1 Corinthians 7:35

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church while navigating questions about marital status. He delivers this statement immediately after contrasting the divided attentions of married believers with the focused service of unmarried ones.

The words — τοῦτο (touto) translates to "this," and σὺμφορον (sumphoron) means "[your] benefit." The text states the counsel is offered for practical advantage rather than legal restriction.

The thread — The contrast between divided and singular devotion runs through 1 Corinthians 7:33–36. The parallel warning against worldly anxieties choking spiritual focus appears in Luke 8:14.

Why it lands — The text commands readers to measure their commitments against the standard of undivided devotion to the Lord. It requires a conscious reallocation of time and energy away from competing earthly obligations.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

1 Corinthians 7:33 But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife,
1 Corinthians 7:36 However, if someone thinks he is acting inappropriately toward his betrothed, and if she is beyond her youth and they ought to marry, let him do as he wishes; he is not sinning; they should get married.
Luke 8:14 The seeds that fell among the thorns are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature.
1 Corinthians 7:2 But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
Matthew 19:12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way; others were made that way by men; and still others live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
Luke 10:40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”
Luke 21:34 But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.
1 Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control.
1 Corinthians 7:28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned. And if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.