563. aperispastós
Lexical Summary
aperispastós: Undistracted, free from distraction

Original Word: ἀπερίσπαστος
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: aperispastós
Pronunciation: ah-peh-rees-PAH-stos
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-er-is-pas-toce')
KJV: without distraction
NASB: undistracted
Word Origin: [adverb from a compound of G1 (α - Alpha) (as a negative participle) and a presumed derivative of G4049 (περισπάω - distracted)]

1. undistractedly, in an undistracted manner
2. free from (domestic) anxiety or concern

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 Origin
from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and perispaó
Definition
without distraction
NASB Translation
undistracted (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 563: ἀπερισπάστως

ἀπερισπάστως, 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:
• “One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life” (Psalm 27:4).
• Jesus commends Mary for choosing “the good part” while Martha is “worried and upset about many things” (Luke 10:41-42).
• James warns that “a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8).

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).
2. Spiritual Disciplines: Prayer, Scripture meditation, and gathered worship habituate the soul toward undistracted focus. Periodic retreat from noise—modeled by Jesus in solitary prayer (Mark 1:35)—helps recalibrate priorities.
3. Stewardship of Time and Technology: Modern distractions rival those of Corinth. Limiting media intake, scheduling device-free hours, and practicing Sabbath rhythms guard the heart’s attention.
4. Church Structure: Congregations can support undistracted devotion by simplifying programmatic clutter, fostering intentional discipleship, and honoring both singleness and marriage as sacred callings.

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.
• Cultivate Contentment: Paul’s contented singleness (Philippians 4:11-13) and his high view of marriage both spring from satisfaction in Christ.
• Model Balance: Parents can teach children to prioritize the Lord over extracurricular busyness; singles can display joyful freedom in gospel service.
• Face Suffering Steadfastly: Trials often strip away distractions, refining faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). Embracing hardship with trust reveals undistracted allegiance.

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 aperispástōs
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
1 Corinthians 7:35 Adv
GRK: τῷ κυρίῳ ἀπερισπάστως
NAS: what is appropriate and [to secure] undistracted devotion
KJV: the Lord without distraction.
INT: on the Lord without distraction

Strong's Greek 563
1 Occurrence


ἀπερισπάστως — 1 Occ.

562
Top of Page
Top of Page