1 Corinthians 7:34 - Difference Between The Virgin and the Wife

“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

Paul explains that there is a practical difference between the responsibilities of an unmarried woman and those of a married woman. He is not teaching that one woman is more valuable, righteous, or spiritual than the other. The difference concerns their earthly responsibilities and divided attention.

The unmarried woman has greater freedom to devote her time and attention to “the things of the Lord.” Without the responsibilities of a husband and household covenant, she may have greater liberty to concentrate upon prayer, ministry, service, and spiritual devotion.

The wife, however, has entered a marriage covenant. Part of her responsibility before God is now to care about “how she may please her husband.” This does not mean that she stops serving God. Rather, serving faithfully within her marriage becomes part of her obedience to God.

Paul had already established that marriage itself is legitimate and honorable. His concern in 1 Corinthians 7 is that believers understand the different responsibilities accompanying different stations of life.

Personal Application

A woman should not measure her spiritual worth by whether she is single or married. Both seasons provide opportunities to glorify God.

If you are unmarried, recognize the freedom you presently have to devote yourself more fully to the things of God. If you are married, understand that caring for your marriage is not necessarily a distraction from serving God—faithfulness to your marriage covenant is itself part of Christian service.

The question for both women is the same:

Am I faithfully serving God in the season and responsibilities He has placed before me?