1 Corinthians 7:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 7:11
11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 7 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, prayer, faith. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 7:11
11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
Analysis
But and if she depart—Paul acknowledges the reality of separation (possibly physical separation short of legal divorce, or divorce that has already occurred). The concessive ean de kai (ἐὰν δὲ καί, "but if indeed") suggests Paul is addressing actual cases in Corinth. He offers two options: let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband.
The command meneto agamos (μενέτω ἄγαμος, "let her remain unmarried") forbids remarriage after divorce, as this would constitute adultery (Matthew 5:32). The alternative, katallage (καταλλαγή, "reconciliation"), is strongly preferred—restoration of the marriage covenant. Both imperatives protect the permanence of marriage: if divorce occurs, the bond is not truly severed.
Paul adds and let not the husband put away his wife (aphienai, ἀφιέναι, "send away/divorce"), using the standard Jewish term for divorce. This repeats the command of verse 10 with emphasis on the husband's responsibility. Paul's repetition underscores that neither spouse may initiate divorce, reflecting Jesus' teaching on marriage's indissolubility.
Historical Context
Jewish law allowed husbands to divorce wives (Deuteronomy 24:1) but not vice versa. Roman law permitted wives to initiate divorce. Paul addresses both, maintaining Jesus' standard that neither party should divorce. His insistence on remaining unmarried or reconciling protected divorced women from economic vulnerability while upholding marriage's permanence.
Reflection
- Why does Paul forbid remarriage after divorce, even though separation has occurred?
- What does "reconciliation" involve—how can a divorced couple work toward restoring their covenant?
- How should the church balance upholding marriage permanence with compassion for those in difficult marriages?
Word Studies
- Reconcile: καταλλάσσω (Katallasso) G2644 - To reconcile, restore relationship
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 7:10, Jeremiah 3:1