1 Corinthians 7:11

KJV

But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to [her] husband: and let not the husband put away [his] wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} and {G2532} if {G1437} she depart {G5563}, let her remain {G3306} unmarried {G22}, or {G2228} be reconciled {G2644} to her husband {G435}: and {G2532} let {G863} not {G3361} the husband {G435} put away {G863} his wife {G1135}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if she does separate herself, she is to remain single or be reconciled with her husband. Also, a husband is not to leave his wife.

Berean Standard Bible

But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

American Standard Version

(but should she depart, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband); and that the husband leave not his wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 7:11 provides crucial apostolic guidance on marital separation within the Christian community, emphasizing the enduring nature of the marriage covenant and the divine call to reconciliation. Paul instructs that if a wife separates from her husband, she must either remain unmarried or seek restoration with him, and likewise, a husband is strictly prohibited from divorcing his wife. This verse underscores the sanctity and permanence of the marital bond as understood within God's design, even in the face of relational breakdown.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's extensive discourse on marriage, singleness, and sexual ethics in [1 Corinthians 7](/1-corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Instructions on Marriage and Celibacy"). The chapter begins with Paul addressing specific questions posed by the Corinthian believers, indicated by the phrase "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me" ([1 Corinthians 7:1](/1-corinthians/7-1 "1 Corinthians 7:1 - Paul Addresses Marriage Questions")). Paul's instructions are often framed as direct commands from the Lord or as his own Spirit-inspired counsel. [1 Corinthians 7:10](/1-corinthians/7-10 "1 Corinthians 7:10 - Paul's Command on Divorce") immediately precedes our verse, stating, "And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband." Verse 11 then elaborates on the scenario where such a departure has already occurred, offering specific directives, and reiterates the general prohibition against a husband divorcing his wife. The flow of thought moves from the ideal (no separation) to the reality (if separation occurs) and then reinforces the overarching principle of marital permanence for both spouses.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port known for its diverse population and, notoriously, its moral laxity. Roman and Greek societal norms often permitted relatively easy divorce, especially for men. Within this environment, early Christians were seeking to understand how their new faith, rooted in Christ's teachings and Old Testament principles, should inform their marital practices. Many believers came from pagan backgrounds where divorce and remarriage were common, and some may have been influenced by ascetic tendencies that devalued marriage. Paul's instructions in [1 Corinthians 7](/1-corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Instructions on Marriage and Celibacy") provided a counter-cultural framework, upholding the sanctity of marriage while also acknowledging the spiritual value of singleness for devoted service to the Lord. The specific mention of a wife departing might reflect particular issues in Corinthian marriages, perhaps involving new converts whose spouses were unbelievers, or internal conflicts within Christian households.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes within [1 Corinthians](/1-corinthians "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians") and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **Permanence of Marriage**, reflecting God's original design for a lifelong covenant, as seen in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union") and affirmed by Jesus in [Matthew 19:6](/matthew/19-6 "Matthew 19:6 - What God Has Joined Together"). Paul's instruction to remain unmarried or reconcile underscores that even physical separation does not dissolve the marital bond in God's eyes. Secondly, the theme of **Reconciliation and Restoration** is paramount; Paul presents reconciliation as the preferred and commanded path for separated spouses, aligning with the broader Christian call to mend broken relationships and forgive ([Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Colossians 3:13 - Forgive One Another")). Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **Prohibition of Divorce**, reiterating the principle that God "hates divorce" ([Malachi 2:16](/malachi/2-16 "Malachi 2:16 - God Hates Divorce")) and that believers should not initiate the dissolution of their marriages. Finally, the challenging directive to **Embrace Singleness After Separation** (if reconciliation is not possible) highlights a commitment to the original marital vow and a counter-cultural faithfulness to God's standards, prioritizing spiritual devotion over societal norms.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **depart (Greek, _chōrízō_):** This verb signifies "to place room between, to part, to go away, to separate." In this context, it refers to a physical separation or leaving of the marital home, rather than necessarily a legal divorce. It implies a breaking of cohabitation, which could be a precursor to divorce but is distinct from it. Paul addresses the situation where a physical separation has already occurred, indicating a breach in the marital cohabitation.
* **unmarried (Greek, _ágamos_):** Derived from a negative particle ("a-") and "gamos" (marriage), this adjective directly means "unmarried." Paul's instruction for a separated wife to remain _ágamos_ emphasizes that despite the physical separation, she is still considered bound to her husband in God's eyes and is not free to remarry. This highlights the enduring nature of the marital covenant.
* **reconciled (Greek, _katallássō_):** This verb means "to change mutually, to compound a difference, to reconcile." It speaks of restoring a relationship that has been estranged or broken. In the context of marriage, it signifies the re-establishment of harmony, unity, and cohabitation between the separated spouses. It implies a process of forgiveness, understanding, and renewed commitment to the marital bond.
* **put away (Greek, _aphíēmi_):** This verb carries various meanings, including "to send forth, to send away, to dismiss, to divorce." When used in the context of a husband and wife, it specifically refers to the act of divorcing or legally separating from one's spouse. Paul's use of this term for the husband's action, in contrast to _chōrízō_ for the wife's departure, may reflect the legal power dynamics of the time where men typically initiated divorce proceedings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But and if she depart,"**: This clause acknowledges the unfortunate reality that a wife might separate from her husband, despite the ideal expressed in the preceding verse ([1 Corinthians 7:10](/1-corinthians/7-10 "1 Corinthians 7:10 - Paul's Command on Divorce")) that she should not. "Depart" (Greek: _chōrízō_) indicates a physical separation or leaving the marital home, not necessarily a legal divorce at this stage. Paul is addressing a situation that has already occurred or is contemplated.
* **"let her remain unmarried,"**: This is the first of two prescribed options for a wife who has separated. It unequivocally states that even in separation, the marital bond is not dissolved in God's eyes. She is not free to remarry another while her husband is still living, thus upholding the sanctity and permanence of the original marriage covenant. This command challenges the prevailing cultural norms where remarriage after separation or divorce was common.
* **"or be reconciled to [her] husband:"**: This is the second, and clearly preferred, option. Paul commands reconciliation (Greek: _katallássō_), which implies a restoration of the relationship, a healing of the breach, and a return to marital cohabitation. This highlights the Christian value of forgiveness, restoration, and the preservation of the marital union as a reflection of God's redemptive work.
* **"and let not the husband put away [his] wife."**: This final clause serves as a direct prohibition to the husband, mirroring the command given to the wife in [1 Corinthians 7:10](/1-corinthians/7-10 "1 Corinthians 7:10 - Paul's Command on Divorce"). "Put away" (Greek: _aphíēmi_) here explicitly means to divorce. This reinforces the principle that divorce is generally forbidden for believers, regardless of whether the wife has departed. It underscores the mutual responsibility of both spouses to uphold the marriage covenant and avoid initiating its dissolution.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his strong instructions. The use of **Imperative Mood** ("let her remain," "be reconciled," "let not") throughout the verse underscores the authoritative and binding nature of these commands. The structure presents a clear **Dilemma and Resolution** for the wife's situation: if she departs, she has two, and only two, divinely sanctioned choices. This creates a sense of urgency and clarity regarding the consequences of separation. Furthermore, the verse uses **Parallelism** by addressing both the wife's actions ("if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled") and the husband's corresponding responsibility ("let not the husband put away his wife"). This parallel structure emphasizes the mutual obligation within the marriage covenant. Finally, the verse functions as a **Conditional Clause** ("But and if she depart...") setting up the specific instructions that follow, indicating that Paul is providing guidance for a particular, undesirable, but possible scenario.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the New Testament's high view of marriage as a sacred, lifelong covenant established by God, rather than merely a social contract. It underscores that even in the painful reality of marital separation, the divine bond remains intact, necessitating either reconciliation or a commitment to singleness. This reflects God's own unwavering faithfulness to His covenants, even when humanity falters. The emphasis on reconciliation highlights the redemptive power of the Gospel to restore broken relationships, echoing Christ's ministry of bringing alienated humanity back into fellowship with God. The prohibition against divorce for both spouses reinforces the sanctity of the union and the seriousness with which God views its dissolution, calling believers to a higher standard than the prevailing cultural norms.

* [Matthew 5:32](/matthew/5-32 "Matthew 5:32 - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce")
* [Mark 10:9](/mark/10-9 "Mark 10:9 - What God Has Joined Together")
* [Romans 7:2-3](/romans/7-2-3 "Romans 7:2-3 - The Law and Marriage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 7:11 presents a challenging yet profoundly insightful directive for believers navigating marital difficulties. It calls Christians to a counter-cultural commitment to the permanence of marriage, even when faced with the pain of separation. For those experiencing marital strife, the primary call is towards reconciliation, urging spouses to seek healing, forgiveness, and restoration of their covenantal bond through prayer, godly counsel, and a willingness to humble themselves. If reconciliation proves impossible, the instruction to remain unmarried serves as a powerful testament to the enduring nature of the original vow before God, prioritizing faithfulness to the divine standard over personal desire for remarriage. This passage challenges the church to be a community that upholds the sanctity of marriage, actively supports struggling couples in their pursuit of reconciliation, and provides compassionate care for those who, by divine command, find themselves remaining unmarried after separation. It reminds us that our marital relationships are meant to be a living witness to God's faithfulness and redemptive love in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge modern societal views on marriage, divorce, and personal autonomy?**
* **What practical steps can individuals or the church take to foster an environment where reconciliation in struggling marriages is genuinely prioritized and supported?**
* **In what ways can a commitment to remaining unmarried after separation demonstrate a profound faithfulness to God's covenant and a unique form of devotion to Him?**

### FAQ
**Does "depart" in this verse mean the same as "divorce"?**

Answer: Not precisely. The Greek word translated "depart" (_chōrízō_) in [1 Corinthians 7:11](/1-corinthians/7-11 "1 Corinthians 7:11 - Instructions for Marital Separation") refers to a physical separation or a leaving of the marital home, a cessation of cohabitation. It is distinct from the word "put away" (_aphíēmi_), which is used later in the same verse and specifically means to divorce or legally dismiss one's spouse. While a physical separation can often lead to divorce, Paul's instruction here addresses the state of being apart, with the clear expectation that the separated spouse should either reconcile or remain unmarried, rather than proceed to divorce and remarriage. This distinction highlights Paul's emphasis on the enduring nature of the marital bond even when spouses are living apart.

**Are there any biblical exceptions to the command to remain unmarried after separation or to the prohibition against divorce?**

Answer: [1 Corinthians 7:11](/1-corinthians/7-11 "1 Corinthians 7:11 - Instructions for Marital Separation") specifically addresses separation within a Christian marriage, where reconciliation is the primary goal. The New Testament does present limited, highly debated exceptions. Jesus, in [Matthew 19:9](/matthew/19-9 "Matthew 19:9 - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce and Remarriage"), mentions an exception for "sexual immorality" (Greek: _porneia_), which is often interpreted to include various forms of unfaithfulness. Additionally, Paul introduces what is known as the "Pauline privilege" in [1 Corinthians 7:15](/1-corinthians/7-15 "1 Corinthians 7:15 - The Pauline Privilege"), stating that if an unbelieving spouse departs, the believing spouse is "not under bondage." Most scholars interpret this to mean that the believing spouse is no longer bound to the marriage and may be free to remarry in such specific circumstances. However, these are generally understood as narrow exceptions to a broad biblical principle of marital permanence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 7:11, with its emphasis on reconciliation and the permanence of the marital covenant, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ himself is the supreme Reconciler, who, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, has reconciled a fallen humanity to God ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2-corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - God Reconciled Us to Himself")). Just as God, in Christ, did not "put away" His unfaithful people but pursued them with steadfast love, so believers are called to reflect this divine commitment in their own marriages. The Church is portrayed as the Bride of Christ ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church as His Bride")), for whom Christ gave Himself up, demonstrating an unwavering, self-sacrificial love that serves as the model for husbands and wives alike ([Ephesians 5:22-33](/ephesians/5-22-33 "Ephesians 5:22-33 - Wives and Husbands")). Furthermore, the instruction to remain unmarried, if reconciliation is not possible, can be seen as an echo of Christ's own single devotion to the Father's will ([Matthew 19:10-12](/matthew/19-10-12 "Matthew 19:10-12 - On Celibacy for the Kingdom")), demonstrating that a life wholly consecrated to the Lord, whether in marriage or singleness, is a powerful witness to His kingdom. Ultimately, the call to preserve and restore marriage points to the eschatological reality of Christ's eternal union with His redeemed bride, the Church, in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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

Jeremiah 3:1

¶ They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.

1 Corinthians 7:10

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

Judges 19:2

And his concubine played the whore against him, and went away from him unto her father's house to Bethlehemjudah, and was there four whole months.

Judges 19:3

And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, [and] to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father's house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.

Deuteronomy 22:19

And they shall amerce him in an hundred [shekels] of silver, and give [them] unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days.

Isaiah 50:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD, Where [is] the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors [is it] to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.

Mark 10:2

And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away [his] wife? tempting him.