And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

1 CORINTHIANS 7:10KJV
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1 Corinthians 7:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:10 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:10 states that married people should not separate, with Paul emphasizing that this instruction comes from the Lord, not just from himself. The verse specifically instructs wives not to leave their husbands, presenting this as a command with divine authority.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing questions about marriage and relationships. In this verse, Paul distinguishes between his own advice and a direct teaching from Jesus, making it clear that the instruction for married couples to remain together is rooted in Jesus’ own words. The focus is on maintaining the marriage bond rather than seeking separation.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 7:10

  • ἐντολή (G3853, "command"): This word means a directive or order, and here it highlights that Paul is relaying a command, not just a suggestion. Paul stresses that this instruction carries the weight of authority.
  • ἀλλὰ ὁ κύριος (G235, G2962, "but the Lord"): Paul uses this phrase to clarify that the command comes from the Lord (κύριος, kyrios), not from himself, pointing to Jesus’ own teachings about marriage.
  • χωρισθῆναι (G5563, "depart"): This verb means to separate or leave, and it is used here to describe the act of a wife leaving her husband. The word carries the sense of a formal or significant separation, not just a temporary disagreement.

Why 1 Corinthians 7:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the instruction for married couples to stay together is not just Paul’s opinion but is rooted in Jesus’ teachings, which gives it special weight for early Christians.
  • Paul’s careful distinction between his advice and the Lord’s command helps readers understand which teachings are based on Jesus’ direct words and which are Paul’s guidance for specific situations.
  • The verse sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, where Paul addresses various questions about marriage, singleness, and divorce, showing that the foundation for Christian teaching on marriage is Jesus’ own instruction.

Where else these words appear

“Let” Greek G5563 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  • Acts 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
  • 1 Corinthians 7:11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

“married” Greek G1060 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
  • Mark 10:12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

“command” Greek G3853 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
  • Acts 5:28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;