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1 Corinthians 7:32

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:32 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But 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:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But 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:
1 Corinthians 7:32 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
29But this I say, brethren, the time is shortened, that henceforth both those that have wives may be as though they had none;
30and those that weep, as though they wept not; and those that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and those that buy, as though they possessed not;
31and those that use the world, as not using it to the full: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
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:
33but he that is married is careful for the things of the world, how he may please his wife,
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.
35And this I say for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is seemly, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But I would have you without carefulness, etc.] This is another reason, by which the apostle confirms the advice he gives to virgins to remain such, because the married state is full of cares, whereas the single life is no more free from them; and therefore he wishes them to continue in such a state, that they might be without anxious and distracting cares of temporal things, things relating to the good decorum and sustenance of a family, and so be more free and at leisure for the service of God; which he illustrates, by showing the different cares that married and unmarried persons are involved in: he that is unmarried, careth for the things that belong to the Lord; such as hearing the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“without carefulness--I would have you to be not merely "without trouble," but "without distracting cares" (so the Greek). careth--if he uses aright the advantages of his condition.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But I would have you - I would advise you to such a course of life as should leave you without carefulness My advice is regulated by that wish, and that wish guides me in giving it. Without carefulness - (ἀμερίμνους amerimnous). Without anxiety, solicitude, care; without such a necessary attention to the things of this life as to take off your thoughts and affections from heavenly objects; see the notes on Matthew 6:25-31. careth for the things that belong to the Lord - Margin, “The things of the Lord;” the things of religion. His attention is not distracted by the cares of this life; his time is not engrossed, and his affections alienated by an attendance on the concerns of a family, and…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Now I would have you - For this flying moment. Without carefulness - Without any incumbrance of your thoughts. The unmarried man - If he understand and use the advantage he enjoys - Careth only for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. 1 Corinthians 7:33”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I would: Psa 55:22; Mat 6:25-34, Mat 13:22; Phi 4:6 He that: Ti1 5:5 that belong to the Lord: Gr. of the Lord, as, Co1 7:34 1 Corinthians 7:33”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification