λύσις (lusis)
lusis
divorce
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun lusis refers to a formal act of "loosing" or setting free from a binding constraint. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in 1 Corinthians 7:27, where it denotes the legal dissolution of marriage. Paul uses it to describe the state of being released from the obligations of wedlock, treating the marital bond as a contract that can be unfastened.
Its root verb, luo, carries the general sense of loosening or untying something tied together. While English often translates this concept simply as "divorce," the Greek emphasizes the mechanical release from the tie itself rather than the social stigma sometimes associated with the word today. It is a precise legal term for ending a union.
Because it appears just once in Scripture, its meaning is tightly defined by Paul's context. He discusses whether one should seek this release or remain bound, framing marriage as a relationship that can be "loosed." The word highlights the tangible reality of the marital contract and the possibility of its formal termination through legal means.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word lusis describes the formal act of releasing someone from a binding tie, specifically referring to divorce in the New Testament. It appears only once in Scripture, within Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church. Here, he addresses the practical realities of marriage and singleness, noting that while one may be bound by wedlock, there is also a legal pathway to be loosed from those obligations.
Paul does not present this release as an ideal state for everyone, nor does he treat it lightly. Instead, he offers honest guidance for those navigating complex relationships. He suggests that if you are married, do not actively seek separation; but if you are already free, there is no urgent need to marry immediately. This approach acknowledges the weight of commitment while recognizing the freedom that comes with being unbound.
Understanding this term helps us see marriage as a serious covenant that carries real legal and social weight. It reminds us that our relationships matter deeply to God, who cares about our daily lives and decisions. Whether you are married or single, Paul’s words invite us to seek wisdom and peace in how we honor our current station.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to be loosed;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λύσιν·1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 7:27
Are you bound to a wife? Don’t seek to be freed. Are you free from a wife? Don’t seek a wife.
This is the sole New Testament occurrence where lusis defines the legal release from a marital bond, framing it as a tangible state of being unfastened rather than an abstract concept.