1 Corinthians 7 35

1 Corinthians 7:35 kjv

And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

1 Corinthians 7:35 nkjv

And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.

1 Corinthians 7:35 niv

I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7:35 esv

I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7:35 nlt

I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.

1 Corinthians 7 verses

1 Corinthians 7 35 meaning

This verse clarifies the apostle Paul's intent behind his advice concerning marriage and singleness. He states that his counsel, particularly regarding the spiritual advantages of remaining unmarried for some individuals, is purely for the spiritual benefit and expediency of the Corinthian believers. It is not meant to impose a rigid legalistic burden or to restrict their freedom to marry, acting as a "snare." Rather, the ultimate purpose is to enable a life of dignified conduct that is honorable in God's sight, allowing believers to serve the Lord with singular focus and without worldly distractions, thus fostering a deeper devotion.

1 Corinthians 7 35 Context

First Corinthians chapter 7 primarily addresses the Corinthian church's specific questions regarding marriage, celibacy, divorce, and virginity in a society riddled with sexual immorality. Paul is providing practical and pastoral guidance, emphasizing that both marriage and singleness are legitimate states within God's will. However, he also points out the distinct advantages of singleness in light of "the present distress" (v. 26), which could refer to impending persecution, the brevity of life, or simply the demanding nature of Christian service. His advice in this verse directly follows his explanation in verses 32-34 about how married individuals tend to have divided concerns—pleasing both their spouse and the Lord—while unmarried persons can focus solely on pleasing the Lord. This verse acts as a clarification of his motive: his advice is not to mandate singleness but to present it as a valuable option for spiritual devotion, safeguarding the believers' freedom while promoting their maximum utility in God's kingdom.

1 Corinthians 7 35 Word analysis

• And this: Connects the current statement directly to the preceding discussion in chapter 7, particularly the counsel given regarding virgins and the unmarried (1 Cor 7:32-34). It indicates Paul is providing further clarification on his motive.
• I speak: Emphasizes Paul's personal advice or counsel rather than a direct command from the Lord (compare with 1 Cor 7:6 and 1 Cor 7:10). This highlights his pastoral authority and compassionate guidance.
• for your own profit: Greek: sumpheron (σύμφερον). Meaning: what is beneficial, advantageous, expedient. Paul's guidance is driven by genuine concern for the spiritual and practical well-being of the believers, aiming for their betterment, not his own gain or to impose rules for their own sake.
• not that I may cast a snare upon you: Greek: brochos (βρόχος). Meaning: a noose, a loop, a trap. Paul assures them that his counsel is not intended to bind them with an obligation or legalistic burden that restricts their God-given freedom regarding marriage. He wants to avoid any perception that his advice is a rigid, mandatory prohibition, making marriage itself a spiritual disadvantage.
• but for that which is comely: Greek: euschemon (εὔσχημον). Meaning: seemly, becoming, proper, honorable, decent. Paul desires their conduct to be honorable and appropriate for believers, fostering an orderly Christian walk. This suggests that the advised course (singleness for undivided devotion) leads to a life that is spiritually attractive and respectable.
• and that ye may attend upon the Lord: Greek: The specific verb for "attend upon" here isn't a single word, but the phrase euproshedros (εὐπρόσεδρος) is sometimes considered, which implies 'sitting well near' or 'devoted to'. More generally, it means to serve or minister to the Lord. This refers to their active engagement in worship, service, and dedication to God. It highlights focused spiritual service and interaction.
• without distraction: Greek: aperispastos (ἀπερισπάστως). Meaning: without being drawn away, without distraction, with undivided attention. This is the crucial benefit. It means being free from concerns or responsibilities that might divide one's focus or time between spiritual pursuits and worldly duties, such as those that come with marriage (e.g., caring for a spouse, children, household). The ultimate aim is an uninterrupted, singular devotion to Christ.

• Words-group analysis:
• "I speak for your own profit, not that I may cast a snare upon you": This phrase vividly illustrates Paul's pastoral heart. He prioritizes the genuine spiritual advantage of the believers, emphatically distinguishing his counsel from any burdensome, freedom-restricting mandate. It protects Christian liberty while guiding towards spiritual efficacy.
• "but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction": This articulates the twofold positive goal. "Comely" indicates a way of life that aligns with the dignity and order appropriate for followers of Christ. "Without distraction" specifies the supreme benefit of this particular path—enabling full, unhindered concentration on worship, service, and devotion to God.

1 Corinthians 7 35 Bonus section

• The emphasis on "profit" and "undistracted attention" aligns with the concept of stewardship of time and spiritual gifts. Paul viewed life and all its circumstances as opportunities for maximum glorification of God.
• The choice between marriage and singleness, according to Paul, is not a moral hierarchy, but a practical consideration for more effective and devoted service to the Lord. It depends on individual gifting and calling, and the circumstances a person finds themselves in.
• Paul himself lived a life of intense, undistracted devotion to Christ as an unmarried apostle (1 Cor 7:7-8). His ministry required immense mobility, suffering, and focus, which were likely facilitated by his single status.
• This verse provides a powerful counter-argument to any interpretation of Paul's teachings as anti-marriage. Instead, it demonstrates his concern for intentional, dedicated Christian living, offering singleness as a viable and often advantageous path for profound spiritual focus.
• The "comely" aspect not only refers to outward conduct but also to the inner propriety of aligning one's life choices with the greater purposes of God's kingdom, showcasing a well-ordered and purposeful life to the watching world.

1 Corinthians 7 35 Commentary

In 1 Corinthians 7:35, Paul is not issuing a divine command, but offering practical, Spirit-informed counsel motivated by deep pastoral care. His advice concerning singleness (specifically, for spiritual pursuits, as elaborated in 1 Cor 7:32-34) aims solely at the believers' spiritual profit, rather than laying a restrictive "snare" or legalistic burden upon them that might impede their freedom. The underlying purpose is to facilitate a life that is "comely" or proper, reflecting Christian dignity and good order. The ultimate objective is for believers to achieve aperispastos—a state of undivided, singular devotion to the Lord. This uninterrupted focus allows for maximum spiritual concentration and service to Christ and His kingdom, a posture particularly valuable amidst the "present distress" (1 Cor 7:26) and the urgent nature of Christian discipleship. It provides the freedom to wholeheartedly engage in spiritual duties without the added cares and responsibilities inherent in family life, enabling deeper consecration and responsiveness to God's calling.