SEV Biblia, Chapter 7:15
Pero si el incrdulo se aparta, aprtese; que el hermano o la hermana no est sujeto a servidumbre en semejante caso ; antes a paz nos llam Dios.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 7:15
Verse 15. But if the unbelieving, depart] Whether husband or wife: if such obstinately depart and utterly refuse all cohabitation, a brother or a sister-a Christian man or woman, is not under bondage to any particular laws, so as to be prevented from remarrying. Such, probably, the law stood then; but it is not so now; for the marriage can only be dissolved by death, or by the ecclesiastical court. Even fornication or adultery does not dissolve the marriage contract; nor will the obstinate separation of any of the parties, however long continued, give the party abandoned authority to remarry. If the person have been beyond sea, and not heard of for seven years, it is presumed he may be dead; and marriage has been connived at in such cases. If there be no person to complain, it may be presumed that there is none injured. But I have known instances where even a marriage after seven years' absence has been very unfortunate; the husband returning at the end of ten or twelve years, and to his utter distress finding his wife married to another man, and with issue of that marriage! There can be no safety in this case, unless there be absolute certainty of the death of the party in question. God hath called us to peace.] The refractory and disagreeing party should not be compelled to fulfill such matrimonial engagements as would produce continual jarring and discord. At the same time each should take care that he give no cause for disagreements and separations, for the author of the Christian religion is the author of peace, and has called us to it.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 15. But if the unbelieving depart , etc.] If the unbelieving party, man or woman, separate themselves from the believing party on account of religion, and in hatred to it, and will not live with the believer unless Christ is denied, his Gospel abjured, and his ordinances and worship relinquished: let him depart ; he or she, though not without making use of all proper means to retain them; but if, after all, they will go, unless such things are complied with as are unreasonable and sinful, they are not to be held, but let go; and the deserted person may sit down contented, being not to be blamed, the fault entirely lying upon the deserter: a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases . The Ethiopic version reads it, to such an one; one that is called by grace a church member, and so a brother or sister in Christ, is not to be subject to an unbeliever in matters of conscience, in things appertaining to the worship of God, and the service and glory of Christ; nor, being in such circumstances, that either Christ must be forsaken, or the unbeliever will depart, are they obliged to yield to such an one, but rather suffer a departure; nor are they bound to remain unmarried, but are free to marry another person, after all proper methods have been tried for a reconciliation, and that appears to be impracticable; desertion in such a case, and attended with such circumstances, is a breach of the marriage contract, and a dissolution of the bond, and the deserted person may lawfully marry again; otherwise a brother, or a sister in such a case, would be in subjection and bondage to such a person: but God hath called us to peace ; which ought to be sought after and maintained, so far as it can be consistent with truth, the glory of God, the honour of Christ, and interest of religion. The believing party being threatened with a desertion, ought as much as possible to seek for peace and reconciliation, and do all that can be to prevent a departure; for saints are called by the grace of God, to follow after and cultivate peace, not only with one another in their Christian communion as saints, but with all men, even their enemies, and especially with such as are so nearly allied; wherefore the departure should not be easily admitted, or a new marriage be suddenly entered into, reconciliation, if it can be obtained, being most eligible and becoming a Christian.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 10-16 - Man and wife must not separate for any other cause than what Chris allows. Divorce, at that time, was very common among both Jews an Gentiles, on very slight pretexts. Marriage is a Divine institution and is an engagement for life, by God's appointment. We are bound, a much as in us lies, to live peaceably with all men, Ro 12:18, therefor to promote the peace and comfort of our nearest relatives, thoug unbelievers. It should be the labour and study of those who ar married, to make each other as easy and happy as possible. Should Christian desert a husband or wife, when there is opportunity to giv the greatest proof of love? Stay, and labour heartily for the conversion of thy relative. In every state and relation the Lord ha called us to peace; and every thing should be done to promote harmony as far as truth and holiness will permit.
Greek Textus Receptus
ει 1487 COND δε 1161 CONJ ο 3588 T-NSM απιστος 571 A-NSM χωριζεται 5563 5731 V-PMI-3S χωριζεσθω 5563 5744 V-PPM-3S ου 3756 PRT-N δεδουλωται 1402 5769 V-RPI-3S ο 3588 T-NSM αδελφος 80 N-NSM η 2228 PRT η 3588 T-NSF αδελφη 79 N-NSF εν 1722 PREP τοις 3588 T-DPN τοιουτοις 5108 D-DPN εν 1722 PREP δε 1161 CONJ ειρηνη 1515 N-DSF κεκληκεν 2564 5758 V-RAI-3S ημας 2248 P-1AP ο 3588 T-NSM θεος 2316 N-NSM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
15. Is not under bondage (ou dedoulwtai). A strong word, indicating that Christianity has not made marriage a state of slavery to believers. Compare dedetai is bound, ver. 39, a milder word. The meaning clearly is that willful desertion on the part of the unbelieving husband or wife sets the other party free. Such cases are not comprehended in Christ's words. Hath called us to peace (en eirhnh keklhken hmav). Rev., correctly, in peace. Compare Gal. i. 6, "into the grace" (ejn cariti, Rev., in); Eph. iv. 4, in one hope (en mia elpidi); 1 Thess. iv. 7, in sanctification (en agiasmw). Denoting the sphere or element of the divine calling. Enslavement in the marriage relation between the believer and the unbeliever is contrary to the spirit and intent of this calling.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
7:15 {Is not under bondage} (ou dedoulwtai). Perfect passive indicative of doulow, to enslave, has been enslaved, does not remain a slave. The believing husband or wife is not at liberty to separate, unless the disbeliever or pagan insists on it. Wilful desertion of the unbeliever sets the other free, a case not contemplated in Christ's words in #Mt 5:32; 19:9. Luther argued that the Christian partner, thus released, may marry again. But that is by no means clear, unless the unbeliever marries first. {But God hath called us in peace} (en de eirenei kekleken hemas or humas). Perfect active indicative of kalew, permanent call in the sphere or atmosphere of peace. He does not desire enslavement in the marriage relation between the believer and the unbeliever.
