1 Corinthians 7:33

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul continues his discourse on marriage and singleness, here highlighting the practical realities and differing priorities that naturally arise for those who are married. Specifically, for the husband, entering into marriage brings a necessary focus on the temporal aspects of life and the legitimate desire to ensure his wife's well-being and contentment, a concern that naturally shifts his attention from the singular devotion possible in singleness. This verse is not a condemnation of marriage but an honest observation of its inherent demands and the resulting division of focus compared to an unmarried person's capacity for undivided service to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive discussion in [1 Corinthians 7](/1-corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage, Singleness, and Devotion"), where he addresses various questions from the Corinthian church regarding marriage, divorce, and celibacy. Paul's overarching purpose in this chapter is to provide guidance on how believers can best live in a manner that honors God, whether married or single, especially in light of the "present distress" ([1 Corinthians 7:26](/1-corinthians/7-26 "1 Corinthians 7:26 - The Present Distress")). The immediate preceding verses, particularly [1 Corinthians 7:32](/1-corinthians/7-32 "1 Corinthians 7:32 - The Unmarried's Concern for the Lord"), establish a contrast: the unmarried person is "anxious about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord," while the married person's concerns are redirected towards their spouse and the practicalities of married life. Paul's argument is not that marriage is inherently bad, but that it introduces a duality of focus that singleness does not.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Corinth, as in much of the Roman world, marriage was the societal norm and expectation, primarily for procreation, social stability, and economic partnership. While some philosophical schools advocated for celibacy, the prevailing Jewish and Roman cultures highly valued marriage and family. Paul's teaching here, while counter-cultural in its elevation of singleness for spiritual devotion, also acknowledges the established social structures. The "things of the world" would encompass the practicalities of running a household, earning a living, managing family affairs, and participating in the social fabric of the city—all legitimate and necessary aspects of life for a married couple. The concept of "pleasing" one's spouse would have resonated with cultural expectations of mutual care and provision within marriage, though Paul elevates it to a spiritual concern for the believer.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme running through [1 Corinthians 7](/1-corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage, Singleness, and Devotion") is **undivided devotion to the Lord**. Paul explores how different life states (married, single, widowed) impact one's ability to serve God without distraction. This verse highlights the theme of **divided focus** inherent in marriage, where legitimate marital responsibilities and the desire to please one's spouse naturally divert attention from exclusive devotion to God. It also touches on **practical Christian living**, demonstrating how spiritual principles intersect with the everyday realities of life, including the management of "worldly" affairs. Paul's pragmatic approach acknowledges that while the unmarried can focus solely on "the things of the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 7:32](/1-corinthians/7-32 "1 Corinthians 7:32 - The Unmarried's Concern for the Lord")), the married must balance their spiritual aspirations with their God-given responsibilities within their earthly relationships.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **married (Greek, _gaméō'_):** From *gamos*, meaning "to wed." This word signifies the state of being united in marriage, encompassing both the act of marrying and the ongoing condition of being married. Paul uses it here to refer to the person who has entered into this covenant relationship, distinguishing them from the unmarried.
* **careth (Greek, _merimnáō'_):** This verb means "to be anxious about," "to be concerned with," or "to take thought for." While *merimnáō* can carry a negative connotation of anxious worry (as in [Matthew 6:25](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25 - Do Not Worry")), in this context, it refers to a legitimate and necessary preoccupation or concern. It denotes a responsible and attentive focus on the needs and well-being of one's spouse, rather than a sinful anxiety.
* **world (Greek, _kósmos'_):** This term, derived from *komizō* (to arrange), can refer to an "orderly arrangement," "decoration," or, by implication, the "world" in various senses. Here, "the things that are of the world" (τὰ τοῦ κόσμου) refers to the temporal, practical, and material aspects of earthly existence—household management, finances, social obligations, and the daily affairs necessary for living. It is distinguished from "the things of the Lord" and is not inherently evil, but rather represents the legitimate demands of life within this present age.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he that is married":** This clause introduces the subject of the verse, a man who has entered into the state of marriage. The "But" (G1161, *dé*) serves as an adversative particle, drawing a direct contrast with the unmarried person discussed in the preceding verse ([1 Corinthians 7:32](/1-corinthians/7-32 "1 Corinthians 7:32 - The Unmarried's Concern for the Lord")). It sets up a comparison of the different focuses inherent in each state.
* **"careth for the things that are of the world":** This phrase describes the natural and necessary preoccupation of a married man. "Careth" (G3309, *merimnáō*) implies a legitimate concern and attention, not necessarily a sinful anxiety. "The things that are of the world" (G2889, *kósmos*) refers to the practical, temporal, and material aspects of daily life—such as providing for the family, maintaining a home, managing finances, and navigating social relationships. These are the legitimate demands that arise from establishing a household and family.
* **"how he may please [his] wife":** This final clause specifies the primary motivation for the married man's concern for "the things of the world." His efforts are directed towards ensuring his wife's happiness, comfort, and well-being. "Please" (G700, *aréskō*) signifies a desire to be agreeable, to satisfy, or to make content. This is a natural and commendable aspect of a loving marital relationship, reflecting the husband's responsibility to cherish and care for his spouse.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Contrast** as a primary literary device in this passage, setting up a clear distinction between the unmarried person's singular focus on pleasing the Lord ([1 Corinthians 7:32](/1-corinthians/7-32 "1 Corinthians 7:32 - The Unmarried's Concern for the Lord")) and the married person's dual focus on both the Lord and their spouse. This contrast is not a judgment but an observation of the practical realities of each state. The phrase "things that are of the world" functions as a **Metonymy**, where "the world" stands for the practical, temporal affairs and responsibilities of daily life within the earthly realm, as opposed to purely spiritual pursuits. This highlights the shift in priorities and the legitimate demands placed upon a married individual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores a fundamental theological truth about the nature of human relationships and their impact on spiritual devotion. While marriage is a divinely ordained institution, it inherently introduces a division of focus that singleness does not. This is not presented as a flaw in marriage, but rather as a practical reality reflecting the legitimate responsibilities and affections within the marital covenant. The husband's "caring for the things of the world" and desiring to "please his wife" are not condemned but acknowledged as natural and necessary expressions of love and responsibility within a God-honoring marriage. The underlying theme is that both marriage and singleness are valid callings, each with unique challenges and opportunities for serving God, and each requiring believers to navigate their earthly responsibilities with an eye toward their ultimate devotion to Christ.

* [Ephesians 5:28](/ephesians/5-28 "Ephesians 5:28 - Husbands to Love Their Wives")
* [Colossians 3:19](/colossians/3-19 "Colossians 3:19 - Husbands, Love Your Wives")
* [1 Peter 3:7](/1-peter/3-7 "1 Peter 3:7 - Husbands, Live with Understanding")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a profound and realistic perspective on the demands of marriage, particularly for the husband. It reminds us that entering into a marital covenant naturally brings with it a host of practical, temporal responsibilities and a deep desire to nurture and please one's spouse. This is not a distraction from God's will but often an integral part of living out one's faith within the context of family. For married individuals, it encourages a holistic view of discipleship, where serving God includes faithfully loving and caring for one's spouse, managing household affairs with integrity, and raising a family in the Lord. It challenges couples to intentionally seek ways to integrate their spiritual devotion into their shared life, ensuring that their necessary worldly concerns do not overshadow their ultimate commitment to Christ. For those contemplating marriage or singleness, it provides a sober assessment of the distinct demands and unique opportunities each state presents for serving the Lord. Ultimately, the goal in both states is to live a life that honors God, whether through undivided devotion in singleness or through faithful, loving partnership in marriage.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do the "things of the world" in your own life (whether married or single) compete with or complement your desire to please the Lord?**
* **If married, how can you and your spouse intentionally integrate your "care for the things of the world" with your shared spiritual devotion?**
* **How does understanding the different focuses of married and unmarried life help you appreciate and support others in the body of Christ, regardless of their marital status?**
* **In what ways can a husband's desire to "please his wife" be an act of worship and service to God?**

### FAQ

**Does Paul condemn marriage or suggest it's inferior for spiritual devotion?**

Answer: No, Paul does not condemn marriage. Throughout [1 Corinthians 7](/1-corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage, Singleness, and Devotion"), he affirms marriage as a legitimate and honorable state, even advising those who are married to remain so ([1 Corinthians 7:27](/1-corinthians/7-27 "1 Corinthians 7:27 - Remain as You Are")). His point is a pragmatic observation about the differing levels of undivided devotion possible in singleness versus marriage. While the unmarried person can focus solely on "the things of the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 7:32](/1-corinthians/7-32 "1 Corinthians 7:32 - The Unmarried's Concern for the Lord")), a married person naturally and legitimately has concerns for their spouse and the practicalities of married life. This is not a moral judgment but a recognition of practical realities and different callings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 7:33 speaks to the practical realities of marital devotion, its Christ-centered fulfillment is found in how the paradigm of "pleasing" shifts and is perfected in Christ. Jesus, the ultimate Bridegroom, perfectly demonstrates undivided devotion to the Father while simultaneously giving Himself completely to "please" His Bride, the Church. His concern for the "things of the world" was not for personal gain or earthly comfort, but for the salvation and sanctification of humanity, culminating in His self-sacrifice on the cross ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). He perfectly balanced His earthly mission with His heavenly calling, always doing the will of the Father ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). For the Christian husband, the call to "please his wife" finds its highest expression and deepest meaning in emulating Christ's sacrificial love and selfless service to the Church. This means loving her as Christ loved the Church, being willing to lay down one's life and priorities for her good, and ultimately, leading her towards greater devotion to the Lord, thereby transforming "worldly" concerns into acts of worship and Christ-like service within the covenant of marriage ([Colossians 3:19](/colossians/3-19 "Colossians 3:19 - Husbands, Love Your Wives")).

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

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?