1 CORINTHIANS 7:15 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.”
But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. — The 'Pauline privilege' permits divorce when an unbelieving spouse abandons the marriage. The phrase 'not bound' (ou dedoulōtai = enslaved, bound) releases the believer from the marriage covenant. The rationale is peace (eirēnē): maintaining a marriage against the unbeliever's will would violate the peace to which God has called believers. This exception acknowledges that unilateral abandonment breaks the covenant.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 7:15
“Yet if the unbelieving departs, let him depart,” for in this case the matter is no longer fornication. But what is the meaning of, “if the unbelieving departs?” For instance, if he bid you sacrifice and take part in his ungodliness on account of your marriage, or else part company; it were better the marriage were annulled, and no breach made in godliness. Wherefore he adds, “A brother is not under bondage, nor yet a sister, in such cases.” If day by day he buffet you and…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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