The focus of this discussion is 1 Corinthians 7:15, specifically the clause οὐ δεδούλωται and its implications for marital obligations when an unbelieving spouse departs. The perfect tense here is pivotal for interpretation. The verse under examination is:
Εἰ δὲ ὁ ἄπιστος χωρίζεται, χωριζέσθω· οὐ δεδούλωται ὁ ἀδελφὸς ἢ ἡ ἀδελφὴ ἐν τοῖς τοιούτοις· ἐν δὲ εἰρήνῃ κέκληκεν ἡμᾶς ὁ θεός.
(Eberhard Nestle, 1904 GNT k)
The key differences with SBLGNT (2010) are the use of a comma instead of a semicolon after χωριζέσθω and the use of the breathing and accent marks on the word “H ADELFH” at the end of the second phrase, which is written as ἡ ἀδελφὴ in the SBLGNT (2010).
Key Points for Discussion
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The perfect tense οὐ δεδούλωται is stative, indicating a present state resulting from a past completed action.
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The negative οὐ negates the assertion entirely, affirming that the believing spouse “does not stand enslaved” in these circumstances.
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Interpretive options considered:
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Does the perfect suggest permanent freedom from the marriage bond (never enslaved)?
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Or does it indicate a current state of non-obligation, following the unbeliever’s departure?
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The imperative χωριζέσθω (3rd person singular, present passive) expresses permission rather than command: “Let him depart.”
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Debate exists whether the phrase can be construed as an imperative prohibition for the believer (e.g., “Do not become enslaved”), but the consensus leans toward indicative with stative force.
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Contextually, Paul aims to promote peace, not compulsory pursuit or retention of the unbelieving partner.
Text-Critical Commentary
The NA28 apparatus records no major variant for οὐ δεδούλωται, but some manuscripts display slight orthographic differences (e.g., δεδουλώται vs. δεδουλωται without iota subscript). According to BDAG (s.v. δουλόω), the verb denotes being brought into slavery or subjection, and the perfect indicates a fixed state. Kittel emphasizes the metaphorical sense of bondage in marital or covenantal contexts, contrasting it with the freedom granted in Christ. The combination of the perfect tense and negative οὐ underscores a complete and continuing freedom, negating any binding legal or moral obligation once the unbeliever departs.
Possible Variants and Translation Proposal
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Variant readings: There are no significant early textual variants altering the meaning; the phrase consistently appears as οὐ δεδούλωται.
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Interpretive implications: If understood as a true perfect, it suggests continuing freedom—not only is the believer not currently enslaved, but the past condition of enslavement does not apply.
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Translation proposal:
“But if the unbeliever separates, let him depart; the brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances. Rather, God has called us to peace.”