King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:34 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:34 in the King James Version says “There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she ma... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

1 Corinthians 7:34 · KJV


Context

32

But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: that belong: Gr. of the Lord

33

But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

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.

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.

36

But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age , and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There is difference also between a wife and a virgin—Paul now addresses women, maintaining complete reciprocity with verse 33's discussion of men. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord (hē agamos merimna ta tou kyriou, ἡ ἄγαμος μεριμνᾷ τὰ τοῦ κυρίου)—her concern is Christ's affairs. That she may be holy both in body and in spirit (hina ē hagia kai tō sōmati kai tō pneumati).

Paul's phrase "holy both in body and in spirit" does not suggest married women are unholy but describes the single woman's complete devotion. She can dedicate both physical energy and spiritual focus entirely to the Lord without competing family obligations. This reflects the biblical concept of holiness as being "set apart" for God's exclusive use.

Conversely, but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. Married women face the same divided attention as married men (v. 33)—legitimate family concerns that compete with ministry focus. Paul's counsel is practical: singleness allows women to pursue ministry, prayer, and service with complete availability.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Single Christian women found unprecedented opportunities for ministry and leadership in the early church (Phoebe, Priscilla, Junia, widows' orders). Unlike Greco-Roman culture where women's value centered on marriage and childbearing, Paul affirms single women's complete devotion to Christ as valid and valuable.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's teaching honor single women's calling and ministry capacity?
  2. What does it mean for single women to be "holy both in body and in spirit" through undivided devotion?
  3. How can the church support and utilize single women's unique capacity for focused ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
μεμέρισται1 of 30

There is difference also between

G3307

to part, i.e., (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ

τῷ2 of 30

for the things

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυνὴ3 of 30

a wife

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

καὶ4 of 30

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῷ5 of 30

for the things

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παρθένος6 of 30

a virgin

G3933

a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter

τῷ7 of 30

for the things

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄγαμος8 of 30

The unmarried woman

G22

unmarried

μεριμνᾷ9 of 30

careth

G3309

to be anxious about

τῷ10 of 30

for the things

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τῷ11 of 30

for the things

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου12 of 30

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἵνα13 of 30

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

14 of 30

she may be

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

ἁγία15 of 30

holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

καὶ16 of 30

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σώματι17 of 30

in body

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

καὶ18 of 30

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πνεύματι·19 of 30

in spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

τῷ20 of 30

for the things

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ21 of 30

but

G1161

but, and, etc

γαμήσασα22 of 30

she that is married

G1060

to wed (of either sex)

μεριμνᾷ23 of 30

careth

G3309

to be anxious about

τῷ24 of 30

for the things

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τῷ25 of 30

for the things

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κόσμου26 of 30

of the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

πῶς27 of 30

how

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

ἀρέσει28 of 30

she may please

G700

to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)

τῷ29 of 30

for the things

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνδρί30 of 30

her husband

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 7:34 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 7:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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