1 Corinthians 7:13
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1 Corinthians 7:13
13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 7 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, wisdom, holiness. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 7:13
13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.
Analysis
And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not—Paul now addresses believing wives married to unbelieving husbands, maintaining complete reciprocity. The phrase and if he be pleased to dwell with her again emphasizes the unbeliever's consent using syneuddokei (συνευδοκεῖ, "is willing"). Let her not leave him uses aphietō (ἀφιέτω, "let her not send away/divorce").
In a patriarchal culture where wives had limited agency, Paul's instruction that wives should not divorce husbands acknowledges their capacity for decision-making. This reflects the Christian elevation of women's status. The believing wife's influence in a mixed marriage could lead to her husband's conversion (v. 16) and provides a sanctifying presence for children (v. 14).
Paul's counsel protects the stability of mixed marriages for the sake of both evangelism and children. Unless the unbeliever initiates separation (v. 15), the believer must honor the covenant. This reflects the gospel's call to faithfulness even in difficult circumstances, trusting God's power to work through a believing spouse.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman wives who converted to new religions often faced intense pressure from husbands, as religious devotion was expected to align with the household's patron gods. Paul's instruction to remain married despite religious difference was countercultural, trusting God's sanctifying work through the believing wife.
Reflection
- How does Paul's equal treatment of believing wives and husbands reflect Christianity's elevation of women?
- What challenges do believing spouses face in mixed marriages, and how can the church support them?
- How should a believing spouse balance honoring marriage with maintaining faithfulness to Christ?
Word Studies
- Forgive: ἀφίημι (Aphiemi) G863 - To send away, forgive, release