Old Testament

New Testament

1 Corinthians 7:3-15 Modern English Version (MEV)

3. Let the husband render to the wife due affection, and likewise the wife to the husband.

4. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.

5. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan does not tempt you for lack of self-control.

6. I speak this as a concession and not as a command.

7. For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man has his proper gift from God, one after this manner and another after that.

8. I say to the unmarried and widows that it is good for them if they live even as I am.

9. But if they cannot restrain themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

10. Now to the married I command, not I, but the Lord, do not let the wife depart from her husband.

11. But if she departs, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And do not let the husband divorce his wife.

12. To the rest I speak, not the Lord: If any brother has an unbelieving wife who consents to live with him, he should not divorce her.

13. And if the woman has an unbelieving husband who consents to live with her, she should not divorce him.

14. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean. But now they are holy.

15. But if the unbeliever departs, let that one depart. A brother or a sister is not bound in such cases. God has called us to peace.

Read complete chapter 1 Corinthians 7