1 Corinthians 7:33
But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
for the things that are
G3588
τῇ
for the things that are
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
for the things that are
G3588
τῇ
for the things that are
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
for the things that are
G3588
τῇ
for the things that are
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
of the world
G2889
κόσμου
of the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
7 of 11
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
8 of 11
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
ἀρέσει
he may please
G700
ἀρέσει
he may please
Strong's:
G700
Word #:
9 of 11
to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)
Cross References
Historical Context
Greco-Roman household management (oikonomia) required significant attention from the paterfamilias (household head). Christian husbands bore responsibility for family provision, protection, and spiritual leadership (Ephesians 5:25-29; 1 Timothy 3:4-5), necessarily limiting ministry availability compared to single men.
Questions for Reflection
- How does marriage's divided attention differ from the single believer's undivided focus on the Lord?
- In what ways is "pleasing one's wife" a legitimate concern that honors God rather than compromising faithfulness?
- How can married believers maximize faithfulness to Christ while honoring family obligations?
Analysis & Commentary
But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world—Paul contrasts the married believer's concerns with the single's (v. 32). The phrase ta tou kosmou (τὰ τοῦ κόσμου, "the things of the world") refers to earthly, practical matters—provision, housing, family needs. This is not sinful but reflects legitimate marital responsibilities. How he may please his wife (pōs aresē tē gynaiki, πῶς ἀρέσῃ τῇ γυναικί).
Paul acknowledges that marriage involves divided attention. The married man must balance pleasing the Lord with pleasing his wife—both legitimate concerns. This does not mean married men cannot serve God faithfully, but they face competing priorities singles avoid. Marriage requires time, attention, emotional energy, and resources that could otherwise be devoted entirely to ministry.
Paul's observation is descriptive, not prescriptive. He neither condemns marriage nor suggests married believers serve God less faithfully. Rather, he acknowledges practical realities: family obligations limit availability for certain ministries (travel, intensive prayer, dangerous missions). This supports his counsel (vv. 26-28) that singleness is advantageous given present circumstances.