1 Corinthians 7:15
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄπιστος
the unbelieving
G571
ἄπιστος
the unbelieving
Strong's:
G571
Word #:
4 of 23
(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)
χωριζέσθω·
depart
G5563
χωριζέσθω·
depart
Strong's:
G5563
Word #:
5 of 23
to place room between, i.e., part; reflexively, to go away
χωριζέσθω·
depart
G5563
χωριζέσθω·
depart
Strong's:
G5563
Word #:
6 of 23
to place room between, i.e., part; reflexively, to go away
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφὸς
A brother
G80
ἀδελφὸς
A brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
10 of 23
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοιούτοις·
such
G5108
τοιούτοις·
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
16 of 23
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
εἰρήνῃ
peace
G1515
εἰρήνῃ
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
19 of 23
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
κέκληκεν
hath called
G2564
κέκληκεν
hath called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
20 of 23
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
Cross References
Romans 14:19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.2 Corinthians 13:11Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.Romans 12:18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.1 Corinthians 14:33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.Matthew 12:50For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that believers are "not bound" when an unbeliever departs—does this permit remarriage?
- How does God's call to "peace" inform decisions about remaining in difficult mixed marriages?
- How should the church support believers who are abandoned by unbelieving spouses?
Analysis & 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.