1 Corinthians 7:11
New International Version
But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

New Living Translation
But if she does leave him, let her remain single or else be reconciled to him. And the husband must not leave his wife.

English Standard Version
(but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.

Berean Standard Bible
But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

Berean Literal Bible
But if indeed she is separated, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to the husband; and a husband is not to send away a wife.

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

New King James Version
But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.

New American Standard Bible
(but if she does leave, she must remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband is not to divorce his wife.

NASB 1995
(but if she does leave, she must remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not divorce his wife.

NASB 1977
(but if she does leave, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not send his wife away.

Legacy Standard Bible
(but if she does leave, she must remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not divorce his wife.

Amplified Bible
(but even if she does leave him, let her remain single or else be reconciled to her husband) and that the husband should not leave his wife.

Christian Standard Bible
But if she does leave, she must remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband—and a husband is not to divorce his wife.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if she does leave, she must remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband—and a husband is not to leave his wife.

American Standard Version
(but should she depart, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband); and that the husband leave not his wife.

Contemporary English Version
should either stay single or go back to her husband. And a husband should not leave his wife.

English Revised Version
(but and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband); and that the husband leave not his wife.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If she does, she should stay single or make up with her husband. Likewise, a husband should not divorce his wife.

Good News Translation
but if she does, she must remain single or else be reconciled to her husband; and a husband must not divorce his wife.

International Standard Version
But if she does leave him, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. Likewise, a husband must not abandon his wife.

Majority Standard Bible
But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

NET Bible
(but if she does, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband), and a husband should not divorce his wife.

New Heart English Bible
(but if she departs, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband not leave his wife.

Webster's Bible Translation
But if she shall depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

Weymouth New Testament
or if she has already left him, let her either remain as she is or be reconciled to him; and that a husband is not to send away his wife.

World English Bible
(but if she departs, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband not leave his wife.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but, and if she may separate, let her remain unmarried, or let her be reconciled to the husband, and do not let a husband send a wife away.

Berean Literal Bible
But if indeed she is separated, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to the husband; and a husband is not to send away a wife.

Young's Literal Translation
but and if she may separate, let her remain unmarried, or to the husband let her be reconciled, and let not a husband send away a wife.

Smith's Literal Translation
And if also she be separated, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to the husband: and the husband not to send away the wife.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And if she depart, that she remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband. And let not the husband put away his wife.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if she has separated from him, she must remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband should not divorce his wife.

New American Bible
—and if she does separate she must either remain single or become reconciled to her husband—and a husband should not divorce his wife.

New Revised Standard Version
(but if she does separate, let her remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not divorce his wife.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But if she separate, let her remain single, or be reconciled to her husband; and let not the husband desert his wife.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And if she does depart, let her remain without a husband or let her be reconciled to her husband and let not a man forsake his wife.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
but if she leave him, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and, let not the husband put away his wife.

Godbey New Testament
(but if indeed she may depart, let her remain unmarried, or let her be reconciled unto her husband); and that the husband shall not send away the wife.

Haweis New Testament
and even if she should be separated, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

Mace New Testament
but if she has separated herself, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

Weymouth New Testament
or if she has already left him, let her either remain as she is or be reconciled to him; and that a husband is not to send away his wife.

Worrell New Testament
but if she even depart, let her remain unmarried, or let her be reconciled to her husband; and that the husband leave not his wife.

Worsley New Testament
(but if she separate, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband;) and that the husband put not away his wife.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Principles of Marriage
10To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. 11But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife. 12To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If a brother has an unbelieving wife and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her.…

Cross References
Matthew 5:32
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Matthew 19:6
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

Mark 10:9
Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

Romans 7:2-3
For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. / So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

Malachi 2:16
“For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith.

Matthew 19:9
Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

Mark 10:11-12
So He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. / And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”

Luke 16:18
Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Ephesians 5:31
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”

Deuteronomy 24:1-4
If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds some indecency in her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, hand it to her, and send her away from his house. / If, after leaving his house, she goes and becomes another man’s wife, / and the second man hates her, writes her a certificate of divorce, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house, or if he dies, ...

Matthew 19:3-8
Then some Pharisees came and tested Him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?” / Jesus answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ / and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? ...

1 Peter 3:1-2
Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives / when they see your pure and reverent demeanor.

Colossians 3:18
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

1 Timothy 5:14
So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.


Treasury of Scripture

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

or.

Judges 19:2,3
And his concubine played the whore against him, and went away from him unto her father's house to Bethlehemjudah, and was there four whole months…

Jeremiah 3:1
They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.

and let.

Deuteronomy 22:19
And they shall amerce him in an hundred shekels of silver, and give them unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin of Israel: and she shall be his wife; he may not put her away all his days.

Isaiah 50:1
Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.

Mark 10:2
And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.

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1 Corinthians 7
1. He discusses marriage;
4. showing it to be a remedy against sinful desires,
10. and that the bond thereof ought not lightly to be dissolved.
20. Every man must be content with his vocation.
25. Virginity wherefore to be embraced;
35. and for what respects we may either marry, or abstain from marrying.














But if she does
This phrase acknowledges the possibility of separation in marriage, reflecting the reality of human relationships. In the cultural context of Corinth, divorce was not uncommon, and Paul addresses this issue within the church. The phrase suggests a concession to human weakness, recognizing that separation might occur despite the ideal of marital unity.

she must remain unmarried
Paul advises that if a woman separates from her husband, she should remain unmarried. This reflects the biblical principle of marriage as a lifelong covenant (Genesis 2:24). Remaining unmarried maintains the possibility of reconciliation and upholds the sanctity of the original marriage bond. This instruction aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 19:9, where divorce and remarriage are discouraged except in cases of sexual immorality.

or else be reconciled to her husband
Reconciliation is presented as the preferred outcome, emphasizing forgiveness and restoration. This reflects the broader biblical theme of reconciliation, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, where believers are called to be reconciled to God and to one another. The call to reconciliation mirrors the redemptive work of Christ, who reconciles humanity to God.

And a husband must not divorce his wife
This directive underscores the mutual responsibility in marriage, where both spouses are called to uphold the marriage covenant. In the historical context, men had more legal rights to initiate divorce, but Paul emphasizes equality and mutual commitment. This aligns with Malachi 2:16, where God expresses His disdain for divorce, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and covenant-keeping.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing issues within the Corinthian church.

2. Corinthian Church
The recipients of the letter, a diverse and often troubled early Christian community.

3. Marriage
The institution being discussed, particularly the dynamics of separation and reconciliation.

4. Husband and Wife
The primary subjects of the verse, representing the marital relationship.

5. Reconciliation
The act of restoring a broken relationship, emphasized as a preferable outcome.
Teaching Points
The Sanctity of Marriage
Marriage is a sacred covenant that should not be broken lightly. Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining the marital bond and seeking reconciliation when possible.

The Call to Reconciliation
Reconciliation is preferred over separation. This reflects God's desire for unity and restoration in relationships, mirroring His reconciliation with humanity through Christ.

The Role of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is crucial in the process of reconciliation. Both spouses are called to forgive and seek healing in their relationship, reflecting Christ's forgiveness of our sins.

The Importance of Commitment
Commitment in marriage is a reflection of God's unwavering commitment to us. Spouses are encouraged to remain steadfast and work through difficulties together.

The Prohibition of Divorce
Divorce is discouraged, aligning with the biblical view that marriage is a lifelong commitment. This teaching challenges believers to uphold the sanctity of marriage in a culture that often views it as disposable.(11) But and if she depart.--Better, but if she have actually separated. These words, from "but" to "husband," are a parenthesis, and the concluding words, "and let not the husband put away his wife," are the completion of the Lord's command given in 1Corinthians 7:10. The Apostle, in case such a separation should already have taken place, anticipates the difficult question which might then arise by parenthetically remarking that in such a case the woman must not marry again, but ought to be reunited to her former husband.

Verse 11. - If she depart. The reference throughout the verse is to separation due to incompatibility of temper, etc.; not to legal divorce.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

if
ἐὰν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

she [does],
χωρισθῇ (chōristhē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5563: From chora; to place room between, i.e. Part; reflexively, to go away.

she must remain
μενέτω (menetō)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3306: To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.

unmarried
ἄγαμος (agamos)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 22: Unmarried, of a person not in a state of wedlock, whether he or she has formerly been married or not. Unmarried.

or else
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

be reconciled
καταλλαγήτω (katallagētō)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2644: To change, exchange, reconcile. From kata and allasso; to change mutually, i.e. to compound a difference.

to [her]
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

husband.
ἀνδρὶ (andri)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

a husband
ἄνδρα (andra)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

must not divorce
ἀφιέναι (aphienai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 863: From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.

[his] wife.
γυναῖκα (gynaika)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1135: A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 7:11 But if she departs let her remain (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 7:10
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