1 Corinthians 7:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 7:10 presents a foundational command from the Apostle Paul to married believers, prohibiting a wife from departing from her husband. Crucially, Paul emphasizes that this directive is not merely his personal counsel but a direct command originating from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, underscoring the divine authority and permanence of the marital covenant within the Christian life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the beginning of 1 Corinthians chapter 7, a lengthy and pivotal section where Paul addresses specific questions posed by the Corinthian church regarding marriage, celibacy, and divorce. The chapter opens with a general principle concerning sexual relations within marriage (1 Cor 7:1-5), then transitions to discussing celibacy for the unmarried and widows (1 Cor 7:6-9). Verse 10 marks a distinct shift, as Paul moves from his own Spirit-inspired advice to a direct reiteration of the Lord's command concerning the indissolubility of Christian marriage. This particular command is then followed by a reciprocal instruction for husbands (1 Cor 7:11) and further counsel for believers married to unbelievers (1 Cor 7:12-16), illustrating Paul's comprehensive approach to marital ethics.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling port city renowned for its moral laxity and diverse pagan cults, including the worship of Aphrodite, which often involved temple prostitution. New Christian converts in this environment faced significant challenges in understanding and applying biblical sexual ethics and marital norms, which often stood in stark contrast to the surrounding culture. Within both Jewish and Roman societies, divorce was permissible, though the grounds and procedures varied. Jewish law, particularly as interpreted by different rabbinic schools, allowed for divorce, primarily initiated by the husband. Roman law also permitted divorce, often with relative ease. Paul's instructions, especially those rooted in the Lord's teaching, provided a counter-cultural standard for Christian marriage, emphasizing its sacred and enduring nature against a backdrop of societal permissiveness.
* **Key Themes:** First Corinthians 7:10 contributes significantly to several key themes within the chapter and the broader epistle. Foremost is the **sanctity and permanence of Christian marriage**, establishing it as a lifelong covenant intended by God, not to be easily broken. The phrase "not I, but the Lord" highlights the theme of **divine authority**, asserting that this particular command on marital indissolubility carries the weight of Christ's own teaching, which aligns with His words found in the Gospels regarding divorce (e.g., [Matthew 19:6](/matthew/19-6 "Matthew 19:6 - What God Has Joined Together") and [Mark 10:9](/mark/10-9 "Mark 10:9 - Let No One Separate")). Furthermore, the verse implicitly addresses the theme of **Christian conduct in a pagan world**, providing clear ethical guidelines for believers navigating complex personal relationships while striving for holiness in a morally compromised society.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **parangéllō (Greek, _parangéllō'_):** This verb, translated "I command," means "to transmit a message," "to enjoin," or "to give in charge." It denotes an authoritative instruction, a formal directive, rather than mere advice or suggestion. When Paul uses this term, especially in conjunction with "not I, but the Lord," it signals a mandate that carries the weight of divine authority, indicating that the instruction is binding and not merely a matter of personal opinion or preference.
* **kýrios (Greek, _kýrios'_):** Translated "the Lord," this term signifies "supreme in authority," "controller," or "Master." In the New Testament, when referring to Jesus, it unequivocally attributes divine sovereignty and authority to Him. Paul's use of "the Lord" here explicitly grounds the command against marital separation in the teachings and authority of Christ Himself, elevating it above any human counsel or cultural norm.
* **chōrízō (Greek, _chōrízō'_):** This verb, translated "depart," means "to place room between," "to part," or "to go away." It implies a physical and relational separation, a breaking of the marital bond, whether through legal divorce or simply living apart. The command "Let not... depart" is an emphatic prohibition against such a severance, reinforcing the ideal of lifelong unity within marriage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And unto the married I command,"**: Paul directly addresses those who are married, indicating that the following instruction is specifically for them. The verb "command" (παραγγέλλω, _parangéllō_) signals an authoritative directive, not a mere suggestion. Paul, as an apostle, is delivering a binding instruction to the church.
* **"[yet] not I, but the Lord,"**: This is the pivotal clause, where Paul distinguishes the source of the command. He clarifies that while he is the messenger, the authority behind this specific instruction is not his own apostolic judgment (as he will offer elsewhere in the chapter, e.g., [1 Corinthians 7:12](/1_corinthians/7-12 "1 Corinthians 7:12 - Paul's Counsel for Mixed Marriages")), but directly from Jesus Christ. This indicates that the prohibition against divorce is a reiteration of Christ's own teaching during His earthly ministry, likely referring to passages such as [Matthew 5:32](/matthew/5-32 "Matthew 5:32 - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce") or [Mark 10:11-12](/mark/10-11-12 "Mark 10:11-12 - Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage").
* **"Let not the wife depart from [her] husband:"**: This is the specific command itself. The Greek construction uses a prohibitive aorist subjunctive, which conveys a strong, emphatic prohibition. The word "depart" (χωρίζω, _chōrízō_) implies a definitive separation, whether legal (divorce) or physical. While specifically mentioning the wife, the reciprocal nature of marriage and the subsequent verse ([1 Corinthians 7:11](/1_corinthians/7-11 "1 Corinthians 7:11 - Reciprocal Command for Husbands")) make it clear that the command applies equally to the husband, emphasizing the mutual obligation to maintain the marital union.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey the weight and source of this command. The most prominent is **Apostolic Authority**, where Paul, as an apostle, delivers a direct injunction. However, he immediately qualifies this with a powerful use of **Distinction/Contrast** through the phrase "not I, but the Lord." This rhetorical move serves to elevate the command beyond Paul's personal wisdom or Spirit-inspired counsel, attributing it directly to the supreme authority of Christ. This creates an **Emphasis** on the divine origin and binding nature of the instruction, setting it apart from other pieces of advice Paul offers in the chapter. The direct, prohibitive language ("Let not...") further underscores the absolute nature of the command against marital separation, reinforcing its gravity for the Corinthian believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Corinthians 7:10 profoundly reinforces the biblical understanding of marriage as a sacred, lifelong covenant instituted by God. By explicitly stating that this command comes "from the Lord," Paul aligns Christian marital ethics directly with Jesus' own teachings, which uphold the Genesis account of marriage as a one-flesh union intended to be indissoluble. This divine mandate elevates marriage beyond a mere social contract or human arrangement, rooting its permanence in God's design and will. It underscores the theological truth that marriage is a profound reflection of covenant faithfulness, mirroring God's steadfast love for His people. The command challenges believers to pursue reconciliation and perseverance in their marriages, recognizing that their union is under divine authority and serves as a testimony to God's faithfulness in a fallen world.

* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union")
* [Matthew 19:6](/matthew/19-6 "Matthew 19:6 - What God Has Joined Together")
* [Mark 10:9](/mark/10-9 "Mark 10:9 - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 7:10 serves as a powerful and enduring call for Christian married couples to uphold the sanctity and permanence of their vows. In a world where marital dissolution is increasingly common, this verse reminds believers that their union is not merely a legal or social arrangement, but a covenant under the direct command of the Lord Jesus Christ. It challenges spouses to prioritize reconciliation, forgiveness, and steadfast commitment, even amidst difficulties and disagreements. Rather than seeking an easy exit, the command encourages couples to invest deeply in their relationship, seeking God's wisdom and grace to navigate challenges, grow in love, and honor their commitment. For those facing marital struggles, it is a strong impetus to seek counsel, prayer, and practical steps toward restoration, rather than resorting to separation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding this command as coming directly from "the Lord" impact your view of marital commitment?**
* **In what ways can Christian couples actively work to prevent "departing" from one another, both physically and emotionally?**
* **What resources or spiritual disciplines can help couples honor the permanence of their marriage covenant, especially during times of strain?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul distinguish between his own command and the Lord's in this verse?**

Answer: Paul's distinction ("not I, but the Lord") is crucial for understanding the varying levels of authority and origin for his instructions in 1 Corinthians 7. When Paul says "not I, but the Lord," he is indicating that this particular command is a direct reiteration of Jesus' own teaching during His earthly ministry, likely referring to Christ's explicit prohibitions against divorce found in the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 19:6-9](/matthew/19-6-9 "Matthew 19:6-9 - Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage") and [Mark 10:9-12](/mark/10-9-12 "Mark 10:9-12 - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce and Remarriage")). This contrasts with other parts of chapter 7 where Paul offers his own Spirit-inspired counsel or judgment, which, while still authoritative as an apostle, is presented as distinct from a direct word from Jesus (e.g., [1 Corinthians 7:12](/1_corinthians/7-12 "1 Corinthians 7:12 - Paul's Counsel for Mixed Marriages"), where he says, "But to the rest speak I, not the Lord"). This distinction underscores the absolute and universally binding nature of the command against marital separation for believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The command for a wife not to depart from her husband, rooted in the Lord's own teaching, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound mystery of Christ's unwavering faithfulness to His Church. Just as God established marriage as a covenantal union, Christ Himself entered into a divine covenant with humanity, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, thereby betrothing Himself to His Church as His bride. The permanence and indissolubility of Christian marriage, as commanded in [1 Corinthians 7:10](/1_corinthians/7-10 "1 Corinthians 7:10 - Command for Marital Permanence"), thus becomes a living parable of Christ's steadfast love and commitment to His people, a love from which He will never "depart." Our human marriages, when lived out in faithful commitment, become a tangible witness to the unbreakable bond between Christ and His Church, embodying the self-giving love and enduring covenant described in passages like [Ephesians 5:25-32](/ephesians/5-25-32 "Ephesians 5:25-32 - Christ and the Church as a Model for Marriage"), where the husband's love for his wife is to mirror Christ's love for the Church. Therefore, to uphold the sanctity and permanence of marriage is to reflect the very heart of the Gospel and the enduring fidelity of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 5:32

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

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

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

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

¶ 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

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

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