1 Corinthians 7:34

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church while addressing his instructions on marriage and singleness. He contrasts the practical obligations of married believers with the spiritual focus available to unmarried women.

The words — The Greek verb μεμερίσται (memeristai) literally means "has been divided." Paul uses it to describe the divided interests of the married man, establishing the contrast for the unmarried woman.

The thread — The tension between earthly duties and spiritual devotion appears in Luke 10:40 with Martha’s distraction and Luke 2:36 with Anna’s lifelong service. Paul ties the call to bodily holiness to the redemption principle stated in 1 Corinthians 6:20.

Why it lands — The text states that married women manage worldly affairs to please their husbands, while unmarried women devote themselves to the Lord’s work and holiness in body and spirit. It asks the reader to identify where competing obligations fracture their focus and to pursue undivided devotion to God.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Luke 10:40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!”
1 Corinthians 6:20 you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.
Luke 2:36 There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years,
Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
Romans 6:13 Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.
2 Corinthians 11:28 Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
Philippians 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
2 Corinthians 7:11 Consider what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what zeal, what vindication! In every way you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.
2 Corinthians 8:16 But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.