TRV
1 Corinthians 7:32
Bible Versions
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:
What I want is for you to be free of concern. An unmarried man concerns himself with the Lord’s affairs,
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.
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:
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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.
In 1 Corinthians 7:32, the Apostle Paul continues his extensive discussion on marriage, singleness, and celibacy, offering practical advice to the Corinthian believers. This verse highlights the unique advantage of singleness for cultivating an undivided devotion to the Lord, free from the specific anxieties and responsibilities that often accompany married life.
Context
This verse is situated within Paul's broader counsel in 1 Corinthians chapter 7, where he addresses various questions posed by the Corinthian church regarding relationships and spiritual priorities. Paul's advice here is largely influenced by what he refers to as "the present distress" (1 Corinthians 7:26) and the brevity of time (1 Corinthians 7:29). He is not disparaging marriage, which he upholds as a godly institution (e.g., Ephesians 5:25), but rather presenting singleness as a viable and, in some circumstances, advantageous path for dedicated service to God.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "without carefulness" translates the Greek word amerimnos (ἀμέριμνος), which literally means "free from care," "without anxiety," or "undistracted." It does not imply a lack of responsibility or concern, but rather freedom from anxious worry that can hinder one's spiritual focus. The contrast is seen in the next part of the verse, where the unmarried person "careth" for the things of the Lord, using the Greek word merimnao (μεριμνάω), which means "to be concerned about" or "to be anxious about" (here in a positive sense of diligent concern). This highlights a shift from worldly anxiety to spiritual diligence.
Practical Application
For those who are unmarried, this verse serves as a powerful affirmation and encouragement to leverage their unique position for focused ministry, prayer, and spiritual growth. It highlights the potential for profound dedication to God's kingdom work without the specific distractions inherent in family life. For all believers, whether single or married, the underlying principle remains: our lives should be lived with a primary aim to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. While married individuals have responsibilities to their families, the call to please the Lord is universal, requiring wisdom to balance earthly duties with heavenly priorities.