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:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} I would have {G1511}{G2309} you {G5209} without carefulness {G275}. He that is unmarried {G22} careth {G3309} for the things that belong to {G3588} the Lord {G2962}, how {G4459} he may please {G700} the Lord {G2962}:

Complete Jewish Bible

What I want is for you to be free of concern. An unmarried man concerns himself with the Lord’s affairs,

Berean Standard Bible

I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord.

American Standard Version

But I would have you to be free from cares. He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 7:32, the Apostle Paul expresses his desire for believers to live "without carefulness," specifically highlighting the unique advantage of singleness. He explains that an unmarried person is free from the specific anxieties and responsibilities often associated with marriage, thereby enabling a more focused and undivided devotion to the Lord and a singular pursuit of pleasing Him. This verse underscores Paul's practical wisdom regarding spiritual priorities within the various states of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's extensive discourse on marriage, singleness, and celibacy in [1 Corinthians chapter 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Instructions on Marriage and Singleness"). The chapter opens with responses to specific questions posed by the Corinthian believers regarding sexual relations within marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Paul then transitions to discussing the advantages of singleness, particularly in light of "the present distress" ([1 Corinthians 7:26](/1_corinthians/7-26 "1 Corinthians 7:26 - The Present Distress")), which likely refers to the challenging circumstances or eschatological urgency of the time. He emphasizes that "the time is short" ([1 Corinthians 7:29](/1_corinthians/7-29 "1 Corinthians 7:29 - The Shortness of Time")), urging believers to live in a way that prioritizes spiritual devotion over worldly entanglements, regardless of their marital status. Verse 32 directly articulates the primary benefit of singleness within this eschatological framework.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its diverse population, wealth, and moral permissiveness. Marriage was the societal norm and expectation, often arranged for practical and economic reasons. While Paul generally affirmed marriage as a godly institution (e.g., [Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands Love Your Wives")), his counsel in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Instructions on Marriage and Singleness") introduces a counter-cultural perspective by elevating singleness as a legitimate and potentially advantageous path for Christian discipleship. This was particularly radical in a society where a woman's status was often defined by her marital state and childbearing. Paul’s advice also considers the practical difficulties and persecutions that early Christians faced, suggesting that singleness could offer greater flexibility and freedom for ministry in such trying times.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [1 Corinthians chapter 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Instructions on Marriage and Singleness") is **Christian freedom and responsibility in relationships**. Verse 32 specifically contributes to the themes of **undivided devotion** and **freedom from worldly anxiety**. Paul argues that singleness offers a unique opportunity for believers to dedicate themselves more fully to "the things that belong to the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 7:32](/1_corinthians/7-32 "1 Corinthians 7:32 - Care for the Lord's Things")). This is contrasted with the natural and legitimate "cares" that come with marriage, such as pleasing one's spouse ([1 Corinthians 7:33-34](/1_corinthians/7-33-34 "1 Corinthians 7:33-34 - Married Concerns")). The ultimate goal, for both married and single, is to **please the Lord**, a theme that resonates throughout Paul's epistles, emphasizing that all life choices should be made with God's glory and service in mind. This pursuit of pleasing God is rooted in the broader biblical call to **seek first the kingdom of God** ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **carefulness (Greek, _amérimnos'_):** From G275, meaning "not anxious," "without care," or "secure." This word describes Paul's desired state for the believer: freedom from distracting or anxious worries. It's not a call to irresponsibility, but to a state of being unburdened by worldly anxieties that could hinder spiritual focus.
* **unmarried (Greek, _ágamos'_):** From G22, meaning "unmarried" or "single." This term specifically identifies the demographic Paul is addressing, highlighting their unique relational status as the basis for the subsequent advantage in devotion.
* **careth (Greek, _merimnáō'_):** From G3309, meaning "to be anxious about" or "to be concerned about." In this context, it takes on a positive connotation, describing the diligent and purposeful concern an unmarried person can have for "the things that belong to the Lord." This contrasts sharply with the negative "carefulness" (anxiety) mentioned earlier, showing a redirection of concern from worldly matters to spiritual ones.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I would have you without carefulness."**: Paul begins with a strong desire for the Corinthian believers. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a transition or contrast from previous points, emphasizing a new aspect of his counsel. His wish is for them to be free from anxious worries or distracting concerns (G275, _amérimnos_). This sets the stage for the practical advantage he will present regarding singleness, implying that such a state of freedom from anxiety is conducive to spiritual flourishing.
* **"He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord,"**: This clause introduces the specific group—the unmarried person (G22, _ágamos_)—and describes their unique capacity. The word "careth" (G3309, _merimnáō_) here signifies a positive, diligent concern or thoughtful attention. The object of this concern is "the things that belong to the Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_), encompassing His will, His kingdom, His people, and His glory. This suggests that singleness allows for an undivided focus on these divine priorities.
* **"how he may please the Lord:"**: This final clause articulates the ultimate purpose and motivation behind the unmarried person's focused care. The phrase "how he may please" (G4459, _pōs_ G700, _aréskō_) indicates the manner and goal of their life and service. The desire to "please the Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_) is presented as the supreme aim, implying that the freedom from worldly cares afforded by singleness can be channeled directly into a more dedicated and effective pursuit of God's approval and glory.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Contrast** throughout this passage, particularly between the "carefulness" (anxiety/distraction) he wishes believers to avoid and the positive "care" (diligent concern) an unmarried person can direct toward the Lord. This highlights the differing priorities and challenges of married versus single life. There is also a subtle **Parallelism** in the use of the root word for "care" (G275 _amérimnos_ and G3309 _merimnáō_), drawing attention to the redirection of one's anxieties from worldly matters to spiritual devotion. The verse functions as a **Purpose Clause**, with the ultimate aim of "pleasing the Lord" serving as the driving motivation for Paul's counsel regarding singleness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's counsel in [1 Corinthians 7:32](/1_corinthians/7-32 "1 Corinthians 7:32 - Undivided Devotion") is not a denigration of marriage, which he elsewhere upholds as a sacred covenant, but rather a pragmatic and spiritually insightful observation about the unique advantages of singleness for focused devotion. The underlying theological principle is that all believers, regardless of their relational status, are called to prioritize God's kingdom and His will above all else. Singleness, in this context, offers a particular freedom from the legitimate, yet potentially distracting, cares of family life, allowing for a more intense and undivided pursuit of God's purposes. This echoes broader biblical teachings on seeking God's kingdom first and casting anxieties upon Him.

* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Be Anxious")
* [Luke 10:38-42](/luke/10-38-42 "Luke 10:38-42 - Mary and Martha")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Freedom from Anxiety")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's words in [1 Corinthians 7:32](/1_corinthians/7-32 "1 Corinthians 7:32 - The Advantage of Singleness") offer profound encouragement and challenge. For those who are single, this verse serves as a powerful affirmation of their unique position, not as a lesser state, but as one with distinct advantages for spiritual focus and kingdom service. It invites single individuals to embrace their season of life as an unparalleled opportunity for deep prayer, focused ministry, and unhindered devotion to Christ. For all believers, whether single or married, the underlying principle is a universal call to examine our priorities: are we truly living "without carefulness" concerning worldly anxieties, and are our lives primarily oriented towards "pleasing the Lord"? This verse prompts us to evaluate how our relational status, whatever it may be, can be best leveraged for God's glory, ensuring that our ultimate allegiance remains undivided.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might worldly "carefulness" (anxiety or distraction) hinder your devotion to the Lord, regardless of your marital status?**
* **If you are single, how can you intentionally leverage your freedom from family responsibilities for more focused service and devotion to God?**
* **If you are married, how can you, within your family responsibilities, still prioritize "the things that belong to the Lord" and seek to please Him above all else?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a more "undivided devotion" to Christ in your current season of life?**

### FAQ
**Does Paul's teaching here mean that marriage is less spiritual or inherently problematic?**

Answer: No, Paul is not disparaging marriage, nor is he implying it is less spiritual. Elsewhere, Paul affirms marriage as a holy institution, a reflection of Christ's relationship with the church ([Ephesians 5:22-33](/ephesians/5-22-33 "Ephesians 5:22-33 - Marriage as a Mystery")). In [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Instructions on Marriage and Singleness") itself, he provides guidance for married couples, emphasizing their mutual responsibilities and rights ([1 Corinthians 7:3-5](/1_corinthians/7-3-5 "1 Corinthians 7:3-5 - Marital Duties")). His point in [1 Corinthians 7:32](/1_corinthians/7-32 "1 Corinthians 7:32 - The Advantage of Singleness") is purely pragmatic: marriage brings legitimate responsibilities and concerns for one's spouse and family, which naturally divide one's attention. Singleness, by contrast, offers a unique freedom from these specific concerns, allowing for a more singularly focused devotion to the Lord and His work. It's about different paths, each with its own challenges and opportunities, for serving God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 7:32](/1_corinthians/7-32 "1 Corinthians 7:32 - Undivided Devotion") speaks to the practical advantages of singleness for devoted service, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual depth are found in Christ. Jesus himself lived a life of profound singleness, entirely "without carefulness" for worldly anxieties, demonstrating an absolute and undivided devotion to "the things that belong to the Lord" – namely, the will of His Father. His singular purpose was always "to please the Lord," as perfectly exemplified in His obedience unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). Christ's life serves as the supreme model of how one can be fully dedicated to God's kingdom, regardless of relational status. Furthermore, the church, as the bride of Christ ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")), is called to an undivided devotion to Him, eagerly awaiting His return. Our ultimate "care" should be for Christ and His coming kingdom, finding our true security and purpose in Him, just as He taught us not to be anxious about earthly things but to seek first His kingdom ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 6:25

¶ Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Matthew 6:34

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.

1 Timothy 5:5

Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Psalms 55:22

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Matthew 13:22

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.