1 Corinthians 7:13

KJV

And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the woman {G1135} which {G3748} hath {G2192} an husband {G435} that believeth not {G571}, and {G2532} if he {G846} be pleased {G4909} to dwell {G3611} with {G3326} her {G846}, let her {G863} not {G3361} leave {G863} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also, if any woman has an unbelieving husband who is satisfied to go on living with her, she is not to leave him.

Berean Standard Bible

And if a woman has an unbelieving husband and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him.

American Standard Version

And the woman that hath an unbelieving husband, and he is content to dwell with her, let her not leave her husband.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 7:13 provides specific pastoral guidance to a believing wife married to an unbelieving husband, instructing her not to initiate separation or divorce if her husband is content to remain in the marriage. This counsel is part of Paul's broader teaching on marriage, singleness, and divorce in a chapter addressing the complex relational dynamics faced by new converts within the early Corinthian church, emphasizing the preservation of marital unions where possible and promoting peace within the household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's comprehensive discourse on marriage and celibacy in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Teaching on Marriage and Singleness"). Paul is responding to specific questions (implied by the phrase "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me" in [1 Corinthians 7:1](/1_corinthians/7-1 "1 Corinthians 7:1 - Paul's Response to Questions")) from the Corinthian church, which was grappling with how Christian faith should intersect with existing marital and social structures. Immediately preceding this verse, in [1 Corinthians 7:12](/1_corinthians/7-12 "1 Corinthians 7:12 - Instruction for Believing Husbands"), Paul gives a parallel instruction to a believing husband married to an unbelieving wife, indicating a consistent principle applied to both genders. The subsequent verse, [1 Corinthians 7:14](/1_corinthians/7-14 "1 Corinthians 7:14 - The Sanctifying Influence of a Believing Spouse"), explains the rationale behind this instruction, highlighting the potential for the believing spouse to sanctify the unbelieving partner and their children, thereby offering a powerful theological incentive for maintaining the marriage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church in Corinth was a diverse community, and it was common for individuals to convert to Christianity while their spouses did not. This created unique challenges, as the new faith often brought with it distinct moral and social expectations that could clash with prevailing Roman or Greek cultural norms, including those surrounding marriage and divorce. Divorce was relatively easy for men in Roman society, and even women had some avenues for initiating it, particularly among the elite. Paul's counsel here, which generally discourages divorce, stands in contrast to the societal ease of dissolution. Furthermore, there might have been a misconception among some new converts that being "equally yoked" (a concept later elaborated in [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")) meant they should separate from unbelieving spouses. Paul addresses this directly, providing a nuanced and grace-filled approach that prioritizes marital stability and the potential for witness within the home, rather than immediate separation.
* **Key Themes:** [First Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Teaching on Marriage and Singleness") is rich with themes, and [1 Corinthians 7:13](/1_corinthians/7-13 "1 Corinthians 7:13 - Believing Wife and Unbelieving Husband") contributes significantly to several. A primary theme is the **sanctity and preservation of marriage**, even in challenging circumstances. Paul consistently advocates for marital stability, reflecting a high view of the institution as ordained by God. Another key theme is **pastoral wisdom for mixed marriages**, offering practical guidance for believers navigating relationships with non-believers. This verse, along with [1 Corinthians 7:12](/1_corinthians/7-12 "1 Corinthians 7:12 - Instruction for Believing Husbands"), underscores the principle of **conditional remaining**, where the unbelieving spouse's willingness to stay is a crucial factor. Finally, the broader context, especially [1 Corinthians 7:14](/1_corinthians/7-14 "1 Corinthians 7:14 - The Sanctifying Influence of a Believing Spouse"), introduces the theme of **sanctifying influence**, suggesting that the believing spouse's presence can have a positive spiritual impact on the unbelieving partner and their children, potentially leading them to faith and demonstrating God's call to peace, as mentioned in [1 Corinthians 7:15](/1_corinthians/7-15 "1 Corinthians 7:15 - God's Call to Peace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **believeth not (Greek, _ápistos'_):** From G571, meaning "disbelieving," "without Christian faith," or "unbelieving." In this context, it specifically refers to a person who is not a Christian, i.e., an "infidel" or "unbeliever." It denotes a spiritual state of not having faith in Christ, which is the core distinction Paul addresses in the marital relationship.
* **pleased (Greek, _syneudokéō'_):** From G4909, meaning "to think well of in common," "assent to," or "feel gratified with." This word implies more than mere tolerance; it suggests a positive disposition, a willingness, or even contentment on the part of the unbelieving spouse to continue the marital relationship. It indicates that the unbeliever is not actively seeking to dissolve the marriage due to the spouse's faith.
* **dwell (Greek, _oikéō'_):** From G3611, meaning "to occupy a house," "reside," or "cohabit." In this marital context, it refers to living together as husband and wife, maintaining the shared household and intimate relationship. The combination of "pleased" and "dwell" emphasizes the unbeliever's active desire and contentment to maintain the marital union.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not,"**: This clause sets the specific scenario: a Christian woman (implied by the context of Paul's letter to believers) is married to a man who is not a Christian. The Greek term for "believeth not" (G571, _ápistos_) clearly distinguishes between those within the faith community and those outside it, highlighting the spiritual disparity within the marriage.
* **"and if he be pleased to dwell with her,"**: This is the crucial conditional clause. It establishes the prerequisite for the believing wife's action. The unbelieving husband must not only be willing to live with her but must be "pleased" (G4909, _syneudokéō_) to do so. This implies a level of contentment or agreement, suggesting that the unbeliever is not hostile to the marriage because of her faith, nor is he initiating separation. The term "dwell" (G3611, _oikéō_) signifies the continuation of the shared life and marital relationship.
* **"let her not leave him."**: This is Paul's direct instruction. If the conditions in the preceding clause are met, the believing wife is commanded not to initiate a separation or divorce. The verb "leave" (G863, _aphíēmi_) here denotes sending away, forsaking, or divorcing. This command underscores Paul's general principle of preserving marriages where possible, even in religiously mixed unions, placing the onus of separation on the unbelieving spouse if they choose to depart.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Conditional Language** ("if he be pleased") to establish a specific context for the instruction, making the command contingent on the unbelieving spouse's disposition. This highlights the nuanced and practical nature of Paul's pastoral advice. There is also an element of **Antithesis** implied between the "believing" wife (understood from the audience) and the "believeth not" husband, setting up the core tension of the mixed marriage. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Prescriptive Statement**, offering a clear directive for behavior within a specific relational dynamic, typical of Paul's didactic style in his epistles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores the profound theological value placed on the institution of marriage within Christian teaching, even when one spouse remains outside the faith. Paul's counsel reflects a divine desire for peace and stability within human relationships, viewing marriage as a covenant that should not be lightly broken. The instruction to remain, provided the unbelieving spouse is willing, points to the enduring power of a consistent Christian witness within the home, holding out the hope that the unbeliever might eventually come to faith through the spouse's godly example and the Spirit's work. This aligns with God's redemptive purposes, which often work through the faithfulness of His people in challenging circumstances.

* [Malachi 2:16](/malachi/2-16 "Malachi 2:16 - God Hates Divorce")
* [Matthew 19:6](/matthew/19-6 "Matthew 19:6 - What God Has Joined Together")
* [1 Peter 3:1-2](/1_peter/3-1-2 "1 Peter 3:1-2 - Wives and Husbands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today navigating "unequally yoked" marriages, 1 Corinthians 7:13 offers profound and counter-cultural guidance. It calls the believing spouse to a high standard of commitment, patience, and unwavering love, even when facing spiritual differences. The verse challenges the notion that spiritual incompatibility automatically necessitates divorce, instead encouraging a steadfast presence and consistent witness of Christ within the home. This requires reliance on the Holy Spirit for strength, wisdom, and grace to live out one's faith authentically, praying for the unbelieving spouse's salvation, and trusting in God's sovereign plan. It emphasizes that the believer's role is not to abandon the marriage but to be an instrument of God's grace and a living testimony, allowing the light of Christ to shine through their actions and attitudes, always remembering that God's call is ultimately to peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's counsel in this verse challenge modern perspectives on marriage and divorce, especially in the context of spiritual differences?**
* **What specific attitudes or actions might a believing spouse need to cultivate to "not leave" an unbelieving partner who is "pleased to dwell" with them?**
* **In what ways can a believing spouse's faithful presence and witness within a mixed marriage serve as a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**Does 1 Corinthians 7:13 mean a believing spouse must stay in an abusive marriage if the unbeliever "is pleased to dwell with her"?**

Answer: While [1 Corinthians 7:13](/1_corinthians/7-13 "1 Corinthians 7:13 - Believing Wife and Unbelieving Husband") instructs a believing spouse not to initiate divorce if the unbelieving partner is content to remain, this verse does not address situations of abuse or severe harm. The primary context of Paul's instruction is about spiritual disparity, not physical or emotional danger. Biblical scholars and pastoral theology generally agree that the Bible does not require a person to remain in a marriage where their physical safety, mental well-being, or spiritual integrity is genuinely threatened by abuse. In such cases, the principle of "peace" (as mentioned in [1 Corinthians 7:15](/1_corinthians/7-15 "1 Corinthians 7:15 - God's Call to Peace") regarding the unbeliever's departure) might also apply, as God does not call His children to endure ongoing harm. Seeking safety and professional counsel is paramount in abusive situations, and such actions are distinct from initiating divorce solely due to spiritual differences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 7:13 addresses a specific marital dynamic, its underlying principles find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus Christ perfectly exemplified self-giving love and unwavering commitment, even to those who "believed not" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). His mission was to reconcile a fallen world to God, not to abandon it, mirroring the call for the believing spouse to remain and be a reconciling presence. Just as Christ's love for His Church ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, Love Your Wives")) is unconditional and redemptive, so too is the believer called to embody a measure of that steadfast love within their marriage, trusting that God can work through their faithfulness. The hope that an unbelieving spouse might be sanctified ([1 Corinthians 7:14](/1_corinthians/7-14 "1 Corinthians 7:14 - The Sanctifying Influence of a Believing Spouse")) points to the transformative power of the Gospel, which is fully realized in Christ's atoning work ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Own Love")). Therefore, the instruction to remain is not merely a legalistic command but an invitation to participate in Christ's ongoing redemptive mission, living out the Gospel within the most intimate of human relationships, reflecting His patience and desire for all to come to repentance ([2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience")).

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.