1 Corinthians 7:35

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} this {G5124} I speak {G3004} for {G4314} your {G5216} own {G846} profit {G4851}; not {G3756} that {G2443} I may cast {G1911} a snare {G1029} upon you {G5213}, but {G235} for that which {G4314} is comely {G2158}, and {G2532} that ye may attend upon {G2145} the Lord {G2962} without distraction {G563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am telling you this for your own benefit, not to put restrictions on you — I am simply concerned that you live in a proper manner and serve the Lord with undivided devotion.

Berean Standard Bible

I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but in order to promote proper decorum and undivided devotion to the Lord.

American Standard Version

And this I say for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is seemly, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 7:35, the Apostle Paul articulates the pastoral motivation behind his counsel regarding singleness and marriage, emphasizing that his advice is intended solely for the spiritual benefit and flourishing of the Corinthian believers. He assures them that his guidance is not a restrictive imposition or a legalistic trap, but rather a loving recommendation aimed at promoting honorable conduct and enabling them to serve the Lord with undivided and undistracted devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive discourse on marriage, singleness, and celibacy in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage, Singleness, and Devotion"). The chapter begins by addressing specific questions from the Corinthian church about sexual relations within marriage and the permissibility of divorce. Paul then transitions to discuss the advantages of singleness, particularly for those who possess the gift of celibacy, as outlined in [1 Corinthians 7:7](/1_corinthians/7-7 "1 Corinthians 7:7 - Paul's Gift of Singleness"). He encourages believers to remain in the state in which they were called, whether married or single, unless there are compelling biblical reasons for change. Verses 32-34 highlight the core reason for his preference for singleness: it allows for a more singular focus on the Lord's affairs, free from the anxieties and responsibilities inherent in marriage. Verse 35 serves as Paul's explicit clarification of his benevolent intentions, ensuring his readers understand that his counsel is not a burdensome command but a liberating invitation to deeper spiritual devotion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city renowned for its wealth, diverse population, and notorious immorality, particularly regarding sexual ethics. The Corinthian church, a young community of believers, was grappling with how to apply Christian principles in such an environment, often struggling with pagan influences and internal divisions. Some within the church may have advocated for extreme asceticism, while others might have been overly permissive. Paul's letter addresses these tensions directly. His advice on marriage and singleness was given against a backdrop where marriage was generally expected, and social pressures could be significant. Furthermore, the early church anticipated the imminent return of Christ, which often influenced believers' perspectives on worldly commitments, as suggested in [1 Corinthians 7:29-31](/1_corinthians/7-29-31 "1 Corinthians 7:29-31 - Living in Light of the Lord's Return"). Paul's counsel in verse 35, therefore, sought to provide practical guidance that honored God amidst these cultural and eschatological realities, without imposing a new legalistic burden.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage, Singleness, and Devotion") is rich with themes that converge in verse 35. A primary theme is **Christian Freedom and Responsibility**, where Paul guides believers to make choices that honor God without falling into legalism or license. His emphasis on "profit" and avoiding a "snare" underscores a commitment to spiritual liberty. Another crucial theme is **Undivided Devotion to the Lord**. Paul consistently highlights that the ultimate goal for every believer, regardless of marital status, is to prioritize their relationship with God and serve Him without hindrance. This is explicitly stated in the phrase "attend upon the Lord without distraction," which echoes his earlier sentiment in [1 Corinthians 7:32-33](/1_corinthians/7-32-33 "1 Corinthians 7:32-33 - Undivided Care for the Lord's Affairs"). The concept of **Godly Conduct and Propriety** is also evident, as Paul desires "that which is comely" for the Corinthians, reflecting a life lived in a manner worthy of their calling in Christ. This theme is pervasive throughout the book, urging believers to live in a way that brings honor to God and the gospel, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 6:12-20](/1_corinthians/6-12-20 "1 Corinthians 6:12-20 - Glorifying God with Your Body").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **snare (Greek, _bróchos'_):** This term (G1029) literally means "a noose" or "loop," vividly depicting a trap or entanglement. Paul's use of this word assures the Corinthians that his advice is not meant to bind them or restrict their freedom in Christ, but rather to liberate them for devoted service. It emphasizes that spiritual guidance should never become a legalistic burden that ensnares the conscience.
* **comely (Greek, _euschḗmōn'_):** Derived from "well-formed," this word (G2158) signifies what is "decorous," "honorable," or "proper." Paul's counsel aims for what is fitting and appropriate for believers, reflecting a life lived in accordance with Christian principles and maintaining a good testimony. It speaks to the beauty and order of a life dedicated to God.
* **without distraction (Greek, _aperispástōs'_):** This adverb (G563) means "undistractedly" or "free from solicitude." It perfectly encapsulates Paul's ultimate purpose: to enable believers to pursue their spiritual walk and service to God with an unhindered, singular focus, free from the competing cares and anxieties that can arise from worldly or domestic responsibilities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this I speak for your own profit":** Paul establishes his benevolent motivation. His counsel is not arbitrary or self-serving, but genuinely aimed at the spiritual advantage and well-being of the Corinthians. He desires what is truly beneficial for their walk with God.
* **"not that I may cast a snare upon you":** This negative clause clarifies Paul's intention. He is not seeking to impose a burdensome rule, a "noose" that would restrict their liberty or create a sense of guilt. His advice is offered in freedom, not as a legalistic command that would trap them into a particular lifestyle.
* **"but for that which is comely":** Paul's positive intention is to promote what is honorable, proper, and fitting for believers. His guidance leads to a life that is orderly, respectable, and aligned with Christian decorum, reflecting a dignified and appropriate way of living for those who belong to Christ.
* **"and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction":** This is the ultimate purpose and climactic goal of Paul's advice. The phrase "attend upon" (G2145, _euprósedros_) implies sitting close by, being assiduous, or giving oneself entirely to something. Paul desires for believers to be fully engaged in service, prayer, and worship, maintaining an unhindered and singular focus on God's will and kingdom, free from the competing concerns that could divert their attention.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message effectively. The **Metaphor** of a "snare" (βρόχος, _bróchos_) vividly illustrates his intention to avoid any form of legalistic imposition, portraying his counsel as liberating rather than restrictive. This imagery powerfully communicates the idea of being bound or trapped, which Paul explicitly disavows. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a clear **Purpose Clause** structure ("not that... but for that... and that..."), which explicitly states the negative and positive aims of his communication. This rhetorical device emphasizes the intentionality and benevolent nature of his advice. The overall **Pastoral Tone** of the verse is also evident, as Paul communicates with genuine care and concern for the spiritual welfare of his audience, rather than issuing a rigid command. This tone reinforces the loving and guiding nature of his apostolic authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in 1 Corinthians 7:35 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian liberty and the nature of spiritual devotion. It underscores that God's will for believers is always for their ultimate good and flourishing, never for their enslavement to rigid rules. The pursuit of "undistracted" devotion is not about avoiding all worldly responsibilities, but about cultivating a heart posture where God remains the singular priority amidst life's complexities. This principle transcends the specific context of marriage and singleness, inviting all believers to evaluate their commitments and choices through the lens of how they contribute to or detract from their intimate relationship with the Lord and their effectiveness in His service. It calls for a life lived with intentionality, where every decision is weighed against its potential to draw us closer to God or pull us away.

* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")
* [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice and Renewed Mind")
* [Colossians 3:1-2](/colossians/3-1-2 "Colossians 3:1-2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 7:35 serves as a timeless reminder that our choices, whether in relationships, careers, or daily habits, should ultimately facilitate our devotion to God, rather than hinder it. Paul's emphasis on "profit" and avoiding a "snare" encourages us to approach life decisions with spiritual discernment, asking not merely "What can I do?" but "What will best enable me to attend upon the Lord without distraction?" This doesn't mean retreating from the world, but engaging with it in a way that maintains a primary focus on Christ. For some, this might mean embracing singleness for a season of intense ministry; for others, it might mean intentionally structuring a marriage or family life to prioritize corporate worship, prayer, and service. The core challenge is to identify and minimize the "distractions" in our lives—whether legitimate responsibilities that become overwhelming, or unnecessary pursuits that consume our time and energy—so that our hearts and minds remain singularly fixed on God's kingdom and His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary "distractions" in my life that hinder my ability to "attend upon the Lord"?**
* **In what ways can my current life circumstances (e.g., singleness, marriage, career) be intentionally leveraged to foster greater devotion to God?**
* **Am I making choices out of a sense of obligation or out of a desire for genuine spiritual profit and freedom in Christ?**
* **How can I cultivate a more "comely" (honorable and proper) way of living that reflects my devotion to the Lord in all areas?**

### FAQ
**Does Paul's advice in 1 Corinthians 7:35 mean that marriage is inherently distracting or less spiritual than singleness?**

Answer: No, Paul's advice does not imply that marriage is inherently less spiritual or always a distraction. Rather, he acknowledges the practical realities and additional responsibilities that come with marriage, which can naturally divide one's attention between the spouse and the Lord, as he explains in [1 Corinthians 7:32-34](/1_corinthians/7-32-34 "1 Corinthians 7:32-34 - Cares of the Married and Unmarried"). His preference for singleness for those who have the gift of celibacy is based on the *potential* for undivided devotion, not a condemnation of marriage itself. Marriage is a God-ordained institution, and Paul himself affirms its goodness and sanctity elsewhere (e.g., [Ephesians 5:22-33](/ephesians/5-22-33 "Ephesians 5:22-33 - Wives, Husbands, and Christ's Love for the Church")). The verse is about maximizing spiritual focus for those who are able, not devaluing the married state.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 7:35, with its call to "attend upon the Lord without distraction," finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and life of Jesus Christ. From His earliest days, Jesus was singularly devoted to His Father's will, declaring, "[I must be about my Father's business](/luke/2-49 "Luke 2:49 - Jesus in the Temple")" (Luke 2:49). Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated an unparalleled focus on His divine mission, consistently prioritizing the Father's agenda over personal comfort, worldly acclaim, or even the legitimate demands of family (e.g., [Mark 3:31-35](/mark/3-31-35 "Mark 3:31-35 - Jesus' True Family")). He lived a life free from the "snare" of worldly anxieties and material possessions, embodying the very "comeliness" of perfect obedience and devotion. His entire existence was an uninterrupted "attending upon the Lord," culminating in His resolute journey to the cross, where He perfectly accomplished the Father's redemptive plan (e.g., [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It is Finished")). For believers, our ability to live a life of undistracted devotion is not achieved through self-effort, but through our union with Christ. As we are "[in Christ](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ")" (Galatians 2:20), His perfect devotion becomes the pattern and the power for our own lives, enabling us by the Holy Spirit to set our minds on "[things above, not on earthly things](/colossians/3-1-2 "Colossians 3:1-2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")" (Colossians 3:1-2), and to "[run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus](/hebrews/12-1-2 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - Run the Race with Perseverance")" (Hebrews 12:1-2).

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 Corinthians 7:33

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

1 Corinthians 7:34

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.

1 Corinthians 7:36

¶ 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.

Luke 8:14

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

1 Corinthians 7:2

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

Matthew 19:12

For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from [their] mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive [it], let him receive [it].