King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:32 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:32 in the King James Version says “But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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: that belong: Gr. of the Lord”

1 Corinthians 7:32 · KJV

Context

30

And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

31

And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

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: that belong: Gr. of the Lord

33

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

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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).

Reflection Questions

  1. In what specific ways does singleness free believers from "carefulness" for undivided devotion to the Lord?
  2. How can the church honor and utilize single believers' unique capacity for focused ministry?
  3. What dangers arise if singleness is viewed as morally superior rather than practically advantageous?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
θέλω1 of 15
G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

δὲ2 of 15

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμᾶς3 of 15

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀμερίμνους4 of 15

“without carefulness”

G275

not anxious

εἶναι5 of 15

“I would have”

G1511

to exist

τῷ6 of 15

“for the things that belong to”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄγαμος7 of 15

“He that is unmarried”

G22

unmarried

μεριμνᾷ8 of 15

“careth”

G3309

to be anxious about

τῷ9 of 15

“for the things that belong to”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τῷ10 of 15

“for the things that belong to”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίῳ·11 of 15

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

πῶς12 of 15

“how”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

ἀρέσει13 of 15

“he may please”

G700

to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)

τῷ14 of 15

“for the things that belong to”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίῳ·15 of 15

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 7:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 7:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 6:25-341 Timothy 5:5Philippians 4:6Psalms 55:22Matthew 13:22

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