Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 7:10

What does 1 Corinthians 7:10 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 7:10 means

Paul turns to those who are married and cites the command of the Lord Jesus: a wife should not depart from her husband. This recalls Jesus’ teaching that God joined husband and wife and intended permanence. Paul emphasizes that this is not just his advice; it carries Christ’s authority. Marriage is a covenant to be preserved, not lightly dissolved. In a context of confusion about sexual ethics, Paul roots Christian practice in the Lord’s words. By focusing on the wife first, he shows the instruction applies to both genders, countering any suggestion that only one party bears the responsibility. Faithfulness is the norm; separation is the exception and requires careful handling.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But unto the married I give charge, yea not I, but the Lord, That the wife depart not from her husband

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But unto the married I give charge, yea not I, but the Lord, That the wife depart not from her husband

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But to the married I give orders, though not I but the Lord, that the wife may not go away from her husband

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and to the married I announce--not I, but the Lord--let not a wife separate from a husband:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But to them that are married, not I, but the Lord, commandeth that the wife depart not from her husband.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But to the married I enjoin, not I, but the Lord, Let not wife be separated from husband;

Context

After counseling singles (verses 8–9), Paul turns to married believers with commands he attributes directly to “the Lord.” This signals a weightier tone compared to earlier concessions. Verse 11 will immediately explain the limited options if separation does occur. The sequence underscores Paul’s layered approach: he honors Jesus’ teaching on marital permanence, then applies it pastorally to hard situations. Soon after, in verses 12–16, he will extend counsel to mixed-faith marriages, where no direct teaching from Jesus was recorded, clarifying the difference between the Lord’s command and his apostolic judgment.

v.9But if they have not continency, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

v.10This passage

v.11(but should she depart, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband); and that the husband leave not his wife.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 5:32

    but I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery.

  • Jeremiah 3:20

    Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith Jehovah.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:12

    But to the rest say I, not the Lord: If any brother hath an unbelieving wife, and she is content to dwell with him, let him not leave her.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:6

    But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.

  • Luke 16:18

    Every one that putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth one that is put away from a husband committeth adultery.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:15

    Yet if the unbelieving departeth, let him depart: the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us in peace.

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