1 Corinthians 7 33

1 Corinthians 7:33 kjv

But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

1 Corinthians 7:33 nkjv

But he who is married cares about the things of the world?how he may please his wife.

1 Corinthians 7:33 niv

But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world?how he can please his wife?

1 Corinthians 7:33 esv

But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife,

1 Corinthians 7:33 nlt

But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife.

1 Corinthians 7 verses

1 Corinthians 7 33 meaning

This verse describes a natural consequence of marriage for the husband: his primary focus shifts from sole devotion to the Lord to also encompass the practical concerns and desires of his wife and family. Paul states that the married man "careth for the things that are of the world," which includes his domestic responsibilities, providing for his household, and specifically, "how he may please his wife." This is not a condemnation of marriage or of a husband's duty to his wife, but rather an observation of how the marital relationship necessitates a legitimate redirection and expansion of one's anxieties, time, and attention towards earthly, though often commendable, matters, thus inevitably affecting one's capacity for single-minded focus on spiritual pursuits.

1 Corinthians 7 33 Context

First Corinthians chapter 7 addresses various questions from the Corinthian church regarding marriage, singleness, and divorce within a Christian life. Paul's overarching counsel is shaped by the principle of "present distress" (v. 26), suggesting a sense of urgency and potentially challenging times for believers. In this specific section (v. 25-35), Paul advises on singleness versus marriage, framing his advice as a practical observation for their own profit (v. 35) rather than a divine command. He presents the advantages of singleness, particularly the ability to serve the Lord with undivided devotion. Verse 33 is directly contrasted with verse 32, which highlights that an unmarried person cares for the "things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord." Thus, verse 33 is a realistic acknowledgment that the good and natural responsibilities of marriage necessarily direct a significant portion of a married man's care and attention towards his wife and the practical aspects of their shared earthly life, illustrating the shift in focus from solely pleasing the Lord. Historically, Corinth was a cosmopolitan city known for its sexual immorality, prompting Paul to provide clear guidance on marital matters for the Christian community seeking to live distinctly in that environment.

1 Corinthians 7 33 Word analysis

• But: (δὲ - de) A conjunction signifying a gentle transition or a mild contrast, setting up the difference from the previous verse concerning the unmarried.

• he that is married: (ὁ γαμήσας - ho gamēsas) Literally "the one having married" or "the one who has married." It denotes a man in the state of being married. The Greek highlights the completed action and resulting state.

• careth for: (μεριμνᾷ - merimna) This verb signifies "to be anxious about," "to be concerned with," or "to be burdened with cares." It describes intense consideration and preoccupation. In some contexts (e.g., Mt 6:25), Jesus condemns anxiety about earthly necessities; however, Paul uses it here (and for the unmarried in v. 32) to denote a legitimate and necessary focus of attention and effort, not necessarily sinful anxiety. The object of this "care" distinguishes its spiritual value.

• the things that are of the world: (τὰ τοῦ κόσμου - ta tou kosmou) This refers to the practical, temporal, and relational aspects of daily earthly existence—household responsibilities, financial provision, social standing, domestic harmony, the physical well-being and emotional needs of one's spouse and family. It does not primarily denote "the evil system of the world" in this context, but rather the sphere of earthly life and its duties.

• how he may please: (πῶς ἀρέσῃ - pōs aresē) The verb "ἀρέσῃ" means "to please," "to be pleasing to," or "to satisfy." This indicates the husband's efforts and considerations aimed at his wife's contentment and happiness. This "pleasing" is not a weak or compromising flattery, but a legitimate aspect of a loving and sacrificial commitment within marriage, reflecting the biblical command to love one's wife.

• his wife: (τὴν γυναῖκα - tēn gynaika) Refers specifically to the man's spouse, the object of his dedicated concern and efforts to please.

• "he that is married careth for...": This phrase directly emphasizes the shift in primary focus that is inherent to the married state. It outlines that marriage inherently broadens a person's realm of legitimate concern and activity.

• "...the things that are of the world...": This is a key contrast with "the things of the Lord" from verse 32. It highlights that the daily responsibilities and relationships of marriage naturally engage one with temporal affairs. These "things of the world" are not inherently bad; rather, they represent the necessary efforts for maintaining a family, providing for its needs, and nurturing the marital bond.

• "...how he may please his wife.": This specific clause articulates the practical expression of "caring for the things of the world" within the marital context. It underscores the active role of the husband in ensuring the well-being, happiness, and emotional satisfaction of his wife, which is a legitimate and often demanding part of biblical headship and love in marriage (e.g., Eph 5:25).

1 Corinthians 7 33 Bonus section

Paul's counsel regarding marriage and singleness in 1 Corinthians 7, including verse 33, is presented not as a divine command for all believers but as a practical recommendation "for your own profit" (1 Cor 7:35). This distinction is crucial; it means the choice between marriage and singleness, and the way one serves the Lord in either state, is a matter of spiritual wisdom and individual calling rather than universal obligation. The "present distress" (v. 26) may refer to anticipated or current persecutions or difficulties facing the early church, which would make singleness an advantageous position for increased mobility and reduced worldly attachments, thus fostering greater spiritual resilience and flexibility for ministry. Therefore, the division of "care" described in verse 33, while a reality of marriage, is evaluated within a specific strategic context for effective Christian living during challenging times.

1 Corinthians 7 33 Commentary

Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 7:33 is a practical observation, not a condemnation of marriage or of a husband's love for his wife. He is not suggesting that pleasing one's spouse is wrong or worldly in a pejorative sense. Instead, he highlights a reality: the legitimate and commendable responsibilities of marriage—such as providing for, protecting, and cherishing a spouse—naturally divert time, energy, and mental focus from what might otherwise be single-minded devotion to the Lord. An unmarried person has a singular purpose to please God (v. 32), while a married person's "care" (merimna) is bifurcated. This "divided devotion" is simply an acknowledgment of the full demands of a biblical marriage, which encompasses domestic duties and meeting the needs of one's spouse. The verse implicitly argues for the value of singleness for those called to it, as it uniquely frees a person to serve God without such domestic distractions, especially in times of "present distress." However, this does not diminish the honor or spiritual blessing of marriage; it merely outlines the different pathways to fulfilling God's call based on one's life circumstances.

• Example: A single individual might dedicate an evening solely to prayer or volunteer work; a married individual might need to balance that desire with a spouse's need for companionship, dinner preparation, or helping with children's homework.