1 CORINTHIANS 7:35 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“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.”
I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. — Paul disclaims any intent to bind consciences (ou hina brochon humin epibaleō = not to cast a noose around you). Instead, the goal is proskarthesis (undivided devotion, literally steadfast attendance) to the Lord. The 'right way' (eutactōs) conveys both propriety and order. Marriage is not forbidden; rather, singleness is lifted as a charism enabling focused worship and service.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 7:35
And this I say for your own profit, not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is seemly, and that you may attend upon the Lord without distraction. Let the virgins hear that not by that one point is virginity defined; for she that is careful about the things of the world cannot be a virgin, nor seemly. Thus, when he said, “There is difference between a wife and a virgin,” he added this as the difference, and that wherein they are distinguished from each other.…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!