What does 1 Corinthians 7:35 mean?
"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

1 Corinthians 7:35 (KJV) reads, "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."
The verse comes in the context of Paul's advice to the Corinthians on matters of marriage and singleness. In this particular verse, Paul addresses the advantages of remaining single, but his ultimate goal is to encourage believers to prioritize their devotion to the Lord above all else.
The verse begins with, "And this I speak for your own profit," indicating that Paul's intention is to offer counsel that will benefit the Corinthians in their walk with God. He wants them to understand that his advice is not to bring them under any undue burden but to help them live in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.
Paul goes on to say, "not that I may cast a snare upon you," implying that he is not trying to trap or ensnare them with his words. He is not seeking to impose any unnecessary restrictions or limitations on them. Instead, his desire is for them to live in a manner that is fitting and appropriate for followers of Christ.
The next part of the verse states, "but for that which is comely," which can be understood as Paul's desire for the Corinthians to conduct themselves in a way that is decent, respectable, and in line with the teachings of the gospel. He wants them to live in a manner that brings honor to the Lord and reflects the righteousness and holiness of God.
The verse concludes with, "and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction," emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one's devotion to the Lord above all else. Paul wants the Corinthians to be able to focus wholeheartedly on serving and worshiping God, without being weighed down by the concerns and responsibilities of married life. This does not mean that marriage is discouraged, but rather, Paul is highlighting the unique opportunities for undivided devotion to the Lord that singleness affords.
In a broader context, this verse speaks to the idea of prioritizing God above all else in one's life. It encourages believers to live in a way that brings honor and glory to God, and to maintain a singular focus on serving and worshiping Him. This emphasis on undistracted devotion to the Lord is a central theme throughout Paul's writings and the New Testament as a whole.
In terms of symbolism, this verse can be seen as representing the contrast between worldly concerns and spiritual priorities. The "snare" that Paul speaks of can be symbolic of the entanglements and distractions of earthly life that can hinder one's relationship with God. In contrast, the "comely" and "attending upon the Lord without distraction" represent the beauty and fulfillment found in wholehearted devotion to the Lord.
Overall, 1 Corinthians 7:35 (KJV) serves as a reminder for believers to continually prioritize their relationship with God above all else, and to live in a manner that brings honor and glory to Him. It also provides encouragement for those who are single to embrace the unique opportunities for undivided devotion to the Lord that singleness affords.
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1 Corinthians 7:35 - "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."
"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
1 Corinthians 15:35 - "But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?"
1 Corinthians 15:35 (KJVA) 35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?
1 Corinthians 14:35 - "And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church."
1 Chronicles 7:35 - "And the sons of his brother Helem; Zophah, and Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal."
1 Corinthians 7:6 - "But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment."
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
1 Corinthians 15:7 - "After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles."
1 Corinthians 7:23 - "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men."
1 Corinthians 7:19 - "Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God."
1 Corinthians 7:31 - "And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away."
1 Corinthians 1:7 - "So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:"
1 Corinthians 12:7 - "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."
1 Corinthians 7:1 - "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman."
1 Corinthians 7:20 - "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called."
1 Corinthians 7:9 - "But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn."
1 Corinthians 7:30 - "And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;"
1 Corinthians 7:24 - "Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God."
1 Kings 7:35 - "And in the top of the base was there a round compass of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same."
"But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?" - 1 Corinthians 15:35
1 Corinthians 7:8 - "I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I."
1 Corinthians 7:26 - "I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be."
1 Corinthians 7:33 - "But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife."
"But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment." - 1 Corinthians 7:6
1 Corinthians 13:7 - "Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
1 Corinthians 7:3 - "Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband."