1 Corinthians 7:32 kjv
But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
1 Corinthians 7:32 nkjv
But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord?how he may please the Lord.
1 Corinthians 7:32 niv
I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs?how he can please the Lord.
1 Corinthians 7:32 esv
I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord.
1 Corinthians 7:32 nlt
I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord's work and thinking how to please him.
1 Corinthians 7 32 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Corinthians 7:8 | To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain as I am. | Paul's personal example of singleness |
| 1 Corinthians 7:25 | Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my own judgment | Distinguishing commands from personal counsel |
| Matthew 19:12 | For there are eunuchs who have been born eunuchs from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Those who can «understand this, let them «understand. | Jesus on voluntary celibacy for God's sake |
| 1 Corinthians 9:22 | To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. | Paul's adaptable approach to ministry |
| Philippians 4:6 | do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. | Freedom from worry aids spiritual focus |
| 1 Corinthians 9:23 | I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. | Ministry's primary aim |
| 1 Corinthians 10:31 | So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. | Glorifying God in all activities |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:3 | For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; | Holiness and consecration as God's will |
| Hebrews 12:14 | Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. | Importance of holiness for seeing God |
| Romans 12:1-2 | I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what that will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. | Offering oneself completely to God |
| Colossians 3:23 | Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, | Diligence in service to the Lord |
| Matthew 6:33 | But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. | Prioritizing God's kingdom |
| Luke 10:40-42 | But Martha, busy with much serving, came up and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to serve alone? Tell her to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." | Mary and Martha, choosing the better portion |
| 1 Timothy 5:5 | She who is truly a widow, left quite alone, has set her hope in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, | widow's devotion as a model |
| John 14:21 | Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him. | Loving obedience demonstrates love for Christ |
| 2 Corinthians 11:2 | For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. | Metaphor of the church as Christ's bride |
| 1 Corinthians 7:33-34 | but he who is married is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or the betrothed is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the one who is married is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife. | Contrasting concerns of married vs. unmarried |
| Romans 8:5 | For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. | Mindset of flesh versus spirit |
| Galatians 5:25 | If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. | Living by the Spirit |
| 1 Peter 4:7 | The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. | Sobriety for prayer |
1 Corinthians 7 verses
1 Corinthians 7 32 Meaning
This verse speaks to the ideal state of a believer, particularly regarding marriage and singleness. Paul highlights that the unmarried person can be more devoted to the Lord, free from the worldly concerns and divided loyalties that can accompany marriage. This isn't to disparage marriage itself, but to emphasize that undivided devotion to God is paramount, and singleness can be a more direct path to this devotion due to fewer earthly encumbrances.
1 Corinthians 7 32 Context
1 Corinthians chapter 7 addresses issues arising in the Corinthian church, particularly concerning marriage, divorce, and singleness. Questions had been raised regarding the appropriateness of marriage and the potential benefits of remaining unmarried, especially in light of the perceived imminent return of Christ. Paul responds to these questions by affirming marriage but also by highlighting the practical advantages for ministry and devotion that singleness can afford. Verse 32 follows a comparison in verses 32-35 between the concerns of a married person and an unmarried person, advocating that the unmarried can be more singularly devoted to God without the division of worldly concerns that often accompany marital responsibilities. The broader context of 1 Corinthians deals with divisions, immorality, and doctrinal misunderstandings within the church, emphasizing the need for spiritual maturity and proper conduct for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 7 32 Word Analysis
- "To be without anxiety" (ἀμερίμνῳ - amerimno):
- From
merimna(μέριμνα), meaning "care, anxiety, concern, worry." - The
a-prefix indicates negation, meaning "without care/anxiety." - Signifies a freedom from the distracting cares and anxieties of the world. This is not an absence of responsibility, but a release from undue worry or an over-emphasis on earthly matters.
- This state allows for greater concentration on spiritual matters.
- From
- "about the things" (τῶν πραγμάτων - tōn pragmatōn):
Pragmata(πράγματα) refers to "deeds, affairs, matters, things, concerns."- In this context, it refers to the practical affairs and duties of life.
- The verse specifies "worldly things" later in the comparison.
- "of the Lord" (τοῦ Κυρίου - tou Kuriou):
Kurios(Κύριος) means "Lord, master." Here referring to Jesus Christ.- Highlights that the unmarried person can be concerned with "the things of the Lord," i.e., matters pertaining to God, his kingdom, his service, and spiritual growth.
- "how to please the Lord" (πῶς ἀρέσαι τῷ Κυρίῳ - pōs aresai tō Kuriō):
Pōs(πῶς) means "how."Aresai(ἀρέσαι) is the aorist infinitive ofareskō(ἀρέσκω), meaning "to please, to be pleasing."- This phrase captures the ultimate goal and focus of the unmarried person's concern: to live in a manner that is well-pleasing to God.
- It indicates a purposeful devotion and a desire to honor Christ through one's life and actions.
Word-group analysis:
- "the unmarried man is anxious for the things of the Lord": This entire phrase encapsulates a positive orientation towards God's interests. The focus is on seeking to understand and fulfill God's will, to serve Him effectively, and to maintain a spiritual mindset.
- "how to please the Lord": This is the essence of the unmarried person's dedicated aim. It implies a life lived in conscious alignment with God's desires, a stewardship of one's time, energy, and resources for divine purposes.
1 Corinthians 7 32 Bonus Section
This verse draws a spiritual principle from the natural circumstances of life. It's not a command to be single, but an observation about how singleness facilitates a specific kind of focus that marriage, by its very nature, tends to divide. This undivided focus is seen as beneficial for those deeply involved in the Lord's work or facing challenging times. Paul's overarching goal throughout the chapter is to promote holiness and minimize distraction for the sake of devoted service and witness in the early church. The intensity of early Christian life and the expectation of Christ's return amplified the perceived benefits of a less encumbered lifestyle for some.
1 Corinthians 7 32 Commentary
Paul, in his detailed counsel on marriage and singleness, presents singleness not as inherently superior, but as a condition that can foster an undivided devotion to the Lord. The married person, while rightly committed to their spouse, faces the inevitable division of their affections and attention between worldly concerns (how to please their wife/husband) and spiritual pursuits. The unmarried, however, can direct their entire focus and energy towards pleasing God, free from these particular relational obligations. This freedom is not an invitation to idleness or self-centeredness, but a strategic advantage for ministry, prayer, and consistent pursuit of holiness, all for the ultimate purpose of glorifying God and advancing His kingdom. It underscores that our ultimate loyalty and pursuit should be directed towards Christ, and that any legitimate earthly tie, while good, should not eclipse this primary commitment.
Practical Application Examples:
- An unmarried believer dedicating their evenings to Bible study and prayer rather than social engagements or extensive relational activities.
- A single person making career or living location choices based primarily on where they can best serve the Lord, unhindered by the needs of a spouse or family.
- A single missionary or church planter able to immerse themselves fully in their mission without the added complexities of family support systems.