1 Corinthians 7:10

My Notes

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:10 Mean?

"And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband." Paul distinguishes between his own apostolic instruction and a direct command of the Lord (from Jesus' earthly teaching in Matthew 5:32, 19:3-9). The distinction isn't authority level (both are inspired) but source: this specific teaching came directly from Jesus during his ministry. Paul is saying: I have Jesus' own words on this. The wife should not separate from her husband. The marriage covenant is permanent by the Lord's command.

Paul will later give his own apostolic judgment on situations Jesus didn't address (v. 12: "But to the rest speak I, not the Lord"). The distinction between 'the Lord said this' and 'I'm saying this by apostolic authority' demonstrates Paul's careful handling of different levels of dominical authority.

Reflection Questions

• 1.How does Paul's distinction ('not I, but the Lord') model intellectual honesty in pastoral counsel?
• 2.What does the Lord's command about marriage permanence mean for how you approach covenant relationships?
• 3.Where does the qualification (remain unmarried or be reconciled) provide grace within the permanence principle?
• 4.How seriously do you treat instructions that come directly from Jesus' teaching versus general biblical principles?

Devotional

Not I, but the Lord. Paul draws a line: this specific instruction comes from Jesus himself. Not from Paul's pastoral judgment. From the Lord's own teaching. The marriage covenant is permanent. The wife should not depart.

The distinction Paul makes is important and often missed: when he says 'not I, but the Lord,' he's citing Jesus' earthly teaching — the direct words of Christ about marriage (Matthew 5:32, 19:3-9). Paul has access to Jesus' teachings and can distinguish between 'Jesus addressed this directly' and 'Jesus didn't address this, so I'm giving my apostolic judgment' (v. 12, 25).

Let not the wife depart from her husband. The instruction is about the permanence of the marriage covenant. Departure (chōrizō — to separate, to divide, to put asunder) is what Jesus prohibited: "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (Matthew 19:6). Paul applies Jesus' words to the Corinthian situation: you're married. Stay married. That's not my advice. That's the Lord's command.

The next verse (v. 11) adds the qualification: if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. Paul acknowledges the reality that departures happen while maintaining the ideal: the goal is reconciliation, not replacement. If separation occurs, the door remains open for return. The covenant isn't dissolved by distance.

Paul's careful distinction between dominical command and apostolic instruction models intellectual honesty in pastoral counsel: here's what Jesus said directly, and here's what I'm saying by apostolic authority. Both are authoritative. But the source matters — because knowing when Jesus spoke directly gives specific weight to specific instructions.

The marriage instruction isn't Paul's opinion about relationships. It's the Lord's command about covenant. And Paul makes sure the Corinthians know the difference: this isn't my pastoral preference. This is the Lord's direct teaching. Treat it accordingly.

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Cross References

Related passages throughout Scripture