10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. 12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14 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. 15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. 16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? (1 Corinthians 7:10-16 KJV)
Keep Your Marriage Vows
In this passage, the apostle gives direction about a common issue at that time—whether believers who were married to unbelievers should stay in those marriages. Among Jewish converts especially, this was a serious question. Under Moses’ law, divorce was allowed, and in Ezra’s time, the Israelites were even commanded to put away their foreign wives (Ezra 10:3). This led many new Christians to wonder if they too were required to leave unbelieving spouses. Paul provides guidance on this matter.
He begins by affirming that marriage, according to Christ’s command, is a lifelong bond. Therefore, a wife must not leave her husband, and a husband must not divorce his wife (1 Corinthians 7:10-11). Paul states clearly that this is not merely his opinion but the Lord’s teaching, as Christ had already forbidden such separations (see Matthew 5:32; 19:9; Mark 10:11; Luke 16:18). Separation is only allowed under specific conditions, and even then, reconciliation is encouraged. If a separation does occur, the separated spouse should remain unmarried or be reconciled. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and couples are to work through their issues rather than dissolve the union.
Paul then addresses the specific case of believers married to unbelievers. He clarifies that the Lord had not directly spoken about this scenario, but he speaks with apostolic authority under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 7:12; see also 7:40). If a believer is married to an unbeliever who is willing to continue the marriage, the believer should not separate (1 Corinthians 7:12-13). Becoming a Christian does not cancel the marriage covenant. Instead, the believer should strive to be a faithful and godly spouse.
However, if the unbelieving partner chooses to leave and reconciliation is not possible, the believer is not bound in such a case (1 Corinthians 7:15). They are not required to remain single or follow the deserter. If the unbeliever remarries or commits adultery, the bond is broken. While the deserted spouse may remarry, this is only after all efforts at reconciliation have failed. Still, Christians are not allowed to leave their unbelieving spouses simply because of unbelief. If the unbeliever is willing to live in peace, the marriage should continue.
One reason Paul gives is that the unbelieving spouse is sanctified by the believing one (1 Corinthians 7:14). This does not mean the unbeliever is automatically saved, but the marriage relationship and its duties are made holy through the believing partner. To the pure, all things are pure (Titus 1:15). Marriage remains a holy institution even when only one spouse believes. If the marriage itself were defiling, then its natural results—such as children—would also be unclean.
But Paul says the children are holy, meaning they are considered part of the covenant community, not as outsiders like Gentiles (Acts 10:28). This reflects the Jewish understanding that children born to converts are within the holy covenant. In the same way, children of Christians, even if only one parent believes, are not to be seen as outsiders to the faith.
Therefore, Paul encourages believers to remain in their marriages, even with unbelievers, as long as peace is possible. If the believer is holy, the relationship can be holy too, and even their children are recognized as belonging to God’s people.
Another reason is that God has called Christians to live in peace (1 Corinthians 7:15). Christians should strive for peace in every relationship, especially within the home. They should do their best to maintain harmony, even with unbelieving spouses. This reflects the broader Christian duty to live peaceably with all people (Romans 12:18).
Lastly, Paul adds that the believing spouse might be the means through which the unbeliever is saved (1 Corinthians 7:16). The possibility of leading a loved one to Christ is a powerful reason to remain in the relationship. Even if success seems unlikely, the hope of saving a soul should inspire the believer to remain faithful and loving. Marital love should be deep and enduring, and what better way to express it than by seeking the eternal good of one’s spouse?
In summary, while believers must not separate from their unbelieving spouses without cause, if the unbeliever departs and reconciliation fails, the believer is free. Still, peace and the hope of salvation should motivate them to stay and honor the marriage, trusting that God may use them as an instrument of grace.