1 Corinthians 7:32
But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
Original Language Analysis
θέλω
G2309
θέλω
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
1 of 15
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
τῷ
for the things that belong to
G3588
τῷ
for the things that belong to
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
for the things that belong to
G3588
τῷ
for the things that belong to
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
for the things that belong to
G3588
τῷ
for the things that belong to
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ·
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ·
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
11 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
12 of 15
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 #:
13 of 15
to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)
Cross References
1 Timothy 5:5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.Philippians 4:6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.Psalms 55:22Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.Matthew 13:22He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
Historical Context
Paul's mobile missionary ministry (Acts 13-28) was enabled by his singleness. Early church leaders like Paul and possibly Timothy remained single for ministry. Monastic movements later elevated celibacy as superior, but Paul's language is pragmatic, not hierarchical—both callings are valid gifts (v. 7).
Questions for Reflection
- In what specific ways does singleness free believers from "carefulness" for undivided devotion to the Lord?
- How can the church honor and utilize single believers' unique capacity for focused ministry?
- What dangers arise if singleness is viewed as morally superior rather than practically advantageous?
Analysis & Commentary
But I would have you without carefulness—the term amerímnous (ἀμερίμνους, "free from anxiety") describes freedom from distracting concerns. Paul desires believers to serve God without the anxieties that divide attention. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord—merimna ta tou kyriou (μεριμνᾷ τὰ τοῦ κυρίου, "is concerned with the Lord's affairs").
The single believer's concern is how he may please the Lord (pōs aresē tō kyriō, πῶς ἀρέσῃ τῷ κυρίῳ). Without family obligations, singles can devote full attention to Christ's service—prayer, ministry, mission, discipleship. This is Paul's own experience (v. 7; 9:5) and his reason for preferring singleness during times of distress and eschatological urgency.
Paul is not denigrating marriage but acknowledging practical reality: singleness offers aperispastos (undivided devotion, v. 35) for those gifted with celibacy. Singles face fewer competing loyalties and can pursue ministry opportunities marrieds cannot. This makes singleness "good" (vv. 1, 8, 26) in a practical sense, though not morally superior.