1 Corinthians 7:12

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

1 Corinthians 7:12 (KJV)

This verse addresses a specific and practical issue faced by believers in Corinth who were married to non-believers. As Christianity spread, it often created new dynamics within existing families.

Context and Meaning

Paul distinguishes this instruction by saying, "But to the rest speak I, not the Lord." This does not mean this is merely Paul's personal opinion outside of divine inspiration. Rather, it means he is giving an apostolic instruction based on the principles taught by Christ, but not repeating a specific command directly spoken by Jesus during His earthly ministry (unlike the command regarding divorce between two believers mentioned in verses 1 Corinthians 7:10-11). Jesus had addressed divorce primarily in the context of Jewish law and practice; Paul is applying those principles to the new situation of mixed-faith marriages within the church.

The situation is where a Christian man ("brother") is married to a wife who "believeth not" (is not a Christian). Paul's instruction is clear: if the unbelieving wife is "pleased to dwell with him" (willing to remain in the marriage), the Christian husband should "not put her away" (should not divorce her). This instruction is radical in a world where divorce was often easily initiated, especially by men. Paul prioritizes the preservation of the marriage covenant where possible.

Key Themes

  • Sanctity of Marriage: Even in a mixed-faith marriage, the bond is considered valid and should be maintained if the non-believing spouse is willing.
  • Peace and Stability: Paul seeks to promote peace and stability within believing households and the community.
  • Hope for the Unbeliever: While not explicit in this verse, the following verses (1 Corinthians 7:16) suggest that the believing spouse's presence offers hope for the salvation of the unbelieving spouse.

Practical Application

This verse offers guidance and reassurance to believers in mixed-faith marriages. It teaches that one's conversion to Christianity does not automatically invalidate or require ending a marriage to an unbeliever. Instead, it encourages the believer to remain in the marriage, living out their faith within the home, provided the non-believing spouse is willing to continue the relationship. It underscores the importance of commitment and love within the marital relationship, reflecting God's own faithfulness.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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