1 Corinthians 7:16
For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?
Original Language Analysis
τί
how
G5101
τί
how
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 16
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
οἶδας
knowest thou
G1492
οἶδας
knowest thou
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
3 of 16
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώσεις
thou shalt save
G4982
σώσεις
thou shalt save
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
8 of 16
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
τί
how
G5101
τί
how
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
10 of 16
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
οἶδας
knowest thou
G1492
οἶδας
knowest thou
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
11 of 16
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
Historical 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).
Questions for Reflection
- How should believers in mixed marriages balance evangelistic hope with the reality that conversion is uncertain?
- What does it look like to witness faithfully to an unbelieving spouse without manipulation or obligation?
- How does Paul's teaching protect believers from remaining in destructive situations out of false guilt?
Analysis & 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:
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.