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 7:35KJV
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1 Corinthians 7:35 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:35 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:35 means that Paul is giving advice for the benefit of his readers, not to trap or burden them, but to help them live in a way that is proper and allows them to serve the Lord without unnecessary distractions. Paul’s goal is to encourage a focused and undivided devotion to God.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing questions about marriage, singleness, and how believers can best serve God in their circumstances. In this verse, he reassures them that his guidance is not meant to restrict their freedom, but to help them make choices that lead to a more peaceful and attentive relationship with God. The verse reflects Paul’s pastoral care and his desire for believers to have clarity and freedom in their spiritual lives.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 7:35

  • The word "snare" (παγίδα, pagida; G1029) means a trap or something that catches someone unexpectedly. Paul uses it to make clear he is not trying to create unnecessary rules or burdens.
  • The word "comely" (εὐσχημόν, euschemon; G2158) carries the sense of what is fitting, proper, or appropriate. Paul wants believers to act in a way that is honorable and fitting before God.
  • The phrase "without distraction" (ἀπερισπάστως, aperispastōs; G563) means being free from things that pull attention away. Paul’s advice is meant to help believers focus fully on their relationship with the Lord.

Why 1 Corinthians 7:35 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the misunderstanding that Paul’s advice about singleness or marriage is meant to be a strict rule; instead, it is practical guidance for spiritual benefit.
  • Paul’s emphasis on serving the Lord "without distraction" highlights the value he places on undivided devotion, which is a key theme in this part of his letter.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing Paul’s pastoral concern—he wants believers to have freedom and peace in their choices, not to feel trapped by religious obligations.

Where else these words appear

“comely” Greek G2158 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
  • Acts 13:50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
  • Acts 17:12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

“profit” Greek G4851 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

“cast” Greek G1911 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 9:16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
  • Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
  • John 7:30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.