What does 1 Corinthians 7:13 mean?

And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 1 Corinthians 7:13

Explanation

The verse 1 Corinthians 7:13 speaks to a situation in the early Christian church where a married couple consisted of one believer and one non-believer. The Apostle Paul advises that if a woman has an unbelieving husband who is content to live with her, she should not initiate a divorce. This advice is in the context of maintaining the sanctity of marriage and the hope that the believing spouse might influence the unbelieving one toward faith. It highlights a principle of marital harmony and the commitment to the marital relationship, even in the presence of differing faith expressions.

Historical Context

This verse was written by Paul in approximately 55 AD to the church in Corinth, a cosmopolitan city known for its cultural and religious diversity. Corinth was a hub of commerce, which brought together people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds. In this melting pot, new Christian converts often found themselves in marriages with non-Christians, which led to a number of social and religious challenges. Paul addresses these issues in his letter, giving guidance on how to handle matters related to marriage, divorce, and remarriage, especially in the context of mixed-faith relationships.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse introduces several insights:

• The sanctity of marriage: Paul emphasizes that marriage is holy and should be preserved.
• Evangelistic hope: There is an undercurrent of belief that the unbelieving spouse may be won over to Christ through their partner’s witness.
• Unity in diversity: Paul recognizes the possibility of maintaining a unified marriage despite the diversity of faith.
• Non-coercion in faith: This teaching implies that one should not force religious beliefs upon an unwilling spouse, respecting their freedom of belief.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in various ways:

• In marriages with differing religious beliefs, spouses can focus on building respect and understanding rather than pressuring or coercing conversion.
• This verse can encourage individuals in mixed-faith marriages to find common moral and ethical ground to build a strong and loving relationship.
• The concept can be extended to interfaith dialogue and cooperation outside of marriage, promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among different faith communities.

Cross-References

• 1 Peter 3:1-2: “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives.”
• 1 Corinthians 7:12: “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.”

Language Study

In the original Greek:

• “woman” (γυνή – gunē): typically means a woman or wife.
• “hath an husband” (ἔχουσα ἄνδρα – echousa andra): more specifically refers to being married to a man.
• “believeth not” (ἄπιστος – apistos): means unbelieving or without faith, specifically in the context of not sharing Christian faith.
• “pleased” (συνευδοκεῖ – syneudokei): indicates consent or agreement.
• “dwell” (οἰκεῖν – oikein): means to live or cohabit.
• “leave” (ἀφιέναι – aphiēnai): means to send away or divorce.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of ancient societies, marriages were often strategic and binding regardless of personal faith. The early Christian approach that allowed for the coexistence of different faiths within a marriage was somewhat progressive. Comparatively, in Judaism, marriage within the faith was of great importance, and in Greco-Roman culture, religious homogeneity within the family was less of a concern, as they were polytheistic and incorporated multiple beliefs and gods.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community generally does not directly engage with scriptural interpretations. However, social science research affirms the complexities of interfaith marriages and offers supporting evidence that successful mixed-faith relationships often involve high levels of communication, respect, and negotiation — principles that can be extrapolated from Paul’s advice.

commentaries

Different biblical scholars and theologians offer varied understandings of this passage:

• Traditionalist commentaries focus on the sanctity of the marriage covenant and the duty of the believer to honor that commitment.
• Some feminist theologians might critique the passage for seemingly placing more emphasis on the role and responsibility of the woman to maintain the marriage.
• Modern evangelical commentators might emphasize the potential for evangelism within the marriage as an opportunity for the believing spouse to model Christian principles to the unbelieving spouse.

Each brings unique perspectives to this verse, often influenced by their broader theological and doctrinal positions.