1 Corinthians 7:34

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

In 1 Corinthians 7:34, the Apostle Paul continues his discourse on the advantages and disadvantages of different marital states, particularly highlighting the distinct focuses of unmarried and married women concerning their devotion to God and their earthly responsibilities.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discussion in 1 Corinthians chapter 7, where Paul addresses various questions about marriage, singleness, and celibacy within the Corinthian church. His advice is often framed by the concept of "the present distress" (1 Corinthians 7:26), an urgent sense of the brevity of time and the difficulties Christians might face. Paul is not condemning marriage but rather emphasizing that singleness can offer a unique opportunity for undivided devotion to the Lord, free from the cares and responsibilities inherent in family life.

Key Themes

  • Undivided Devotion vs. Worldly Cares: Paul draws a clear distinction in focus. The unmarried woman (which includes virgins and widows) is presented as being able to prioritize "the things of the Lord," dedicating herself to spiritual matters without the distractions of a spouse and family. This allows her to be "holy both in body and in spirit," meaning consecrated and set apart for God's purposes in all aspects of her being.
  • Natural Priorities of Marriage: Conversely, the married woman naturally "careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband." This is not a negative judgment but a recognition of the legitimate and necessary responsibilities that come with marriage. A wife's love and duty involve attending to her husband's needs, managing the household, and raising a family, all of which are essential aspects of the created order and within God's design for marriage. These "things of the world" are the practical, daily concerns of family life.
  • Stewardship of Time and Energy: The verse implicitly teaches about the stewardship of one's time, energy, and affections. Both states are honorable, but they present different avenues for expressing one's devotion and fulfilling God's calling.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word translated as "careth for" is merimnaō (μεριμνάω), which means "to be anxious about," "to be concerned about," or "to have a preoccupation with." Paul uses it here to describe the primary focus or preoccupation of a person's life. For the unmarried, this preoccupation is spiritual, leading to a life consecrated to God. For the married, it is naturally directed towards the spouse and the practicalities of married life.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to understand and appreciate the unique advantages and challenges of both singleness and marriage. It is not about one state being inherently superior, but about recognizing how each state allows for different expressions of devotion and service. For singles, it's a call to maximize their freedom for spiritual pursuits and service. For the married, it affirms the importance of their family responsibilities as a legitimate sphere of Christian service, while still encouraging them to seek God's will within their marital context. It reminds us that our primary allegiance, whether single or married, should always be to the Lord, and that our life circumstances provide different pathways for expressing that allegiance.

Reflection

Paul's wisdom in 1 Corinthians 7:34 offers valuable insight into the practicalities of Christian living. It challenges us to consider how our current life situation—be it single or married—can be best leveraged for God's glory, emphasizing that true holiness is expressed through our devotion to Him in whatever circumstances we find ourselves.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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