Lexical Summary aperispastós: Undistracted, free from distraction Original Word: ἀπερίσπαστος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance without distraction. Adverb from a compound of a (as a negative participle) and a presumed derivative of perispao; undistractedly, i.e. Free from (domestic) solicitude -- without distraction. see GREEK a see GREEK perispao HELPS Word-studies 563 aperispástōs (an adverb, from 1 /A "without" and 4049 /perispáō, "distract") – properly, without distraction (hindrance). 563 (aperispástōs) occurs only in 1 Cor 7:35 where it refers to having full devotion (being completely undistracted). [Note the force of the prefix (575 /apó). See also 4049 (perispáō) for more on the root idea.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and perispaó Definition without distraction NASB Translation undistracted (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 563: ἀπερισπάστωςἀπερισπάστως, adverb (περισπάω, which see), without distraction, without solicitude: 1 Corinthians 7:35. (The adjective occurs in Wis. 16:11; Sir. 41:1; often in Polybius (the adverb in 2, 20, 10; 4, 18, 6; 12, 28, 4; cf. Winers Grammar, 463 (431)) and Plutarch.) Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Context The adverb translated “without distraction” appears once in the New Testament, in Paul’s counsel to the unmarried and widows (1 Corinthians 7:35). The apostle frames it as pastoral advice, not a command: “I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but to promote proper order and secure undistracted devotion to the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:35). Meaning within 1 Corinthians 7:35 Paul’s concern is that believers, whether married or single, live so that nothing pulls their attention away from wholehearted service to Christ. For those contemplating marriage, he recognizes legitimate earthly responsibilities that accompany family life (1 Corinthians 7:32-34). His aim is not to diminish marriage—elsewhere he exalts it (Ephesians 5:22-33)—but to elevate the surpassing priority of pleasing the Lord. “Undistracted devotion” describes a life ordered so that Christ is the central focus, free from competing allegiances. Connection to the Broader Biblical Theme of Undivided Devotion Although the precise word is unique to 1 Corinthians 7:35, Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to single-mindedness: These passages reinforce Paul’s exhortation that the believer’s heart be wholly directed toward Christ. Pastoral and Ministry Application 1. Vocation and Calling: Whether single or married, Christians are urged to evaluate how their life circumstances serve the Lord’s purposes. Singles may leverage greater mobility for missionary work (1 Corinthians 7:32-34). Married believers demonstrate the gospel through covenant faithfulness (Ephesians 5:25). Historical Understanding in Church Tradition Early Christian writers such as Tertullian and Athanasius cited Paul’s teaching to commend celibacy for those specially called. Monastic movements interpreted “undistracted devotion” as literal withdrawal from worldly entanglements. The Reformers affirmed the same principle while restoring the goodness of marriage and ordinary work, insisting that all believers—monk or merchant—must serve God with an undivided heart. Throughout history revivals have featured renewed emphasis on simplicity and focus, from the Desert Fathers to the Wesleyan class meetings. Practical Implications for Contemporary Believers • Examine Motivations: Ask whether vocational choices, relationships, or possessions aid or hinder devotion. Related Scriptural Parallels 2 Corinthians 11:3 – a warning against being “led astray from simple and pure devotion to Christ.” Colossians 3:1-2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” Conclusion The singular appearance of this term encapsulates a comprehensive biblical summons: order every season of life—marriage, singleness, work, rest—so that nothing diverts the gaze from Christ. In an age of incessant distraction, Paul’s call to “undistracted devotion to the Lord” remains an indispensable guide for faithful discipleship. Forms and Transliterations απερισπαστως απερισπάστως ἀπερισπάστως aperispastos aperispastōs aperispástos aperispástōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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