it,' is properly so translated, as KaTaypaoixai means to use over- much. The only reason for preferring the other translation is the analogy of the other passages. Eith-er version is consistent with the usage of the word. For the fashion of this world passeth away^ i. e. is in the act of passing away. The fashion (axnfjia), the external form, the essence as it appears, the present state of things. The figure is derived from the scenes of a theatre, in the actual process of change. The fact that the present condition of the world is not to last long, and that our participation in its joys and sorrows is to be so short- lived, is the reason which the apostle urges why we should not be wedded to earthly things.
32. 33. 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 : but he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please (his) wife.
This is the third reason why Paul wished the early Chris- tians to remain unmarried. The first was, the increased suf- fering marriage would probably bring with it. The second was, the transitory nature of all earthly things. And the third is, the comparative freedom from care connected with a single life. The unmarried man may devote himself to the things of the Lord, i. e. to the service of Christ. Having no family to provide for and to protect in times of distress and persecution, he is less encumbered with worldly cares. Christ, and not his wife is, or may be, the great object of his solicitude.
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.
What is true of men is true also of women. There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The difference is, that the virgin may devote her whole time to the Lord ; the wife must be involved in worldly cares for the sake of her husband. The Greek literally rendered is. Divided is a wife and a vir- gin. Their interests are diverse. The one has a husband to