But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

1 CORINTHIANS 7:11KJV
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1 Corinthians 7:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:11 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:11 teaches that if a wife separates from her husband, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to him, and a husband should not divorce his wife. The verse sets out clear instructions about separation and reconciliation within marriage, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the marital bond.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing questions about marriage and divorce in a time when these issues were causing confusion. The verse speaks to situations where a wife leaves her husband, instructing her not to remarry unless she is reconciled to him, and reminding husbands not to send their wives away. This guidance fits into Paul's larger discussion about marriage, singleness, and faithfulness in relationships.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 7:11

  • "Depart" (χωρίζω, chōrizō): This word means to separate or leave, and here it refers specifically to a wife leaving her husband. The use of this term shows that the situation involves a real separation, not just a temporary disagreement.
  • "Remain" (μένω, menō): This word means to stay or continue. Paul uses it to instruct the separated wife to remain unmarried, highlighting that separation does not automatically free someone to remarry.
  • "Reconciled" (καταλλάσσω, katallassō): This word means to be restored to favor or to bring back into harmony. Paul holds out reconciliation as the preferred outcome after separation, rather than moving on to a new marriage.
  • "Put away" (ἀφίημι, aphiēmi): This word can mean to send away or divorce. Paul uses it to tell husbands not to dismiss or divorce their wives, reinforcing the call to preserve the marriage.

Why 1 Corinthians 7:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that separation does not automatically permit remarriage, which was a debated issue in the early church and remains so in some circles today.
  • Paul’s instruction balances concern for both spouses, addressing both the wife who leaves and the husband who might consider divorce, showing that both have responsibilities.
  • The verse fits into a larger section where Paul is giving practical advice for Christians navigating complex family situations, helping readers see the value placed on reconciliation and marital faithfulness.

Where else these words appear

“unmarried” Greek G22 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 7:8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
  • 1 Corinthians 7:34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

“reconciled” Greek G2644 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
  • 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

“depart” 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 7:10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

“remain” Greek G3306 · used in 105 verses

  • Matthew 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
  • John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.