1 Corinthians 7:12

KJV

But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} to the rest {G3062} speak {G3004} I {G1473}, not {G3756} the Lord {G2962}: If any {G1536} brother {G80} hath {G2192} a wife {G1135} that believeth not {G571}, and {G2532} she {G846} be pleased {G4909} to dwell {G3611} with {G3326} him {G846}, let him {G863} not {G3361} put {G863} her {G846} away {G863}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To the rest I say — I, not the Lord: if any brother has a wife who is not a believer, and she is satisfied to go on living with him, he should not leave her.

Berean Standard Bible

To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If a brother has an unbelieving wife and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her.

American Standard Version

But to the rest say I, not the Lord: If any brother hath an unbelieving wife, and she is content to dwell with him, let him not leave her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse provides specific apostolic instruction from Paul regarding mixed-faith marriages within the early Christian community. It addresses the scenario where a Christian man is married to an unbelieving woman, clarifying that if the unbelieving spouse is willing to remain in the marriage, the believing husband should not initiate a divorce. This command underscores the importance of preserving marital covenants and fostering peace within households, even amidst theological differences, and distinguishes Paul's direct counsel from explicit teachings of Jesus during His earthly ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Paul's extensive discussion on marriage and singleness in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Instructions on Marriage and Singleness"). Following his general principles on marital fidelity and sexual relations in [1 Corinthians 7:1-9](/1_corinthians/7-1-9 "1 Corinthians 7:1-9 - Marital Duties and Singleness"), Paul directly addresses specific marital situations. In [1 Corinthians 7:10-11](/1_corinthians/7-10-11 "1 Corinthians 7:10-11 - Divorce Between Believers"), he first reiterates a command from the Lord (Jesus) regarding divorce between two believers, emphasizing that a wife should not separate from her husband, and a husband should not divorce his wife. [1 Corinthians 7:12](/1_corinthians/7-12 "1 Corinthians 7:12 - Mixed Marriages") then transitions to a new, distinct scenario: marriages where only one spouse is a believer. The phrase "But to the rest speak I, not the Lord" signals this shift, indicating that while the previous instruction was a direct reiteration of Jesus' teaching, the following counsel is Paul's inspired apostolic application of those principles to a novel situation not explicitly covered by Jesus' earthly ministry. This section continues through [1 Corinthians 7:16](/1_corinthians/7-16 "1 Corinthians 7:16 - Hope for the Unbelieving Spouse"), further elaborating on the implications of such unions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its diverse population and moral laxity. Marriage practices varied, but divorce was common, especially for men, and often initiated for trivial reasons. For new converts to Christianity, their newfound faith could create tension within existing family structures, particularly if their spouse remained pagan or Jewish. Some believers might have felt that being married to an "unclean" or "unbelieving" person compromised their new identity in Christ, leading them to consider divorce. Paul's instruction here directly counters such inclinations, providing guidance that was both counter-cultural in its emphasis on marital preservation and pastorally sensitive to the real-life dilemmas faced by the Corinthian church. It also implicitly addresses the broader concern of how Christian ethics should be applied within a non-Christian society.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians"). Firstly, it reinforces the **sanctity and enduring nature of the marriage covenant**, even when one spouse is an unbeliever, provided the unbeliever is willing to remain. This aligns with Paul's broader emphasis on order and appropriate conduct within the church and society. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **peace and stability** within the Christian community and individual households, as Paul consistently seeks to minimize unnecessary disruption and conflict. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **missional living and hope for the unbeliever**, as the believing spouse's continued presence within the marriage offers a unique opportunity for the unbeliever to be influenced by the gospel, a concept more explicitly developed in [1 Corinthians 7:16](/1_corinthians/7-16 "1 Corinthians 7:16 - Hope for Unbelieving Spouses"). Finally, it demonstrates Paul's **apostolic authority and wisdom** in applying Christ's principles to new and complex pastoral situations, showing how divine truth can be lived out in practical, nuanced ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _dé'_):** This particle serves as a crucial transition, indicating a shift in Paul's discussion from general principles and direct commands of the Lord (as in [1 Corinthians 7:10-11](/1_corinthians/7-10-11 "1 Corinthians 7:10-11 - Divorce Between Believers")) to a new, distinct category of instruction. It signals that what follows is Paul's specific apostolic counsel, not a reiteration of a direct saying from Jesus' earthly ministry, yet still divinely inspired and authoritative.
* **believeth not (Greek, _ápistos'_):** Derived from a negative particle and the word for "faithful," this term describes someone "without Christian faith," an "unbeliever" or "infidel." In this context, it specifically refers to a spouse who has not embraced Christianity, distinguishing them from a "brother" or "sister" (believer). The presence of an `ápistos` spouse creates the unique dilemma that Paul addresses, highlighting the early church's encounter with mixed-faith households.
* **put her away (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This verb means "to send forth," "to leave," or "to permit to depart." In the context of marriage, it signifies divorce or separation. Paul's command "let him not put her away" is a direct prohibition against the believing husband initiating divorce from his unbelieving wife, provided she is willing to remain in the marriage. This emphasizes the preservation of the marital bond even in challenging circumstances, reflecting a commitment to the covenant despite differing spiritual paths.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But to the rest speak I, not the Lord:"** Paul explicitly distinguishes this instruction from the preceding one ([1 Corinthians 7:10-11](/1_corinthians/7-10-11 "1 Corinthians 7:10-11 - Divorce Between Believers")), which he attributed directly to the Lord (Jesus). This phrase does not imply a lack of divine inspiration or authority for Paul's words; rather, it means that Jesus did not give a specific, explicit command on this particular issue (mixed-faith marriages) during His earthly ministry. Paul, as an apostle, is now applying the principles of Christ to a new, practical situation, providing inspired, authoritative guidance for the church.
* **"If any brother hath a wife that believeth not,"** This clause sets the specific scenario: a Christian man ("brother") is married to a woman who is not a Christian ("believeth not"). This was a common situation in the early church as individuals converted to Christianity while already married, raising questions about the legitimacy or desirability of such unions from a spiritual perspective.
* **"and she be pleased to dwell with him,"** This crucial condition clarifies that the unbelieving spouse must be willing to continue the marital relationship. The Greek word `syneudokéō` (G4909) implies a positive assent or pleasure in dwelling together. If the unbelieving spouse is unwilling to remain, the situation changes, as addressed in [1 Corinthians 7:15](/1_corinthians/7-15 "1 Corinthians 7:15 - The Unbelieving Spouse Departs").
* **"let him not put her away."** This is Paul's direct command: the Christian husband should not initiate a divorce from his unbelieving wife, provided she is content to remain with him. This instruction prioritizes the preservation of the marriage covenant, even in a mixed-faith context, reflecting the sanctity of marriage and a desire for peace and stability within the household.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices within this concise verse. Primarily, he uses **Distinction** to clearly delineate his apostolic counsel from direct commands given by Jesus during His earthly ministry. The phrase "speak I, not the Lord" serves as a direct marker of this distinction, ensuring his audience understands the nature of the authority behind the instruction. Secondly, the verse is structured around a **Conditional Clause** ("If any brother... and she be pleased... let him not put her away"), which provides clear, practical guidance based on specific circumstances. This logical structure makes the instruction unambiguous and directly applicable. Finally, the verse functions as a form of **Ethical Instruction**, providing a direct moral imperative for believers navigating complex marital situations, thereby shaping the conduct and values of the early Christian community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes Christian understanding of marriage, particularly in challenging circumstances. It underscores the enduring sanctity of the marital covenant, even when one partner does not share the Christian faith. Paul's instruction prevents believers from rashly dissolving marriages upon conversion, thereby upholding the integrity of the marriage institution and demonstrating a commitment to peace within the household. It also implicitly highlights the missional potential within such unions, where the believing spouse's consistent witness and godly life can serve as a powerful testimony to the unbeliever, offering hope for their eventual conversion. This approach reflects God's own patient and faithful character, who often maintains covenant relationships even when His people are unfaithful, always holding out the hope of reconciliation and transformation.

* [1 Corinthians 7:14](/1_corinthians/7-14 "1 Corinthians 7:14 - Sanctification of Unbelieving Spouse")
* [1 Corinthians 7:15](/1_corinthians/7-15 "1 Corinthians 7:15 - Peace in Marriage")
* [1 Peter 3:1-2](/1_peter/3-1-2 "1 Peter 3:1-2 - Wives Win Husbands Without a Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 7:12 offers profound guidance for believers navigating the complexities of mixed-faith marriages, a situation that remains common today. It challenges the notion that spiritual incompatibility automatically invalidates a marriage, instead calling believers to uphold their marital vows with integrity and patience. For those in such unions, this verse is a powerful reminder to live out their faith consistently and lovingly within the home, trusting that God can use their presence to impact their spouse. It encourages perseverance, respect, and a commitment to peace, even when faced with differing worldviews. This passage also serves as a broader lesson on how to apply Christian principles to difficult, nuanced situations that may not have direct, explicit commands from Jesus, demonstrating the need for wisdom, discernment, and reliance on apostolic teaching. Ultimately, it calls us to reflect God's own faithfulness and patient love within our most intimate human relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's distinction, "speak I, not the Lord," inform our understanding of apostolic authority and the application of biblical principles to new situations?**
* **In what ways can a believing spouse's consistent witness and commitment to the marriage, as encouraged here, serve as a powerful testimony to an unbelieving spouse?**
* **What challenges might arise from remaining in a mixed-faith marriage, and how can believers navigate these while honoring God?**
* **How does this verse encourage us to prioritize peace and the preservation of covenant relationships in our lives, even when they are imperfect?**

### FAQ

**Does "not the Lord" mean Paul's advice is just his opinion and not authoritative?**

Answer: No, the phrase "not the Lord" (G3756 ou G2962 kýrios) does not mean Paul's advice is merely his personal opinion or lacking divine authority. Instead, it signifies that this particular instruction is not a direct, explicit command that Jesus gave during His earthly ministry, unlike the previous verse ([1 Corinthians 7:10](/1_corinthians/7-10 "1 Corinthians 7:10 - Command for Believers")). Paul, as an apostle, was inspired by the Holy Spirit to apply Christ's teachings and principles to new, specific situations arising in the early church, such as mixed-faith marriages. His words here carry the full weight of apostolic authority and are considered part of inspired Scripture, providing authoritative guidance for believers.

**Why is it important for the unbelieving spouse to be "pleased to dwell" with the believer?**

Answer: The condition "and she be pleased (G4909 syneudokéō) to dwell (G3611 oikéō) with him" is crucial because it establishes the basis for the marriage's continuation. Paul is not advocating for a forced or unwilling union. If the unbelieving spouse is content and willing to maintain the marriage, then the believing spouse should not initiate divorce. This respects the agency of the unbeliever and avoids creating undue conflict or legal entanglement. If the unbelieving spouse *desires* to depart, Paul addresses that scenario in [1 Corinthians 7:15](/1_corinthians/7-15 "1 Corinthians 7:15 - The Unbelieving Spouse Departs"), where he states that the believing spouse is "not under bondage" in such a case, implying that divorce initiated by the unbeliever is permissible.

**Does this verse suggest that a believer should actively seek to convert their unbelieving spouse?**

Answer: While this verse primarily focuses on the prohibition of divorce, the broader context of [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Instructions on Marriage and Singleness") and other New Testament passages certainly implies a hope for the unbelieving spouse's salvation. [1 Corinthians 7:16](/1_corinthians/7-16 "1 Corinthians 7:16 - Hope for Unbelieving Spouses") explicitly asks, "For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?" This suggests that the believing spouse's continued presence and godly example within the marriage is seen as a means through which God might work to bring the unbeliever to faith. Similarly, [1 Peter 3:1-2](/1_peter/3-1-2 "1 Peter 3:1-2 - Wives Win Husbands Without a Word") encourages wives to win their husbands "without a word" through their "chaste conversation coupled with fear." Therefore, while not a direct command to evangelize within the marriage, the verse implicitly supports the idea that the believer's life can be a powerful witness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 7:12 directly addresses practical marital ethics, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, Jesus Christ Himself established the sanctity and indissolubility of marriage, echoing the creation account in [Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4-6 "Matthew 19:4-6 - Jesus on Marriage and Divorce"). Paul's instruction, though not a direct quote from Jesus, is an application of Christ's foundational teaching on the permanence of the marriage covenant, even in challenging circumstances. Christ's own faithfulness to His covenant people, Israel, despite their frequent unfaithfulness, provides a divine paradigm for the believer's commitment to an unbelieving spouse. Just as God patiently pursues His beloved, so too are believers called to embody patient love within their marriages. Furthermore, the believer's willingness to remain in a mixed-faith marriage, living out their faith with integrity and peace, reflects the very mission of Christ to seek and save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). The hope that the unbelieving spouse might be sanctified or even saved through the believing partner ([1 Corinthians 7:14](/1_corinthians/7-14 "1 Corinthians 7:14 - Sanctification of Unbelieving Spouse")) points to the transformative power of the Gospel, which is fully realized in Christ. Ultimately, the preservation of marriage, even under difficult conditions, testifies to the enduring nature of God's covenants and His redemptive purposes, all of which find their ultimate "yes" and "amen" in Jesus Christ ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in 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

2 Corinthians 11:17

That which I speak, I speak [it] not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.

1 Corinthians 7:6

But I speak this by permission, [and] not of commandment.

1 Corinthians 7:25

¶ Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

Ezra 10:2

And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, [one] of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.

Ezra 10:3

Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.

Ezra 10:11

Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.

Ezra 10:19

And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and [being] guilty, [they offered] a ram of the flock for their trespass.