1 Corinthians 7:32-34

1 Corinthians 7:32-34

[32] But  without carefulness.  He that is unmarried  careth  for the things that belong to  the Lord,  how  he may please  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  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. 

What does 1 Corinthians 7:32-34 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Comparing two equally committed Christians, an unmarried man can give more concentrated attention to the things of the Lord. A married man also needs to think about his family responsibilities. This is true of women, and particularly virgins, as well as men. Queen Elizabeth I said that England was her husband. [1] Some interpreters put more emphasis on the negative anxiety feeling while others stress the positive legitimate care that each person needs to show. Both aspects of concern are probably in view. Even though the unmarried state is in one sense preferable, it is not intrinsically better. [2] Unfortunately many single people who have more time to devote to serving the Lord choose to live for themselves.