Or, “if she separate herself.” This statement is virtually an admission that the command given in the preceding verse would not be fully obeyed in the imperfect condition of the church. There would be cases of matrimonial differences that would not be overcome by affection and Christian forbearance, and separation would result. In such cases the rejected or separated wife should not marry another person, but she should seek reconciliation with her husband.

 Gr. aphiemi, “to dismiss,” “to put away,” “to divorce.” This is a stronger term than the one translated “depart” earlier in the verse, though perhaps here used synonymously. In v. 13 aphiemi is used of the wife. Jewish law recognized the right of the wife under certain circumstances to divorce her husband.