1 Corinthians 7:16 kjv
For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?
1 Corinthians 7:16 nkjv
For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?
1 Corinthians 7:16 niv
How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
1 Corinthians 7:16 esv
For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
1 Corinthians 7:16 nlt
Don't you wives realize that your husbands might be saved because of you? And don't you husbands realize that your wives might be saved because of you?
1 Corinthians 7 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 7:12-14 | Not living with unbelieving spouse; sanctification | Paul's affirmation |
| 1 Peter 3:1-2 | Silent, winsome conduct of wives toward husbands | Mode of influence |
| 1 Peter 3:3-4 | Inner beauty and gentle spirit of wives | Character of influence |
| Titus 2:4-5 | Older women training younger women in godly living | Discipleship model |
| Gal 3:28 | Unity in Christ regardless of social status/gender | Spiritual equality |
| Matt 18:15-17 | Process of winning a brother to faith | Reconciliation principles |
| Acts 16:31-34 | Household saved because of faith of master | Collective salvation potential |
| John 17:20-23 | Unity of believers, evidence to the world | Impact of believer's unity |
| Eph 5:22-33 | Wife's submission; Christ's love for the church | Husband-wife relationship |
| Col 3:18 | Wives submit to husbands | Relationship directive |
| 1 Tim 2:11-15 | Women learning in quietness; authority over man | Gender roles context |
| Phil 2:5 | Mind of Christ in all things | Inner disposition |
| James 5:16 | Effective prayer of the righteous | Power of prayer |
| Heb 11:30 | Rahab's faith saved her family | Faith's impact on household |
| Rom 11:14 | Provoking fellow Israelites to jealousy and salvation | Influence on Jewish people |
| Mark 10:6-9 | God's original intent for marriage; unity | Marital unity |
| Eph 5:19 | Speaking to one another with psalms and hymns | Mutual edification |
| 1 Cor 1:10 | Speaking the same thing; no divisions | Church unity |
| 1 Peter 2:9 | Royal priesthood, peculiar people | Believers' identity |
| Rom 12:1-2 | Presenting bodies as living sacrifices; transformation | Transformed living |
1 Corinthians 7 verses
1 Corinthians 7 16 Meaning
The wife might bring salvation to her husband through her godly influence and prayers. It means her conduct and faithful witness could lead him to faith in Christ.
1 Corinthians 7 16 Context
This verse is part of a larger discussion in 1 Corinthians chapter 7 regarding marriage, singleness, and relationships, especially in the context of a mixed-faith marriage. Paul addresses questions the Corinthian church had posed to him. He provides guidance on practical matters related to marriage and its implications for believers and their non-believing spouses. This specific verse offers reassurance and a principle of hope for the believing spouse in an unequal yoked situation.
1 Corinthians 7 16 Word Analysis
εἰ δὲ (ei de): "but if" or "and if." A conditional conjunction, introducing a hypothetical scenario.
ἔχει (echei): "has" or "holds." Third-person singular present active indicative of ἔχω (echō). Refers to the unbelieving husband.
γυναῖκα (gunaika): "a wife." Accusative singular feminine noun. The unbelieving spouse.
ἄπιστον (apiston): "unbelieving" or "infidel." Accusative singular masculine adjective modifying γυναῖκα is incorrect, it should modify the husband. Correct reading: "if his wife has an unbelieving husband". It describes the spouse who does not share the Christian faith.
απιστον (apiston): The adjective modifying the husband. It emphasizes the spiritual condition of the husband.
γυναικί (gunaiki): "to a wife." Dative singular feminine noun. Refers to the believing wife.
συνευδοκεῖ (sunευdokei): "consents," "approves," "agrees," "is well pleased." Third-person singular present active indicative of συνευδοκέω (suneudokeō). It implies willing participation and contentment with the union.
οἰκεῖν (oikein): "to dwell," "to live with." Present active infinitive of οἰκέω (oikeō). Indicates the continuation of cohabitation and married life.
μὴ (mē): "not." Negative particle.
ἀφιέτω (aphietō): "let him put away," "let him divorce." Third-person singular present active imperative of ἀφίημι (aphiēmi). A command or strong suggestion.
φιλανθρωπίας (philanthropias): "love for mankind," "humanity," "kindness." Genitive singular feminine noun. Not present in this verse. The Greek text is: "καὶ ἡ γυνὴ ἡ ἔχουσα ἄνδρα ἄπιστον, ἐὰν συνευδοκῇ συνοικεῖν αὐτῇ, μὴ ἀφιέτω αὐτόν." "And the wife who has an unbelieving husband, if she consents to live with him, let her not leave him." The reference to "philanthropias" is an error in context for this verse.
Group Analysis (Wife's Action and Divine Hope): The focus shifts to the believing wife's role and the potential for her unbelieving husband's salvation. The verbs "consents" (συνευδοκεῖ) and "live with" (συνοικεῖν) highlight her active decision and commitment to maintaining the marriage. The command "let her not leave him" (μὴ ἀφιέτω αὐτόν) emphasizes the preservation of the union.
1 Corinthians 7 16 Bonus Section
The implication is that while the believer is not required to stay if the unbeliever insists on leaving (1 Cor 7:15), when the unbeliever is content to stay, the believer is encouraged to remain. This remaining is an act of obedience to God, seeking to honor the marital bond and acting as an agent of God’s grace within the household. The phrase "how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband?" highlights that the outcome is not guaranteed by the wife, but it is a possibility entrusted to God, worked through her faithful presence and character.
1 Corinthians 7 16 Commentary
Paul instructs the believing wife married to an unbeliever to remain in that union, provided the husband is willing to continue the marriage. This commitment is not just about enduring hardship, but it carries the potential for the husband's spiritual benefit. Her consistent, godly conduct, marked by love and patience, can be a powerful testament to Christ, potentially leading him to faith. This does not imply coercing or forcing belief, but rather allowing her life and demeanor to be a witness. The principle is about unity and love within the marriage, and by extension, the hope of spiritual transformation. It's a call to live out the faith in challenging circumstances for the sake of relationships and possible redemption.