1 Corinthians 7:11

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “(but should she depart, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband); and that the husband leave not his wife.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

(but should she depart, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband); and that the husband leave not his wife.
1 Corinthians 7:11 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11(but should she depart, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband); and that the husband leave not his wife.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But and if she depart, etc.] This is said, not as allowing of such a departure, which only in case of fornication is lawful; but supposing it a fact, that a woman cannot be prevailed upon to stay with her husband, but actually forsakes him upon some difference arising between them, let her remain unmarried: she ought not to marry another man; her departure does not make the marriage void; nor is it to be made void by any difference between them, either on religious or civil accounts, only in case of adultery; and therefore, if upon such separation she marries, she is guilty of adultery: or be reconciled to her husband; which is rather to be chosen, than to remain separate, though unmarried;…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But and if she depart--or "be separated." If the sin of separation has been committed, that of a new marriage is not to be added (Mat 5:32). be reconciled--by appeasing her husband's displeasure, and recovering his good will. let not . . . husband put away . . . wife--In Mat 5:32 the only exception allowed is, "saving for the cause of fornication."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But and if she depart - If she have withdrawn by a rash and foolish act; if she has attempted to dissolve the marriage vow, she is to remain unmarried, or be reconciled. She is not at liberty to marry another. This may refer, I suppose, to instances where wives, ignorant of the rule of Christ, and supposing that they had a right to separate themselves from their husbands, had rashly left them, and had supposed that the marriage contract was dissolved. Paul tells them that this was impossible; and that if they had so separated from their husbands, the pure laws of Christianity, did not recognize this right, and they must either be reconciled to their husbands, or remain alone. The marriage…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“But if she depart - Contrary to this express prohibition. And let not the husband put away his wife - Except for the cause of adultery. 1 Corinthians 7:12”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“or: Jdg 19:2, Jdg 19:3; Jer 3:1 and let: Deu 22:19; Isa 50:1; Mar 10:2 1 Corinthians 7:12”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification