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1 Corinthians 7

Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.

Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

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:

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

There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

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.

But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

What does 1 Corinthians 7:32 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 7:32, as written by the Apostle Paul, addresses the state of singleness versus marriage, particularly concerning the responsibilities and concerns that come with each.

When Paul writes, "But I would have you without carefulness," he is expressing a desire for believers to be free from the anxieties and distractions pertaining to worldly affairs.

The notion of "careth for the things that belong to the Lord" reflects the idea that a single person has more freedom to focus on spiritual pursuits and serving God without the obligation to attend to a spouse's needs.

Here, the caring for the Lord's things is synonymous with dedicating oneself to spiritual growth and the work of God's kingdom.

"How he may please the Lord" is a phrase that further emphasizes the individual's ability to devote themselves completely to God's will and pleasure without competing duties or affections associated with marriage.

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

When Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthians, the church in Corinth was a young and diverse community facing various socio-cultural and religious challenges.

During this time, the early Christian community was also expecting the imminent return of Jesus Christ.

The prospect of this "eschatological" or end-time event influenced many of Paul's teachings, including his preference for singleness for those who could manage it.

The perception of an impending return of Christ may have led Paul to advocate for a lifestyle which would more immediately allow for whole-hearted devotion to God and spreading the gospel.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse has been interpreted in varying ways:

Catholic View: While not imposing celibacy universally, the Roman Catholic Church sees this verse as supporting the practice of celibacy within the clergy, as they believe it allows priests and religious individuals to more fully devote themselves to God.
Protestant View: Many Protestant traditions do not mandate celibacy for clergy and see Paul's advice as situational rather than prescriptive for all believers.
Personal Vocation: Some theologians view this as an expression of personal vocation, where each person should discern whether they are called to singleness or marriage based on how they can best serve God.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, 1 Corinthians 7:32 could be used to encourage those who are single to consider the unique opportunities they have to serve God and others without the divided interests that might come with having a family.

It can also serve as a reminder that, regardless of marital status, one's primary concern should be to live in a way that pleases and honours God.

Cross-References

[Matthew 19:12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+19%3A12&version=KJV): Acknowledges those who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake.
[1 Corinthians 7:34](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%207%3A34&version=KJV): Distinguishes between married and unmarried women and their concerns.
[Luke 2:37](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A37&version=KJV): Describes a widow who dedicated herself to God with fasting and prayers night and day.
[1 Timothy 5:5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+5%3A5&version=KJV): Speaks of a widow who trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.

Language Study

The word "careth" (Greek: μεριμνᾶ - merimna) can mean to be anxious, to care about, or have mental or emotional concerns.

"Without carefulness" (Greek: ἀμερίμνους - amérimnos) means to be without anxiety or free from care.

The phrase "how he may please the Lord" uses the Greek word "αρέσκω" (areskō), which means to please or be agreeable. This choice of words emphasizes a voluntary and conscientious effort to align oneself with God's will.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, including those surrounding the early Christian communities, marriage and procreation were commonly seen as obligatory for personal fulfillment and to ensure familial lineage.

Celibacy was often associated with specific religious or philosophical roles, such as the Vestal Virgins in Roman religion or some schools of Greek philosophy that advocated self-control.

In comparison, Paul's endorsement of singleness for dedicated service to the Lord was somewhat counter-cultural and highlighted a distinctively Christian view of personal vocation and eschatological urgency.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern psychological perspective, anxiety and concern ("carefulness") can impact a person's well-being and focus.

While Paul's advice was theologically motivated, it aligns with the understanding that the responsibilities and concerns of married life can potentially add stress and divide attention, which could affect someone's ability to commit fully to other pursuits, including religious or charitable activities.

commentaries

Experts in Biblical exegesis have offered various interpretations of 1 Corinthians 7:32.

Some suggest that Paul's advocacy for singleness is practical, offering Christians more mobility and flexibility to serve, particularly in a time of expected persecution.

Others focus on the virtue of contentment in one's current state, whether married or single, and emphasize that Paul is not devaluing marriage but rather highlighting a personal calling to serve God in different capacities.

Commentators often point out that Paul's counsel should be understood in light of the cultural and eschatological context of the time.

1 Corinthians 7

1 Corinthians 7

What does 1 Corinthians 7:32 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does 1 Corinthians 7:32 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?