1 Corinthians 7:15

KJV

But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such [cases]: but God hath called us to peace.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if {G1487} the unbelieving {G571} depart {G5563}, let him depart {G5563}. A brother {G80} or {G2228} a sister {G79} is {G1402} not {G3756} under bondage {G1402} in {G1722} such {G5108} cases: but {G1161} God {G2316} hath called {G2564} us {G2248} to {G1722} peace {G1515}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if the unbelieving spouse separates himself, let him be separated. In circumstances like these, the brother or sister is not enslaved — God has called you to a life of peace.

Berean Standard Bible

But if the unbeliever leaves, let him go. The believing brother or sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace.

American Standard Version

Yet if the unbelieving departeth, let him depart: the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us in peace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 7:15 provides crucial guidance for believers in mixed-faith marriages, specifically addressing the scenario where an unbelieving spouse chooses to abandon the union. Paul clarifies that in such cases, the believing "brother or sister" is released from marital obligation, emphasizing that God's ultimate call for His people is to peace, not to perpetual bondage or strife within a broken relationship initiated by the unbeliever. This verse offers both comfort and theological grounding for navigating the complexities of marital dissolution under specific circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive discourse on marriage, singleness, and divorce in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Teaching on Marriage and Singleness"). Prior to this verse, Paul generally advises believers married to unbelievers not to seek divorce if the unbelieving spouse is willing to remain ([1 Corinthians 7:12-14](/1_corinthians/7-12-14 "1 Corinthians 7:12-14 - Believers in Mixed Marriages")). He even suggests that the believing spouse sanctifies the unbeliever and their children, implying a hope for the unbeliever's conversion. However, [1 Corinthians 7:15](/1_corinthians/7-15 "1 Corinthians 7:15 - The Unbelieving Spouse Departs") introduces a critical caveat, addressing the specific situation where the unbelieving partner is unwilling to stay and actively departs, thereby providing a different instruction for the believing spouse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian community in Corinth was a diverse group, including converts from paganism, some of whom were married to non-believers. Roman and Greek law, while varying, generally allowed for divorce, though the grounds and procedures differed from Jewish law. Paul's teaching here is revolutionary in its emphasis on the sanctity of marriage while also providing a compassionate and practical solution for believers facing abandonment. The concept of "bondage" (δουλόω, _doulóō_) would have resonated with a society familiar with various forms of servitude and obligation, making the release from such a state particularly significant.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Teaching on Marriage and Singleness") as a whole explores the themes of **Christian freedom and responsibility** within the context of social norms. Paul consistently balances the ideal (e.g., remaining single for devotion, staying married) with practical realities and pastoral care. The theme of **peace** ([eirḗnē](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")) is paramount in [1 Corinthians 7:15](/1_corinthians/7-15 "1 Corinthians 7:15 - God's Call to Peace"), serving as God's guiding principle for believers even in difficult circumstances like marital abandonment. This aligns with broader biblical themes of God's desire for the well-being and flourishing of His people, as seen in passages like [Colossians 3:15](/colossians/3-15 "Colossians 3:15 - Let the Peace of Christ Rule").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **unbelieving (Greek, _ápistos'_):** From G571, meaning "disbelieving," specifically without Christian faith, often referring to a heathen or one who lacks faith. In this context, it denotes a spouse who does not share the Christian faith and whose actions (departing) are rooted in that unbelief or unwillingness to live peaceably with a believer. This is distinct from a believer who simply struggles with faith or commits sin.
* **under bondage (Greek, _doulóō'_):** From G1402, meaning "to enslave" or "to be brought into servitude." Here, it signifies being bound by the marital covenant and its obligations. Paul's statement that a believer is "not under bondage" indicates a release from the marital obligation when the unbelieving spouse initiates separation, implying freedom from the marital tie.
* **peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** From G1515, a comprehensive term for "peace" (literally or figuratively), implying prosperity, wholeness, well-being, and harmony. It refers not just to the absence of conflict but to a state of spiritual flourishing and right relationship with God, which God desires for His people. This peace is a divine gift and a guiding principle for the believer's life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart."**: This clause addresses the specific, active choice of the non-Christian spouse to leave the marriage. Paul's instruction "let him depart" is not a command for the believer to initiate separation but an acknowledgment that if the unbeliever insists on leaving, the believer should not prevent it or feel obligated to hold them in the union against their will. It recognizes the reality of an initiated separation by the unbeliever.
* **"A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such [cases]:"**: This is the central declaration of freedom for the believing spouse. The "brother or sister" (the Christian partner) is released from the marital obligations and ties when the unbelieving partner unilaterally abandons the marriage due to their unbelief or unwillingness to remain. The term "bondage" (doulóō) implies being enslaved or bound, indicating that the believer is no longer held captive by the covenant in these specific, challenging circumstances.
* **"but God hath called us to peace."**: This concluding statement provides the theological rationale and guiding principle for the believer's release. God's ultimate desire for His children is peace (eirḗnē)—a state of wholeness, harmony, and spiritual well-being—rather than perpetual strife, abandonment, or being held in a broken union against their will. This divine call to peace justifies the release from marital obligation in such specific, extreme circumstances, prioritizing the believer's spiritual well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary techniques in this concise verse. The use of **Contrast** is evident in the "But if... but God" structure, highlighting the stark difference between the unbeliever's action and God's divine purpose for the believer. The phrase "not under bondage" is a form of **Litotes**, emphasizing the believer's freedom by negating its opposite (slavery or obligation). Furthermore, the concept of "peace" functions as a powerful **Theological Motif**, serving as the overarching divine intention that guides the believer's response to marital abandonment, elevating the discussion beyond mere legalistic rules to a principle of divine flourishing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores the profound theological truth that God desires the peace and spiritual well-being of His children above all else, even in the painful context of marital breakdown. While God upholds the sanctity of marriage and generally opposes divorce ([Matthew 19:6](/matthew/19-6 "Matthew 19:6 - What God Has Joined Together")), Paul's instruction here provides a specific exception for cases of abandonment by an unbelieving spouse. The release from "bondage" is not a license for casual divorce but a compassionate acknowledgement that God does not intend for His children to be perpetually bound to a relationship that an unbelieving partner has unilaterally rejected, especially when it undermines their peace. This passage demonstrates a pastoral sensitivity that balances divine ideals with the harsh realities of a fallen world, always pointing back to God's character as the giver of peace.

* [Matthew 19:9](/matthew/19-9 "Matthew 19:9 - Exception Clause for Divorce")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably with All")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers navigating the painful reality of a spouse's departure due to their unbelief, [1 Corinthians 7:15](/1_corinthians/7-15 "1 Corinthians 7:15 - God's Call to Peace") offers a profound sense of liberation and divine affirmation. It acknowledges the deep hurt and disruption caused by such abandonment but simultaneously assures the believing spouse that they are not perpetually bound to a broken covenant initiated by the unbeliever. This freedom is not an invitation to divorce but a recognition that God's desire for their life is peace and wholeness, not endless strife or being held captive by a relationship that has been unilaterally severed. It encourages believers to prioritize the spiritual peace God has called them to, trusting that even in the midst of loss, God's purposes for their well-being will prevail. This passage calls for discernment, compassion, and a reliance on God's guiding peace in the face of profound relational challenges.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "peace" in this verse guide your understanding of God's will for you in difficult relational circumstances?**
* **In what ways might a believer be "under bondage" in a relationship, and how does God's call to peace offer release?**
* **How can this verse provide comfort and direction to someone experiencing abandonment by an unbelieving spouse?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse give a Christian spouse permission to divorce an unbelieving spouse?**

Answer: No, this verse does not give the believing spouse permission to initiate a divorce. Instead, it addresses the specific scenario where the *unbelieving* spouse "departs" or abandons the marriage. In such a case, Paul states that the believing "brother or sister is not under bondage," implying a release from the marital tie when the unbeliever unilaterally leaves due to their unbelief or unwillingness to remain. The emphasis is on the unbeliever's departure, not the believer's initiation of divorce.

**What does "not under bondage" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Not under bondage" (Greek: _doulóō_) means the believing spouse is released from the marital obligations and ties. While interpretations vary among theologians, the most common understanding is that this release implies freedom to remarry, as the original covenant has been broken by the unbeliever's departure. It signifies that God does not intend for the believer to be held captive in a marriage that has been abandoned by the other party.

**How does "God hath called us to peace" relate to the rest of the verse?**

Answer: This phrase serves as the theological rationale and guiding principle for the believer's release. It means that God's ultimate desire for His children is a state of wholeness, harmony, and spiritual well-being ([peace](/colossians/3-15 "Colossians 3:15 - The Peace of Christ")), rather than being perpetually bound to a contentious or abandoned relationship. This divine call to peace justifies the release from marital obligation in the specific circumstances outlined in the verse, prioritizing the believer's spiritual flourishing over maintaining a broken union against their will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The peace mentioned in [1 Corinthians 7:15](/1_corinthians/7-15 "1 Corinthians 7:15 - God's Call to Peace") finds its ultimate embodiment and source in Jesus Christ. He is the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")) who came to reconcile humanity to God, breaking the bondage of sin and death. Just as believers are released from marital "bondage" when an unbelieving spouse departs, so too are all believers released from the "bondage of corruption" ([Romans 8:21](/romans/8-21 "Romans 8:21 - Freedom from Bondage")) through Christ's redemptive work on the cross. His sacrifice establishes true peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ")) and offers an inner tranquility that transcends earthly circumstances ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Gift of Peace")). This divine peace, a fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit")), guides believers not only in marital dilemmas but in all aspects of life, pointing to the ultimate Shalom found in Him alone, who truly sets the captives free ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")).

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

Romans 14:19

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

2 Corinthians 13:11

¶ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Matthew 12:50

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.