1 Corinthians 7:14

KJV

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the unbelieving {G571} husband {G435} is sanctified {G37} by {G1722} the wife {G1135}, and {G2532} the unbelieving {G571} wife {G1135} is sanctified {G37} by {G1722} the husband {G435}: else {G686}{G1893} were {G2076} your {G5216} children {G5043} unclean {G169}; but {G1161} now {G3568} are they {G2076} holy {G40}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the unbelieving husband has been set aside for God by the wife, and the unbelieving wife has been set aside for God by the brother — otherwise your children would be “unclean,” but as it is, they are set aside for God.

Berean Standard Bible

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his believing wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.

American Standard Version

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 7:14 offers profound theological insight into the spiritual status of mixed-faith households, asserting that a believing spouse's presence "sanctifies" their unbelieving partner and renders their children "holy." This verse provides crucial comfort and clarity for early Christians navigating interfaith marriages, assuring them that their family unit, though not fully Christian, is set apart by God and brought under a sphere of divine influence, ensuring the spiritual legitimacy and special care for their children within the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger discourse in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Instructions on Marriage and Singleness"), where Paul addresses various questions from the Corinthian church concerning marriage, singleness, and divorce. The immediate preceding verses ([1 Corinthians 7:12-13](/1_corinthians/7-12-13 "1 Corinthians 7:12-13 - Paul's Instruction on Mixed Marriages")) lay the groundwork by instructing believing spouses not to divorce their unbelieving partners if the unbeliever is content to remain in the marriage. Verse 14 then provides the theological rationale for this instruction, explaining *why* such a marriage should be preserved and what its spiritual implications are for the family unit. Paul's advice here is practical yet deeply theological, aiming to provide stability and spiritual assurance in complex domestic situations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling port city, notorious for its moral pluralism and diverse religious practices. Early Christians in Corinth often found themselves in marriages where one spouse converted to Christianity while the other remained a pagan, or where one was Jewish and the other Gentile. This presented significant challenges regarding social customs, religious practices, and the spiritual upbringing of children. Jewish law, for instance, often emphasized separation from Gentiles to maintain ritual purity. Paul's teaching here directly addresses the anxieties of believers who might have felt their marriage or children were "unclean" due to the unbelieving spouse, offering a radical, grace-filled perspective that transcended traditional purity laws and cultural norms.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage and Singleness") is the practical application of Christian faith to daily life, particularly in matters of relationships and sexuality. Within this, 1 Corinthians 7:14 contributes to several key themes: **the sanctity of marriage**, even mixed ones, as a divinely ordained institution; **the spiritual influence of a believer**, demonstrating how one's faith can impact their immediate household; and **the status of children within the covenant community**, asserting their "holiness" and inclusion in God's special care, rather than being considered "unclean" (a concept often tied to ritual purity in the Old Testament, as seen in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals")). This verse highlights God's desire for the preservation of family units and the extension of His grace through the believing spouse.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **unbelieving (Greek, _ápistos'_):** From G571. This term describes one who is "disbelieving," specifically "without Christian faith." It denotes a person who does not share the Christian belief system, often referring to a heathen or infidel. In this context, it clearly distinguishes between a Christian spouse and one who has not embraced Christ.
* **sanctified (Greek, _hagiázō'_):** From G37. This verb means "to make holy," "to purify," or "to consecrate." It signifies being set apart for God's purposes, brought into a sphere of divine influence or special relationship, rather than implying personal salvation or moral perfection. The perfect passive indicative form used in the Greek text ("has been sanctified") emphasizes a completed state of being set apart.
* **unclean (Greek, _akáthartos'_):** From G169. This adjective denotes impurity, whether ceremonially, morally (lewd), or specially (demonic). In the Old Testament, it often referred to things unfit for sacred use or consumption. Paul uses this term to contrast with "holy," explicitly denying that children of mixed marriages are in such a state of impurity.
* **holy (Greek, _hágios'_):

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

Malachi 2:15

And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

Malachi 2:16

For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for [one] covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

Titus 1:15

Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

Isaiah 52:1

¶ Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

1 Timothy 4:5

For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Romans 11:16

For if the firstfruit [be] holy, the lump [is] also [holy]: and if the root [be] holy, so [are] the branches.

1 Corinthians 6:15

Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make [them] the members of an harlot? God forbid.