1 Corinthians 7:12 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Where a believer is married to an unbeliever willing to stay, Paul counsels the believer not to end the marriage.
What Does 1 Corinthians 7:12 Mean?
Paul addresses a situation Jesus had not directly taught on -- marriages where one spouse has come to faith and the other has not. Marking that this is his own Spirit-led judgment, he counsels the believing husband not to divorce a willing unbelieving wife.
The instinct might be to break ties with an unbelieving partner, but Paul counsels patience and faithfulness instead. The marriage is to be honored as long as the other is content to remain. Love does not flee a household because faith is not yet shared; it stays, hopeful and steady, trusting God with the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians 7:12
What does 1 Corinthians 7:12 mean?
Where a believer is married to an unbeliever willing to stay, Paul counsels the believer not to end the marriage.