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.