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.