1 Corinthians 7:13

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the woman that hath an unbelieving husband, and he is content to dwell with her, let her not leave her husband.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the woman that hath an unbelieving husband, and he is content to dwell with her, let her not leave her husband.
1 Corinthians 7:13 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13And the woman that hath an unbelieving husband, and he is content to dwell with her, let her not leave her husband.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the woman which hath an husband that believeth, etc.] The apostle puts the case both ways, there being the same reason for one as for another; that if she that was a sister, who was partaker of the grace of God, and a member of the church, had a husband to whom she was married before her conversion; who was an unbeliever, had no faith in Christ, nor any notion of the Gospel, but an infidel to both: and if he be pleased to dwell with her; loves her, and is willing to continue with her; neither puts her away from him, nor departs from her on account of her Christianity: let her not leave him; but continue, and cohabit with him as man and wife; this is the advice the apostle gives, as…”
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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
“the woman--a believer. let her not leave him--"her husband," instead of "him," is the reading of the oldest manuscripts The Greek for "leave" is the same as in Co1 7:12, "put away"; translate, "Let her not put away [that is, part with] her husband." The wife had the power of effecting a divorce by Greek and Roman law.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Let her not leave him - A change of phraseology from the last verse, to suit the circumstances. The wife did not have power to “put away” the husband, and expel him from his own home; but she might think it her duty to be separated from him. The apostle counsels her not to do this; and this advice should still be followed. She should still love her husband and seek his welfare; she should be still a kind, affectionate, and faithful wife; and all the more so that she may show him the excellence of religion, and win him to love it. She should even bear much, and bear it long; nor should she leave him unless her life is rendered miserable, or in danger; or unless he wholly neglects to make…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification