Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
Ver. 11. Nevertheless neither is] This is added for the woman's comfort. There must be all mutual respects and melting-heartedness between married couples, which being preserved fresh and fruitful, will infinitely sweeten and beautify the marriage state. Love is a coin that must be exchanged between them, and returned in kind. "Husbands, love your wives,"Colossians 3:19. He saith not, Rule over your wives, as he had said, Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, but Love your wives; yea, let all your things be done in love: for neither is the man without the woman; he is not complete without her, he wants a piece of himself; neither is the woman without the man, she cannot subsist without him, as the vine cannot without a supporter. The rib can challenge no more of her than the earth can of him, &c.