For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

1 CORINTHIANS 7:14KJV
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1 Corinthians 7:14 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:14 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:14 says that when a Christian is married to someone who does not share their faith, the non-believing spouse is considered “sanctified” because of the believing partner, and their children are regarded as “holy” rather than “unclean.” This means the family is not spiritually tainted or disqualified just because one parent does not believe.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, answering questions about marriage between believers and non-believers. He reassures Christians that their marriages and families are not spiritually compromised if only one spouse believes. Instead, the presence of a believing spouse brings a kind of spiritual blessing or set-apartness to the whole household.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 7:14

  • ἁγιάζω (hagiazō, “sanctified”): This word means to make holy, set apart, or dedicate. Here, Paul uses it to describe how the unbelieving spouse is affected by the believing partner’s faith, not that they are saved, but that they are included in a special, set-apart relationship.
  • ἅγιος (hagios, “holy”): This word means holy or set apart. Paul uses it for the children, saying they are not “unclean” (not excluded or defiled), but instead are considered part of God’s people because of the believing parent.
  • ἀπίστος (apistos, “unbelieving”): This word means not having faith or not believing. Paul is specifically talking about a spouse who does not share the Christian faith, clarifying that their lack of belief does not make the family spiritually unclean.

Why 1 Corinthians 7:14 matters

  • This verse clears up a common worry for early Christians who found themselves married to non-believers, assuring them their family relationships remain valid and meaningful in God’s eyes.
  • Paul’s words highlight that God’s grace can reach into mixed-faith households, giving them a special status and hope rather than exclusion.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Paul encourages believers to stay in their marriages if the non-believing spouse is willing, showing that faith can have a positive, sanctifying influence on the whole family.

Where else these words appear

“unbelieving” Greek G571 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 17:17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

“sanctified” Greek G37 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
  • Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
  • Hebrews 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

“else” Greek G1893 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
  • Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
  • Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

“unclean” Greek G169 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
  • Mark 5:13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea,(they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
  • Luke 11:24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.