1 Corinthians 7:11

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:11 (KJV)

First Corinthians 7:11 is part of the Apostle Paul’s comprehensive instructions on marriage and celibacy, addressing specific questions and issues prevalent within the early Christian community in Corinth. This particular verse deals with the challenging situation of marital separation within a Christian context, emphasizing the sanctity and permanence of the marriage bond.

Context

Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 7 directly responds to inquiries from the Corinthian believers regarding marriage, singleness, and divorce. The preceding verse, 1 Corinthians 7:10, issues a direct command from the Lord against divorce: "Let not the wife depart from her husband: but if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife." Verse 11 elaborates on this, specifically addressing the scenario where a separation (or "departing") has already occurred, and then reiterating the prohibition for the husband to initiate divorce. This passage reflects the early church's struggle to apply Christ's teachings on marriage in a society where divorce was common.

Key Themes

• Permanence of Marriage: The verse strongly underscores the enduring nature of the marital covenant. Even if a separation occurs, the bond is not considered broken in God's eyes, hence the instruction to remain unmarried or seek reconciliation. This echoes Jesus' teaching on marriage, such as in Matthew 19:6, "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
• Reconciliation as the Ideal: Paul presents reconciliation as the preferred path for separated spouses. This highlights the Christian value of restoring broken relationships and upholding the marital vow.
• Prohibition of Divorce: The repeated command, "and let not the husband put away [his] wife," reinforces the general prohibition against divorce, aligning with the Old Testament sentiment that God hates divorce.
• Singleness After Separation: If reconciliation is not possible, the separated spouse is instructed to remain unmarried. This is a challenging command that emphasizes fidelity to the original marital vow, even in separation, and precludes remarriage while the former spouse is still living.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "depart" (chorizo) means "to separate," "to put asunder," or "to divide." It implies a physical separation rather than necessarily a legal divorce, although it could lead to one. The phrase "put away" (aphiemi) when referring to the husband’s action, means "to send away," "to dismiss," or "to divorce." Both terms reflect the gravity of breaking the marital union. Paul’s choice of words emphasizes that even a physical separation does not automatically dissolve the spiritual and covenantal bond of marriage in God's eyes.

Practical Application

This verse offers vital guidance for Christian marriages today:

• Commitment to the Covenant: Believers are called to view marriage as a lifelong covenant, not merely a contract that can be easily dissolved.
• Prioritizing Reconciliation: In times of marital strife or separation, the primary goal for Christian spouses should be reconciliation and restoration, seeking godly counsel and prayer.
• Honoring the Vow: Even in difficult circumstances, the instruction to remain unmarried if reconciliation is not achieved highlights the enduring nature of the marriage vow before God. This doesn't mean that separation is never permissible for safety or other extreme reasons, but it defines the marital status post-separation.
• Seeking God's Will: For those facing marital challenges, the passage encourages seeking God's will for their relationship, trusting in His power to heal and restore. Paul's teachings here are foundational for understanding the Christian perspective on the sanctity of marriage.