1 Corinthians 7:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 7:12
12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 7 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, mercy, prayer. 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 7:12
12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
Analysis
But to the rest speak I, not the Lord—Paul transitions to a situation Jesus did not explicitly address: mixed marriages between believers and unbelievers. The phrase legō egō, ouch ho kyrios (λέγω ἐγώ, οὐχ ὁ κύριος, "I say, not the Lord") does not diminish Paul's authority; as an apostle, his teaching is inspired. But he distinguishes it from Jesus' direct commands (v. 10).
If any brother hath a wife that believeth not (gunaika apiston, γυναῖκα ἄπιστον, "unbelieving wife") addresses marriages where one spouse converted to Christianity after marriage. Paul's counsel: and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. The conditional syneuddokei (συνευδοκεῖ, "consents/is willing") emphasizes the unbeliever's choice.
This counters any notion that Christians must divorce unbelieving spouses to maintain purity. Paul will explain (v. 14) that the believer's presence sanctifies the relationship, and there is hope for the unbeliever's salvation (v. 16). The believing spouse must honor the marriage covenant unless the unbeliever chooses to leave.
Historical Context
Paul's mission churches inevitably included converts whose spouses remained pagan. Jewish tradition required divorcing foreign wives to maintain covenant purity (Ezra 9-10). Paul's instruction to remain married was radical, reflecting the gospel's power to sanctify rather than requiring separation from the world.
Reflection
- Why does Paul instruct believers to remain married to unbelievers rather than separate for purity?
- What does it mean that the unbeliever must "be pleased" to remain—how should believers respond if pressured to compromise faith?
- How does Paul's teaching on mixed marriage reflect the gospel's penetration into pagan households?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: 2 Corinthians 11:17
- Faith: 1 Corinthians 7:25
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 7:6