1 Corinthians 7:10-11
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This verse is so much more than just a rule about staying married; it's a divine instruction, emphasized by Jesus himself, that grounds the commitment between a husband and wife in God's authority. It’s easy to overlook that Paul attributes this charge not to his own opinion, but directly to "the Lord," elevating marital unity to a spiritual principle Jesus Himself ordained.
To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's questions about marriage and singleness, building on his previous advice. He's just discussed the benefits of remaining unmarried for spiritual focus but now turns to those who are married, emphasizing that their commitment is a divine one. This charge to stay together directly counters any notion that believers should separate from their spouses, even if one spouse isn't a believer.
Paul is giving instructions about marriage, but he makes a crucial distinction. Who is actually giving the command here?
Paul starts this instruction with "not I, but the Lord." This isn't Paul's personal opinion or a suggestion from a church leader. This is a direct command from Jesus himself.
Divine Mandate
Jesus established marriage as a foundational covenant, reflecting His own relationship with the Church. When Jesus spoke about marriage, He consistently upheld its permanence. This means instructions regarding marriage carry the weight of divine authority, not just human wisdom.
In a world where relationships can easily fracture, this verse offers a stark and clear directive. What is the core message for those who are married?
The instruction is simple yet profound: "the wife should not separate from her husband." This speaks to the enduring nature of the marital covenant.
Against Divorce
While the passage continues to discuss specific situations, the foundational principle is a strong prohibition against dissolving the marriage. This isn't to say there are never difficult circumstances, but the default, God's ideal, and the Lord's command is for the union to remain intact. Separation is presented as something to be avoided, not an easy option.
Understand the original words
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parangellō · Greek Verb/Noun
A formal instruction, command, or imperative given with authority, often implying a duty to be fulfilled.
chōrizō · Greek Verb
The act of ending a marriage or moving away from a spouse, which is contrary to the creation order of the marital union as a permanent covenant.
katallasseto · Greek Verb
To be restored to a state of harmony, favor, or agreement. Biblically, it refers to the cessation of hostility between two parties, often used regarding humanity's relationship with God or the restoration of fractured human relationships.
aphieto · Greek Verb
A legal or formal dissolution of a marriage covenant. In biblical teaching, it is generally discouraged, emphasizing the permanence and sanctity of the marriage bond instituted by God.
Paul's instruction on marital fidelity in 1 Corinthians was given within the context of a church grappling with deep-seated cultural norms and internal divisions, reminding them that God's order for marriage transcends their chaotic world.
c. AD 41-54
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expelled Jewish residents from Rome, likely due to disturbances related to 'Chrestus' (possibly a reference to Christ). This would have scattered early Christian communities and created a sense of instability.
c. AD 50-52
Paul Founds Church in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent about eighteen months in Corinth, establishing a vibrant church amidst a deeply pagan and morally complex city known for its trade and idolatry.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
Writing from Ephesus, Paul addresses numerous issues plaguing the Corinthian church, including divisions, immorality, and doctrinal disputes, as evidenced by questions they had sent him.
c. AD 60-62
Paul Imprisoned in Rome
Paul's Roman imprisonment provided him opportunities to write letters to various churches, including Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, offering further instruction and encouragement.
This passage directly echoes Jesus' teaching that God intends marriage to be a lifelong, inseparable union, reinforcing Paul's command based on the Lord's own words.
1 Corinthians 7:39This verse expands on the principle by stating that a wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives, providing the foundational theological reason for the prohibition against separation.
Ephesians 5:31-33This passage beautifully illustrates the profound spiritual reality behind marriage as a picture of Christ and the Church, highlighting the deep unity and commitment that should characterize the marital bond and discourage separation.
Malachi 2:14-16The Old Testament prophet Malachi also speaks against divorce and betrayal in marriage, showing that the sanctity of the marital covenant and the Lord's hatred for its violation is a consistent theme throughout Scripture.
This verse is so much more than just a rule about staying married; it's a divine instruction, emphasized by Jesus himself, that grounds the commitment between a husband and wife in God's authority. It’s easy to overlook that Paul attributes this charge not to his own opinion, but directly to "the Lord," elevating marital unity to a spiritual principle Jesus Himself ordained.
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's questions about marriage and singleness, building on his previous advice. He's just discussed the benefits of remaining unmarried for spiritual focus but now turns to those who are married, emphasizing that their commitment is a divine one. This charge to stay together directly counters any notion that believers should separate from their spouses, even if one spouse isn't a believer.
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's questions about marriage and singleness, building on his previous advice. He's just discussed the benefits of remaining unmarried for spiritual focus but now turns to those who are married, emphasizing that their commitment is a divine one. This charge to stay together directly counters any notion that believers should separate from their spouses, even if one spouse isn't a believer.
"To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife." — This verse is so much more than just a rule about staying married; it's a divine instruction, emphasized by Jesus himself, that grounds the commitment between a husband and wife in God's authority. I…
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Last reviewed October 2026
