1 Corinthians 7:10

¶ And unto the married I command, [yet] not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from [her] husband:

And {G1161} unto the married {G1060} I command {G3853}, yet not {G3756} I {G1473}, but {G235} the Lord {G2962}, Let {G5563} not {G3361} the wife {G1135} depart {G5563} from {G575} her husband {G435}:

To those who are married I have a command, and it is not from me but from the Lord: a woman is not to separate herself from her husband

To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband.

But unto the married I give charge, yea not I, but the Lord, That the wife depart not from her husband

Commentary

1 Corinthians 7:10 delivers a foundational command from the Apostle Paul regarding the sacred institution of marriage among believers, clearly distinguishing between his own counsel and a direct mandate from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

Context of 1 Corinthians 7:10

This verse is situated within a lengthy and crucial section of Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church (chapter 7), where he addresses a series of specific questions they had posed concerning marriage, celibacy, and divorce. The city of Corinth was known for its moral permissiveness, and new believers were seeking clear guidance on how to live out their Christian faith in matters of sexual conduct and marital relationships. Paul's instructions here aim to bring order, holiness, and clarity to these vital areas of life, establishing principles that reflect God's design for marriage. In this particular verse, Paul emphasizes that his directive is not merely personal advice but a reiteration of the Lord's own teaching.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority in Marriage: The phrase "not I, but the Lord" is exceptionally significant. It signifies that the prohibition against a wife departing from her husband (a command that applies equally to husbands, as implied by the reciprocal nature of marriage and subsequent verses like 1 Corinthians 7:11) is not Paul's personal opinion but a direct echo of Christ's teaching. This elevates the sanctity and permanence of the marital covenant, rooting it in divine command. For more on Christ's original teaching on marriage, see Matthew 19:6.
  • Permanence of Marriage: The core message is a strong injunction against separation or divorce for Christian spouses. The command "Let not the wife depart from her husband" underscores the ideal of lifelong commitment within the marital bond, reflecting God's design for marriage as a covenantal union that should not be easily broken.
  • Marital Steadfastness: This verse encourages believers to remain committed to their marriage vows and to work through difficulties rather than resorting to separation. It promotes steadfastness and perseverance in maintaining the marital union as a witness to God's faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase "not I, but the Lord" (οὐκ ἐγὼ ἀλλὰ ὁ Κύριος - *ouk egō alla ho Kyrios*) clearly indicates Paul's intention to distinguish between his own Spirit-inspired counsel (as seen in later verses in this chapter, e.g., 1 Corinthians 7:12) and a direct command traceable to Jesus' earthly ministry, likely referring to teachings such as those found in the Gospels concerning divorce (Mark 10:9). The verb "depart" (χωρίζω - *chōrizō*) means to separate, to put asunder, or to go away. It implies a definitive breaking of the marital relationship, whether legally or physically, emphasizing that such a severance is contrary to the Lord's will for married believers.

Practical Application

For Christian couples today, 1 Corinthians 7:10 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring and sacred nature of marriage:

  • Upholding Vows: It calls married believers to honor their wedding vows with unwavering commitment, understanding that their union is under divine authority.
  • Prioritizing Reconciliation: In times of conflict or marital strain, this verse encourages couples to prioritize reconciliation and restoration, seeking to mend brokenness rather than pursuing separation or divorce, which contradicts the Lord's command.
  • Seeking God's Wisdom: It prompts couples to approach all marital decisions with prayer, seeking God's wisdom and guidance, knowing that His principles for marriage are clear and enduring. This instruction aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on mutual love, respect, and steadfastness within Christian marriage, as detailed in other Pauline epistles.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 5:32 (12 votes)

    But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

  • Luke 16:18 (10 votes)

    Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from [her] husband committeth adultery.

  • Malachi 2:14 (7 votes)

    Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.

  • Malachi 2:16 (7 votes)

    For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for [one] covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

  • Matthew 19:3 (7 votes)

    ¶ The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

  • Matthew 19:9 (7 votes)

    And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

  • Mark 10:11 (6 votes)

    And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.