1 Corinthians 7:14

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 Corinthians 7:14 offers crucial guidance regarding mixed-faith marriages within the early Christian community, providing comfort and clarity on the spiritual status of an unbelieving spouse and their children when one partner is a believer.

Context of 1 Corinthians 7:14

In 1 Corinthians Chapter 7, the Apostle Paul addresses various questions from the Corinthian church concerning marriage, singleness, and divorce. The city of Corinth was known for its moral laxity, and believers often found themselves in challenging social and familial situations. Paul provides practical, Spirit-led advice for Christians navigating these issues, particularly in relationships with non-believers. Verses 1 Corinthians 7:12-13 specifically precede this verse, where Paul instructs a believing spouse not to divorce an unbelieving partner if the unbeliever is content to remain in the marriage. Verse 14 then explains the theological basis for this instruction.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sanctification by Association: The primary message is that the believing spouse's faith has a "sanctifying" effect on the unbelieving partner. This does not mean the unbeliever is automatically saved or converted, but rather that the marriage relationship and the household are set apart, or consecrated, in God's eyes. The presence of a believer brings a divine influence and a sense of holiness to the domestic sphere, differentiating it from purely pagan households.
  • Status of Children: A significant implication is the status of children born into such mixed marriages. Paul asserts that these children are "holy" (hagia) and not "unclean" (akatharta). This provides reassurance that they are not considered outside God's covenant blessing or impure due to the unbelieving parent. Instead, they are within the sphere of God's special care and influence, often through the spiritual nurturing of the believing parent. This concept highlights the spiritual heritage passed down through a faithful parent.
  • Preservation of Marriage: This verse provides a strong theological reason for a Christian to remain committed to their marriage, even if their spouse is not a believer. It underscores the potential for spiritual impact within the family unit and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the marriage institution in God's sight.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words used here are crucial for understanding Paul's meaning:

  • "Sanctified" (Greek: hēgiastai, ἡγίασται): This is a perfect passive indicative verb, meaning "has been made holy" or "has been set apart." It refers to a state of being set apart for God's purposes, not necessarily a state of personal salvation or moral perfection for the unbeliever. It signifies that the marriage and the unbelieving partner are brought into a realm of divine influence through the believer.
  • "Unclean" (Greek: akatharta, ἀκάθαρτα): This term refers to something ritually or morally impure, or unfit for sacred use. Paul explicitly states the children are *not* this.
  • "Holy" (Greek: hagia, ἅγια): This term means "set apart for God," "consecrated," or "belonging to God." It emphasizes that the children are not outside the sphere of God's blessing or concern, but rather are within it, often implying their inclusion in the community of faith through the believing parent's influence and prayers. This aligns with the idea of God desiring godly offspring (Malachi 2:15).

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 7:14 offers profound encouragement and guidance:

  • Hope for Mixed Marriages: It provides a strong basis for Christians in mixed-faith marriages to remain hopeful and committed, trusting that their faith can indeed have a positive, sanctifying influence on their spouse and children. It emphasizes that God values the family unit and works through the believing spouse.
  • Spiritual Influence in the Home: This verse highlights the profound spiritual impact a single believing parent can have on their household. Even if the unbelieving spouse does not convert, the environment of the home can be blessed and set apart for God's purposes, creating fertile ground for spiritual growth for the children.
  • Reassurance for Parents: It reassures Christian parents in mixed marriages that their children are not considered "unclean" by God. Instead, they are within the sphere of His grace and are set apart for a special relationship with Him, even if only one parent is a believer. This encourages faithful parenting and prayer for their children's salvation.
  • Biblical Perspective on Family: The passage underscores the importance of Christian marriage and family as a sphere where God's presence and influence can dwell, even in challenging circumstances. It reminds us that God's grace extends to our relationships, impacting those closest to us.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Malachi 2:15 (10 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

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

  • Romans 11:16 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.