced intense pressure from husbands, as religious devotion was expected to align with the household's patron gods. Paul's instruction to remain married despite religious difference was countercultural, trusting God's sanctifying work through the believing wife.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's equal treatment of believing wives and husbands reflect Christianity's elevation of women?
- What challenges do believing spouses face in mixed marriages, and how can the church support them?
- How should a believing spouse balance honoring marriage with maintaining faithfulness to Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not—Paul now addresses believing wives married to unbelieving husbands, maintaining complete reciprocity. The phrase and if he be pleased to dwell with her again emphasizes the unbeliever's consent using syneuddokei (συνευδοκεῖ, "is willing"). Let her not leave him uses aphietō (ἀφιέτω, "let her not send away/divorce").
In a patriarchal culture where wives had limited agency, Paul's instruction that wives should not divorce husbands acknowledges their capacity for decision-making. This reflects the Christian elevation of women's status. The believing wife's influence in a mixed marriage could lead to her husband's conversion (v. 16) and provides a sanctifying presence for children (v. 14).
Paul's counsel protects the stability of mixed marriages for the sake of both evangelism and children. Unless the unbeliever initiates separation (v. 15), the believer must honor the covenant. This reflects the gospel's call to faithfulness even in difficult circumstances, trusting God's power to work through a believing spouse.