16 How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

Other Translations of 1 Corinthians 7:16

King James Version

16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how how: Gr. what knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

English Standard Version

16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

The Message

16 You never know, wife: The way you handle this might bring your husband not only back to you but to God. You never know, husband: The way you handle this might bring your wife not only back to you but to God.

New King James Version

16 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?

New Living Translation

16 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?

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:16

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 7:10-16

(Read 1 Corinthians 7:10-16)

Man and wife must not separate for any other cause than what Christ allows. Divorce, at that time, was very common among both Jews and Gentiles, on very slight pretexts. Marriage is a Divine institution; and is an engagement for life, by God's appointment. We are bound, as much as in us lies, to live peaceably with all men, Romans 12:18, therefore to promote the peace and comfort of our nearest relatives, though unbelievers. It should be the labour and study of those who are married, to make each other as easy and happy as possible. Should a Christian desert a husband or wife, when there is opportunity to give the greatest proof of love? Stay, and labour heartily for the conversion of thy relative. In every state and relation the Lord has called us to peace; and every thing should be done to promote harmony, as far as truth and holiness will permit.