1 Corinthians 7:11 Meaning and Explanation
“But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If separation does occur, the door to reconciliation should remain open, and the husband likewise must not divorce his wife.
What Does 1 Corinthians 7:11 Mean?
Paul anticipates that separations will sometimes happen. His counsel even then aims at healing: let her stay unmarried and open to reconciliation. And the same standard binds the husband, who is not to put his wife away.
The heart of the instruction is hope. A broken marriage is not abandoned to finality; the path back remains. Paul honors the permanence of the covenant while dealing gently with human failure, always leaning toward restoration. The aim is never merely to assign blame but to keep alive the possibility of mended love.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians 7:11
What does 1 Corinthians 7:11 mean?
If separation does occur, the door to reconciliation should remain open, and the husband likewise must not divorce his wife.