1 Corinthians 7:33

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

But {G1161} he that is married {G1060} careth {G3309} for the things that are {G3588} of the world {G2889}, how {G4459} he may please {G700} his wife {G1135}.

with how to please the Lord; but the married man concerns himself with the world’s affairs, with how to please his wife;

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

but he that is married is careful for the things of the world, how he may please his wife,

Context

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians chapter 7, addresses various questions concerning marriage, singleness, and sexual relations within the Corinthian church. His primary aim is to guide believers on how to best serve the Lord with undivided devotion. In the verses immediately preceding this, Paul contrasts the unmarried person's focus on "how he may please the Lord" (1 Corinthians 7:32) with the married person's concerns. This verse specifically highlights the natural shift in priorities that occurs when one enters into marriage, particularly for the husband.

Key Themes

  • Divided Devotion: The central theme is the natural division of focus inherent in marriage. While an unmarried individual can dedicate themselves wholly to the Lord's service, a married person, by necessity, also attends to the needs and desires of their spouse, leading to a dual focus. This is not presented as a flaw, but as a practical reality.
  • Marital Responsibilities: The verse acknowledges the legitimate and necessary concern a husband has for his wife. "Pleasing his wife" encompasses providing for her, cherishing her, and attending to her emotional and physical well-being. These are duties affirmed elsewhere in Scripture as part of a husband's loving responsibility (Ephesians 5:25).
  • Worldly Affairs: The phrase "things that are of the world" refers to the practical, temporal aspects of daily life, such as finances, household management, social interactions, and family welfare. These are not inherently sinful or ungodly, but they require time, energy, and attention that might otherwise be directed solely towards spiritual pursuits or missionary work.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "careth" is merimnaō (μεριμνάω), which can mean "to be anxious about" or "to be concerned with." In this context, it primarily implies a legitimate and necessary preoccupation with the practical and relational aspects of marriage, rather than sinful anxiety. The "things that are of the world" (τὰ τοῦ κόσμου - ta tou kosmou) refers to the affairs of this temporal life, distinguishing them from the affairs of the Lord. Paul is not condemning these worldly concerns but observing their practical demands on a married person's time and focus.

Practical Application

This verse offers an honest, pragmatic assessment of the realities of marriage without devaluing the institution itself. It reminds married believers that their service to God often involves serving their spouse and family, which is a vital and God-ordained part of their Christian walk. It encourages married couples to find ways to honor God together within their relationship, ensuring that their necessary worldly concerns do not overshadow their spiritual devotion. For those contemplating marriage or singleness, it provides insight into the different demands and unique opportunities each state presents for serving the Lord. Ultimately, both marriage and singleness are valid callings, each with distinct challenges and blessings in the pursuit of God's will and the advancement of His kingdom. Married individuals are called to serve God *through* their commitment to their spouse and family, reflecting God's love and faithfulness within their daily lives.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Peter 3:7

    Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with [them] according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

  • Colossians 3:19

    Husbands, love [your] wives, and be not bitter against them.

  • Ephesians 5:25

    Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

  • Ephesians 5:33

    Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife [see] that she reverence [her] husband.

  • 1 Timothy 5:8

    But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

  • 1 Samuel 1:4

    And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:

  • 1 Samuel 1:8

    Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? [am] not I better to thee than ten sons?

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