King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:35 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:35 in the King James Version says “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 ma...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Corinthians 7:35 · KJV

Context

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.

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.

36

But 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.

37

Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's emphasis on "your own profit" reveal his pastoral heart rather than legalistic control?
  2. What kinds of "distraction" do married believers face that singles avoid?
  3. How can married believers pursue faithful service to Christ despite divided attention?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
τοῦτο1 of 22

“this”

G5124

that thing

δὲ2 of 22

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

πρὸς3 of 22

“for”

G4314

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,

τὸ4 of 22
G3588

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

ὑμῶν5 of 22

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

αὐτῶν6 of 22

“own”

G846

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

συμφέρον7 of 22

“profit”

G4851

to bear together (contribute), i.e., (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage

λέγω8 of 22

“I speak”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

οὐχ9 of 22

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἵνα10 of 22

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

βρόχον11 of 22

“a snare”

G1029

a noose

ὑμῖν12 of 22

“upon you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἐπιβάλω13 of 22

“I may cast”

G1911

to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); specially (with g1438 implied) to reflect; impersonal

ἀλλὰ14 of 22

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

πρὸς15 of 22

“for”

G4314

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,

τὸ16 of 22
G3588

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

εὔσχημον17 of 22

“is comely”

G2158

well-formed, i.e., (figuratively) decorous, noble (in rank)

καὶ18 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εὐπρόσεδρον19 of 22

“that ye may attend upon”

G2145

sitting well towards, i.e., (figuratively) assiduous (neuter, diligent service)

τῷ20 of 22
G3588

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

κυρίῳ21 of 22

“the Lord”

G2962

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

ἀπερισπάστως22 of 22

“without distraction”

G563

undistractedly, i.e., free from (domestic) solicitude

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 7:35 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 7:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 7:33-341 Corinthians 7:36Luke 8:141 Corinthians 7:2Philippians 4:8Luke 10:40-42

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