1 Corinthians 7:34

KJV

There is difference [also] between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please [her] husband.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is difference also between {G3307} a wife {G1135} and {G2532} a virgin {G3933}. The unmarried woman {G22} careth for {G3309} the things {G3588} of the Lord {G2962}, that {G2443} she may be {G5600} holy {G40} both {G2532} in body {G4983} and {G2532} in spirit {G4151}: but {G1161} she that is married {G1060} careth {G3309} for the things {G3588} of the world {G2889}, how {G4459} she may please {G700} her husband {G435}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and he finds himself split. Likewise the woman who is no longer married or the girl who has never been married concerns herself with the Lord’s affairs, with how to be holy both physically and spiritually; but the married woman concerns herself with the world’s affairs, with how to please her husband.

Berean Standard Bible

and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the work of the Lord, how she can be holy in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world, how she can please her husband.

American Standard Version

and 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 7:34, the Apostle Paul distinguishes between the differing priorities and opportunities of unmarried and married women, emphasizing that while the unmarried woman can dedicate herself more fully to spiritual pursuits, striving for holiness in both body and spirit, the married woman's natural and legitimate concerns revolve around her husband and the practicalities of household life. This verse is not a judgment against marriage but an observation of the distinct spheres of devotion and responsibility inherent in each state, framed within Paul's broader counsel on Christian living in light of the present age.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger discourse in [1 Corinthians 7](/1-corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage, Singleness, and Celibacy"), where Paul addresses various questions posed by the Corinthian church regarding marriage, singleness, and celibacy. Beginning in [1 Corinthians 7:1](/1-corinthians/7-1 "1 Corinthians 7:1 - Paul's Counsel on Marriage"), Paul offers practical advice on sexual relations within marriage, the permissibility of divorce, and the call to remain in one's current state if possible. He advocates for singleness as a viable and, in some cases, preferable option for those able to embrace it, particularly in light of "the present distress" ([1 Corinthians 7:26](/1-corinthians/7-26 "1 Corinthians 7:26 - The Present Distress")). The immediate preceding verses ([1 Corinthians 7:32-33](/1-corinthians/7-32-33 "1 Corinthians 7:32-33 - Undivided Devotion")) set up the contrast by stating that the unmarried man is concerned with the Lord's affairs, while the married man is concerned with worldly affairs, how he may please his wife. Verse 34 extends this same principle specifically to women, highlighting the parallel distinction in their spheres of care and devotion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its wealth, diverse population, and moral laxity. Within this environment, the early Christian community faced unique challenges in applying biblical principles to daily life, including marriage and family. Roman and Greek cultures generally viewed marriage as a societal necessity for procreation and maintaining family lines, with women's roles primarily centered on the household and child-rearing. Paul's teaching, while affirming marriage, also elevated singleness as a legitimate and even advantageous state for Christian service, a counter-cultural idea. The "present distress" likely refers to the general difficulties and persecutions faced by Christians, or perhaps the eschatological tension of living in the "last days" before Christ's return, which would make an undivided focus on the Lord particularly valuable. This context helps explain why Paul might encourage singleness for the sake of dedicated service, rather than viewing marriage as the sole or superior path.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [1 Corinthians 7](/1-corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Teaching on Marriage and Singleness") is **undivided devotion to the Lord**. Paul consistently argues that both singleness and marriage are honorable states, but they present different avenues for expressing one's allegiance to God. For the unmarried, there is a unique opportunity for **unhindered service** and spiritual focus, as they are not burdened by the responsibilities of a spouse and family. This allows for a deeper pursuit of **holiness in body and spirit**, meaning a consecrated life dedicated entirely to God's purposes. Conversely, marriage, while good and God-ordained, inherently brings **worldly cares** related to pleasing one's spouse and managing a household, which are legitimate and necessary but naturally divide one's attention. This distinction is not a condemnation of marriage but an acknowledgment of the practical realities of life and the stewardship of one's time and energy for the Kingdom. Paul's advice is ultimately pragmatic, aimed at helping believers live in a way that best honors God, whether single or married, as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 7:35](/1-corinthians/7-35 "1 Corinthians 7:35 - Living Without Distraction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **unmarried (Greek, _ágamos'_):** From the negative particle 'a' and 'gamos' (marriage), meaning literally "without marriage." In this context, it refers to a woman who is not currently married, encompassing virgins and widows. Paul uses this term to denote a state of being free from the marital bond and its associated duties, thereby highlighting the unique freedom for spiritual devotion.
* **careth for (Greek, _merimnáō'_):** This verb means "to be anxious about," "to be concerned about," or "to have a preoccupation with." Paul uses it to describe the primary focus or mental orientation of an individual. For the unmarried, this preoccupation is directed toward "the things of the Lord," indicating a deep spiritual concern. For the married, it is directed toward "the things of the world," signifying legitimate earthly responsibilities. The term itself is neutral, describing the object of one's concern rather than judging its worth.
* **world (Greek, _kósmos'_):** This term broadly refers to the orderly arrangement of creation, but in a moral or figurative sense, it often denotes the present evil age or the system of human society apart from God. However, in this specific verse, "things of the world" refers to the practical, daily concerns and responsibilities that are inherent to married life—managing a household, raising children, and attending to a spouse's needs. It is not used in a pejorative sense here, but simply to distinguish between spiritual and temporal concerns.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There is difference [also] between a wife and a virgin."**: Paul begins by stating a fundamental distinction between these two states of womanhood. The KJV's "difference" (from G3307, _merízō_) implies a division or distinction in focus and responsibility, setting the stage for the subsequent explanation.
* **"The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit:"**: This clause describes the unique advantage of the unmarried woman. Her primary concern (_merimnáō_) is directed toward "the things of the Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_), signifying spiritual matters, service, and devotion. The purpose (_hína_) of this focus is "that she may be holy (G40, _hágios_) both in body (G4983, _sōma_) and in spirit (G4151, _pneûma_)." This indicates a holistic consecration—her entire being, physical and spiritual, is set apart for God's purposes, unhindered by marital obligations.
* **"but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please [her] husband."**: The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a clear contrast. The married woman's concern (_merimnáō_) is naturally directed toward "the things of the world" (G2889, _kósmos_), which, in this context, refers to the practical, temporal aspects of married and family life. Her focus is on "how she may please her husband" (G700, _aréskō_), which is a legitimate and good aspect of a marital relationship, involving mutual care and consideration. This is not a negative judgment, but a realistic assessment of the divided attention that marriage entails.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a clear **Contrast** in this verse, setting the unmarried woman against the married woman to highlight their distinct priorities. This is a form of **Antithesis**, where opposing ideas are presented in parallel structure to emphasize a point. The verse also uses **Metonymy** when speaking of "the things of the Lord" and "the things of the world," where the abstract concepts stand in for the specific activities and responsibilities associated with each state. "Things of the Lord" represents spiritual devotion and service, while "things of the world" represents the practical duties of marriage and household management. This rhetorical technique allows Paul to succinctly communicate complex ideas about devotion and responsibility in different life circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of 1 Corinthians 7:34 extend beyond mere marital status, touching on the broader Christian call to stewardship of time, energy, and affection. Paul is not establishing a hierarchy where singleness is inherently superior to marriage, but rather articulating how each state presents distinct opportunities and challenges for wholehearted devotion to God. The core principle is that our primary allegiance, regardless of our relational status, belongs to the Lord. Both single and married individuals are called to holiness, but the path to expressing that holiness will differ. The unmarried have a unique capacity for undivided spiritual focus and service, while the married are called to sanctify their earthly responsibilities, serving God through their commitment to their spouse and family. This verse underscores the importance of intentionality in living out one's faith within their specific circumstances, recognizing that all aspects of life can be consecrated to God.

* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")
* [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice and Transformed Minds")
* [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Working for the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's counsel in 1 Corinthians 7:34 provides profound insight into the practicalities of Christian living, reminding us that our life circumstances shape, but do not define, our capacity for devotion. This verse challenges us to consider how our current state—whether single or married—can be most effectively leveraged for God's glory. For the unmarried, it is an empowering affirmation of their unique freedom to pursue spiritual disciplines, engage in ministry, and serve the Lord with an undivided heart. It calls them to embrace their singleness as a gift, maximizing their time and energy for Kingdom purposes without the legitimate, yet demanding, responsibilities of a spouse and family. For the married, it validates the sacredness of their commitment to their spouse and household, affirming that caring for "the things of the world" within the context of marriage is a legitimate and God-honoring sphere of service. It encourages both spouses to navigate their shared responsibilities with intentionality, seeking to honor God in their mutual care and family life, understanding that their love for one another is an earthly reflection of God's love. Ultimately, the verse prompts all believers to examine their priorities, ensuring that their deepest "care" is always for the Lord, and that their life circumstances are viewed as opportunities to express that ultimate devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current marital status (single, married, divorced, widowed) influence my capacity for "caring for the things of the Lord"?**
* **In what specific ways can I, in my current circumstances, cultivate a more "holy both in body and in spirit" life dedicated to God?**
* **If married, how can I ensure that my legitimate care for my spouse and family does not overshadow my ultimate devotion to Christ?**
* **If single, how can I intentionally maximize my freedom and time for spiritual growth, service, and ministry opportunities?**
* **How can the church better affirm and equip both single and married individuals to live out their unique callings for God's glory?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse imply that singleness is a more spiritual state than marriage?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that singleness is inherently more spiritual or superior to marriage. Paul is making a pragmatic observation about the practical realities of each state. The unmarried person has fewer earthly distractions and responsibilities, allowing for a more undivided focus on "the things of the Lord." Marriage, by its very nature, involves legitimate "things of the world" – caring for a spouse, managing a household, raising children – which are good and God-ordained responsibilities. Paul's point is about the *opportunity* for undivided devotion, not a judgment on the spiritual value of one state over the other. Both are honorable and can be lived out in a way that glorifies God, as Paul states in [1 Corinthians 7:7](/1-corinthians/7-7 "1 Corinthians 7:7 - Each Has His Own Gift from God").

**What does Paul mean by "holy both in body and in spirit"?**

Answer: When Paul speaks of being "holy both in body and in spirit," he is referring to a holistic consecration of one's entire being to God. "Holy" (Greek, _hágios_) means set apart, consecrated, or dedicated to God. For the unmarried woman, her freedom from marital obligations allows her to dedicate her physical actions, time, and energy ("body") as well as her thoughts, affections, and will ("spirit") entirely to God's purposes. This means living a life of purity, devotion, and service that is unhindered by the divided cares inherent in marriage. It's about living a life fully consecrated to God in every aspect, as encouraged in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 7:34 directly addresses the practicalities of marital status and devotion, its underlying principle of undivided allegiance finds its ultimate fulfillment and example in Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus lived a life of absolute and singular devotion to "the things of the Lord," perfectly fulfilling the will of His Father without any earthly distraction. His entire existence, "both in body and in spirit," was consecrated for God's redemptive purposes, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection. He taught His disciples to "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")), embodying this truth perfectly. For the believer, whether single or married, the call to be "holy both in body and in spirit" is realized through union with Christ. We are made holy by His atoning work ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")), and empowered by His Spirit to live lives of increasing consecration, mirroring His own selfless devotion. Our "care for the things of the Lord" is not merely an ethical pursuit but a response to the boundless love of Christ, who gave Himself for us ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Thus, whether we serve God in singleness or within the covenant of marriage, our ability to do so effectively and with a consecrated heart flows from our relationship with the One who perfectly pleased the Father in all things ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 10:40

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

Luke 10:42

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

1 Corinthians 6:20

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Romans 12:1

¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Luke 2:36

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

Luke 2:37

And she [was] a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served [God] with fastings and prayers night and day.