1 Corinthians 7:10-11

“But in the case of those that have married (τ. γεγαμηκόσιν, pf. of settled fact), I charge … wife not to separate from husband … and husband not to send away (or let go) wife.” The parenthesis, “not I but the Lord” (it is His command, not mine), refers the indissolubility of marriage to the authority of Christ. The exceptional cause of divorce allowed by Jesus, παρεκτὸς λόγου πορνείας (Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9; also unmentioned in Mark 10:11; Luke 16:18), is not contemplated in the instance of wedded Christians (Paul is addressing both partners at once). The Apostle's tone is changed (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:6 ff.); he is laying down the law, and on Supreme Authority. He cites Christ's words in distinction from his own (1 Corinthians 7:12), not as though his word was insufficient (see, to the contrary, 1 Corinthians 7:40 1 Corinthians 2:16, 1 Corinthians 5:3 f., 1 Corinthians 14:37, etc.), but inasmuch as this was a principle upon which “the Lord” had pronounced categorically. It is noticeable that the case of the woman seeking separation comes first and is dwelt upon; Christianity had powerfully stirred the feminine mind at Cor [1031] (see 1 Corinthians 11:5 ff., 1 Corinthians 14:34 f.). In some cases, not so much incompatibility as ascetic aversion (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:3 f.) caused the wish to separate. The γυναῖκα μὴ χωρισθῆναι is qualified by the parenthesis ἐὰν δὲ καὶ χωρισθῇ : “but if indeed she have separated, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband”. P. is not allowing exceptions from the rule of Christ, but advising in cases where the mischief was done; the aor [1032] sbj [1033], χωρισθῇ, is timeless, taking its occasion from the context: see Bn [1034], § 98. Her remaining unmarried is virtually included in the law of Christ (Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9). καταλλαγήτω, pass [1035], “let her get herself reconciled”: the vb [1036] indicates the fact of alienation or dissension, but not the side on which it exists (cf. the theological use of καταλλάσσω in Romans 5:10 f.); if the husband disallows her return, she must remain ἄγαμος. Romanists have inferred from the text, after Aug [1037], and notwithstanding Matthew 5:32, that even adultery leaves the marriage-vow binding on the wronged partner; but this question is not in view here (see Ed [1038] in loc.).

[1031] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.

[1032] aorist tense.

[1033] subjunctive mood.

[1034] E. Burton's Syntax of the Moods and Tenses in the N.T. (1894).

[1035] passive voice.

[1036] verb

[1037] Augustine.

[1038] T. C. Edwards' Commentary on the First Ep. to the Corinthians.