1 Corinthians 7:35
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.
Original Language Analysis
πρὸς
for
G4314
πρὸς
for
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 22
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
own
G846
αὐτῶν
own
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
συμφέρον
profit
G4851
συμφέρον
profit
Strong's:
G4851
Word #:
7 of 22
to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage
λέγω
I speak
G3004
λέγω
I speak
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐπιβάλω
I may cast
G1911
ἐπιβάλω
I may cast
Strong's:
G1911
Word #:
13 of 22
to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); specially (with g1438 implied) to reflect; impersonal
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
14 of 22
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
πρὸς
for
G4314
πρὸς
for
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
15 of 22
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εὔσχημον
is comely
G2158
εὔσχημον
is comely
Strong's:
G2158
Word #:
17 of 22
well-formed, i.e., (figuratively) decorous, noble (in rank)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εὐπρόσεδρον
that ye may attend upon
G2145
εὐπρόσεδρον
that ye may attend upon
Strong's:
G2145
Word #:
19 of 22
sitting well towards, i.e., (figuratively) assiduous (neuter, diligent service)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:36But 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 8:14And 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.1 Corinthians 7:2Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.Philippians 4:8Finally, 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.Matthew 19:12For 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.Luke 21:34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.Ephesians 5:3But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;1 Corinthians 7:28But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.Titus 2:3The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
Historical Context
Paul's language of "snare" or "noose" reflects his concern not to impose legalistic requirements beyond God's commands. Unlike later ascetic movements that required celibacy, Paul presents singleness as advantageous but not mandatory. His pastoral care balances principle with freedom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's emphasis on "your own profit" reveal his pastoral heart rather than legalistic control?
- What kinds of "distraction" do married believers face that singles avoid?
- How can married believers pursue faithful service to Christ despite divided attention?
Analysis & Commentary
And this I speak for your own profit—Paul emphasizes his pastoral motive. The phrase pros to hymōn auton sympheron (πρὸς τὸ ὑμῶν αὐτῶν συμφέρον, "toward your own advantage") indicates his counsel aims at their benefit. Not that I may cast a snare upon you (ouch hina brochan hymin epibalō, οὐχ ἵνα βρόχον ὑμῖν ἐπιβάλω, "not to throw a noose on you")—Paul is not trapping them in legalism.
Rather, his purpose is for that which is comely (to euschēmon, τὸ εὔσχημον, "what is proper/fitting") and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. The key phrase is aperispastōs (ἀπερισπάστως, "without distraction")—Paul's ultimate concern throughout verses 25-38. Singleness enables undivided, undistracted devotion to Christ.
Paul's teaching is motivated by love, not legalism. He offers practical wisdom for maximizing focused service to Christ during urgent times. His preference for singleness reflects not disdain for marriage but recognition that competing loyalties create perispasmos (distraction). The goal is euschēmon kai aperispastōs—proper and undistracted devotion to the Lord.