What does 1 Corinthians 7:14 mean?

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. 1 Corinthians 7:14

Explanation

1 Corinthians 7:14 addresses a specific concern of early Christian believers who were married to non-believers. The Apostle Paul, the author of this letter, reassures these believers that their marriage is sanctified, meaning made holy or set apart, by their faith, and that their children are also holy in the eyes of God. At the literal level, Paul is saying that the Christian spouse’s faith brings a sanctifying influence on the entire household. On a deeper level, this suggests the transformative power of Christianity, where the presence of one believer within an intimate relationship such as marriage can impact the non-believing spouse and offspring, bringing God’s grace into their lives.

Historical Context

The city of Corinth, a major urban center in ancient Greece, was known for its diverse population and myriad religious practices. Amidst the challenges of living in such a dynamic cultural milieu, the burgeoning Christian community faced questions about how to navigate relationships between believers and non-believers, which is the concern addressed in this verse. This guidance by Paul reflects the early Christian struggle for identity and the need to reassure converts that their faith alone was powerful, even capable of sanctifying their closest non-believing relatives.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, 1 Corinthians 7:14 has been understood in various ways. Some see it as proof of the ‘covenantal household’ concept, where God’s promise extends to believers and their families. Others view it as an example of the Christian principle of ‘spiritual unity’ – that the sacred bond of marriage is recognized, even when only one partner is a believer. There’s also a perspective that sees this as a practical move by Paul, who ensured family stability and peace by avoiding unnecessary disruptions such as divorce on the basis of faith differences.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can be interpreted to encourage believers married to non-believers to remain steadfast in their relationships, believing in the positive influence their faith can bring into the family. It can be seen as a call to be patient and loving toward non-believing spouses and to trust that their presence is beneficial for their family’s spiritual health. The verse also cautions against the temptation to abandon non-Christian spouses and children as “unclean,” promoting family unity and continued engagement with one’s immediate community.

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;”
• Acts 16:31: “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”
• Ephesians 5:22-23: “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church…”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text for this passage include:

• “Sanctified” (ἡγιάστη): Translated from the Greek verb hagiazō, meaning to make holy, consecrate, or set apart.
• “Unbelieving” (ἄπιστος): From the Greek word apistos, referring to someone without Christian faith or a non-believer.
• “Unclean” (ἀκάθαρτος): Translated from akathartos, indicating something impure or unholy.
• “Holy” (ἅγιος): Hagios, meaning sacred, morally blameless, or consecrated.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In contrast to many ancient religions and myths in which the spiritual status of an individual was intrinsic and could not be influenced by others, this Christian teaching suggests a communal and relational approach to sanctity. This stands apart from, for example, some ancient Greek beliefs where purity and impurity were more individually attained through rituals or actions. Throughout religious history, the idea that one’s beliefs or actions could sanctify others in their household is fairly unique to Judeo-Christian values.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, there aren’t direct intersections concerning sanctification or holiness, as these concepts are inherently spiritual and not within the scope of empirical science. However, the social sciences, including psychology and sociology, do study the influence of an individual’s beliefs and behaviors on their family. Research in these fields often substantiates claims that a person’s mindset or value system significantly affects their immediate social environment, aligning conceptually with the influence described in this verse.

Commentaries

Commentators present different interpretations of 1 Corinthians 7:14. Some, like Matthew Henry, focus on the sanctity of marriage and the idea that the believing partner brings God’s presence into the relationship, with a potential to lead the unbelieving spouse to faith. John Gill discusses the implications for children, explaining that they are not to be considered profane or out of the covenant but seen as part of the Christian family. Contemporary scholars debate the extent to which the sanctification mentioned extends to salvation, with some arguing that it is merely a call to maintain family unity regardless of faith differences.