Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 7:33

What does 1 Corinthians 7:33 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 7:33 means

Paul notes that the married man is concerned with worldly matters—how to please his wife—and so his interests are divided. This is not a rebuke; it is recognition that marriage rightly brings responsibilities of care, provision, and attentiveness. Love commits one to another’s welfare, which requires time and energy. Such concerns are good but can limit availability for certain ministries. Paul wants believers to understand trade-offs honestly. Neither state is sinful; each has its own cares. The married man serves God by serving his wife, yet he cannot be as unencumbered as the single. Wisdom discerns one’s season and serves faithfully within its demands.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but he that is married is careful for the things of the world, how he may please his wife,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but he that is married is careful for the things of the world, how he may please his wife,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the married man gives his attention to the things of this world, how he may give pleasure to his wife.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the married is anxious for the things of the world, how he shall please the wife.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he that is with a wife is solicitous for the things of the world: how he may please his wife. And he is divided.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but he that has married cares for the things of the world, how he shall please his wife.

Context

This verse follows verse 32’s praise of the unmarried person’s focus and provides the balancing contrast for men. It prepares for verse 34, which will compare unmarried and married women in similar terms. Paul is building a fair, symmetrical picture to justify his practical preferences without condemning marriage. Then in verse 35 he will state his aim clearly: their profit and propriety, to attend upon the Lord without distraction. This flow keeps the emphasis on devotion rather than on ranking statuses.

v.32But I would have you to be free from cares. He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

v.33This passage

v.34and is divided. So also the woman that is unmarried and the virgin is careful for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married is careful for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:3

    Let the husband render unto the wife her due: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

  • Ephesians 5:25

    Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it;

  • 1 Samuel 1:4

    And when the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:

  • Colossians 3:19

    Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

  • 1 Timothy 5:8

    But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

  • 1 Peter 3:7

    Ye husbands, in like manner, dwell withyour wivesaccording to knowledge, giving honor unto the woman, as unto the weaker vessel, as being also joint-heirs of the grace of life; to the end that your prayers be not hindered.

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