1 Corinthians 7:14
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἡγίασται
is sanctified
G37
ἡγίασται
is sanctified
Strong's:
G37
Word #:
1 of 29
to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 29
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄπιστος
the unbelieving
G571
ἄπιστος
the unbelieving
Strong's:
G571
Word #:
6 of 29
(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡγίασται
is sanctified
G37
ἡγίασται
is sanctified
Strong's:
G37
Word #:
11 of 29
to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄπιστος
the unbelieving
G571
ἄπιστος
the unbelieving
Strong's:
G571
Word #:
15 of 29
(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄρα
else
G686
ἄρα
else
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
20 of 29
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀκάθαρτά
unclean
G169
ἀκάθαρτά
unclean
Strong's:
G169
Word #:
24 of 29
impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))
ἐστιν
are they
G2076
ἐστιν
are they
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
25 of 29
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
26 of 29
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
Cross References
Titus 1:15Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.1 Timothy 4:5For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.Isaiah 52:1Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.Romans 11:16For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
Historical Context
Old Testament law required separating from foreign wives to maintain covenant purity (Ezra 10:10-11). Paul's teaching reflects the New Covenant's expansive reach: rather than contamination through contact with unbelievers, the gospel sanctifies relationships. This parallels Jesus' pattern of bringing holiness through contact (Mark 1:41; Luke 7:14).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's teaching that holiness is "contagious" rather than defilement reflect the gospel's power?
- What does it mean that children of mixed marriages are "holy"—how should this affect Christian parenting?
- How should believers in mixed marriages view their evangelistic opportunity without manipulating their spouse?
Analysis & Commentary
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife—the verb hēgiastai (ἡγίασται, "has been sanctified") does not mean the unbeliever is saved through the spouse, but that the marriage itself is holy and legitimate. Paul addresses fears that union with an unbeliever defiles the believer. Instead, the believer's presence sanctifies the relationship.
The reciprocal statement and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband emphasizes mutuality. Paul's reasoning: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. The term akatharta (ἀκάθαρτα, "unclean") versus hagia (ἅγια, "holy") draws on Old Testament purity categories. Christian children of mixed marriages are not illegitimate or unholy, but set apart for God.
This teaching directly counters Jewish concerns about mixed marriages defiling the covenant community (Ezra 9-10). Paul asserts that holiness is contagious, not defilement—the gospel reverses Old Covenant separation principles. The believer's presence brings the household within God's covenant sphere, offering hope for the unbeliever's eventual salvation.