1 Corinthians 7:34

Authorized 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

μεμέρισται

G3307

There is difference also between

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

τῷ

G3588

for the things

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

γυνὴ

G1135

a wife

a woman; specially, a wife

καὶ

G2532

and

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

τῷ

G3588

for the things

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

παρθένος

G3933

a virgin

a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter

τῷ

G3588

for the things

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

ἄγαμος

G22

The unmarried woman

unmarried

μεριμνᾷ

G3309

careth

to be anxious about

#10

τῷ

G3588

for the things

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

#11

τῷ

G3588

for the things

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

#12

κυρίου

G2962

of the Lord

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

#13

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#14

ᾖ

G5600

she may be

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

#15

ἁγία

G40

holy

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

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#17

σώματι

G4983

in body

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

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#19

πνεύματι·

G4151

in spirit

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

#20

τῷ

G3588

for the things

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

#21

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#22

γαμήσασα

G1060

she that is married

to wed (of either sex)

#23

μεριμνᾷ

G3309

careth

to be anxious about

#24

τῷ

G3588

for the things

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

#25

τῷ

G3588

for the things

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

#26

κόσμου

G2889

of the world

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

#27

πῶς

G4459

how

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

#28

ἀρέσει

G700

she may please

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

#29

τῷ

G3588

for the things

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

#30

ἀνδρί

G435

her husband

a man (properly as an individual male)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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