1 Corinthians 7 31

1 Corinthians 7:31 kjv

And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

1 Corinthians 7:31 nkjv

and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.

1 Corinthians 7:31 niv

those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

1 Corinthians 7:31 esv

and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.

1 Corinthians 7:31 nlt

Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.

1 Corinthians 7 verses

1 Corinthians 7 31 Meaning

The temporary nature of this world should not overly concern believers. The forms of this world, its customs, and arrangements are passing away, giving way to God's eternal kingdom. Therefore, one should live in the present reality without being overly attached or dependent on its fluctuating circumstances, prioritizing rather the enduring things of God.

1 Corinthians 7 31 Context

First Corinthians chapter 7 addresses issues of marriage, singleness, divorce, and the believer's conduct in these relationships during a time when persecution was present and the "present time is short" (1 Cor 7:29). Paul is providing counsel to the Corinthian church on how to navigate these matters with an eternal perspective. This verse, the concluding thought of his discussion on marital status, emphasizes that worldly arrangements, including social customs and personal circumstances, are temporary. The ultimate reality is God's eternal kingdom. This is given in the context of advising both the married and unmarried, those who have spouses and those who do not, about how to live in a way that honors God without being overly preoccupied with temporal conditions.

1 Corinthians 7 31 Word Analysis

• Καὶ (kai): "And." A conjunctive particle, used here to link this thought to the preceding statement about not being unduly burdened.
• οἱ (hoi): "The." The definite article, referring to the previously mentioned things or people.
• ὑπάρχοντες (hyparkontes): "Possessing," "being present," or "existing." From the verb ὑπάρχω (hyparcho), meaning to exist, to be present, or to possess. Here, it refers to those who have or are involved in the worldly arrangements or possessions being discussed.
• ὡς (hōs): "As," "like." A particle of comparison.
• μὴ (mē): "Not." A particle of negation.
• κατέχοντες (katechontes): "Holding," "possessing," or "keeping." From the verb κατέχω (katechō), which can mean to hold fast, to grasp firmly, or to retain possession. In this context, it carries the sense of "holding onto" or being deeply attached to these worldly things.
• μὴ (mē): "Not." Another particle of negation, reinforcing the negative command.
• καταφρονοῦντες (kataphronountes): "Despising," "disregarding," or "valuing lightly." From the verb καταφρονέω (kataphronēo), which signifies to think lightly of, to look down upon, or to neglect. It suggests not taking seriously or setting aside with contempt.
• ὅτι (hoti): "Because" or "for." Introduces a reason.
• τὸ (to): "The." The definite article.
• γὰρ (gar): "For." A connective particle giving a reason.
• εἰκόν (eikon): "Form," "figure," "pattern," or "likeness." From the verb εἰκών (eikō), meaning to resemble or be like. It can refer to outward appearance or an underlying representation.
• τοῦ (tou): "Of the." The genitive definite article.
• κόσμου (kosmou): "World." From κόσμος (kosmos), meaning order, arrangement, or the world as a system or realm. It encompasses the created universe, human society, and its moral and social order.
• παράγεται (paragetsi): "Passes away," "is passing," or "is coming to an end." This is the passive form of the verb παραγω (parago), which means to bring alongside, to cause to pass, or to pass away. It conveys the idea of transience and change.

Words-group analysis:

• "οἱ ὑπάρχοντες ὡς μὴ κατέχοντες": This phrase emphasizes a detached possession, a stewardship rather than ownership, implying that believers should not be possessive of worldly goods or statuses, as their ultimate value is limited.
• "μὴ καταφρονοῦντες ὅτι καὶ": This connects the instruction to a deeper reason; the contempt (or lack thereof) is based on the reason that follows.
• "εἰκὼν τοῦ κόσμου τούτου παρέρχεται": This core clause describes the ephemeral nature of the present worldly order, its patterns, customs, and arrangements. "Eikōn" can be interpreted not just as an image, but as the very pattern or model of the present age.

1 Corinthians 7 31 Bonus Section

The term "eikōn" (εἰκών) can refer to an image or likeness. Here, "eikōn tou kosmou toutou" can be understood not just as the appearance of the world, but its fundamental "pattern," "design," or "model" in its present fallen state. This implies that the very structures, systems, and dominant philosophies of the current age are temporary and destined to pass away. The Christian life is therefore to be lived with an awareness of this coming transformation, which will be brought about by Christ. The anticipation of the new heavens and new earth (Rev 21:1) colors and informs how Christians ought to engage with the present. This understanding fosters a certain existential detachment from the purely temporal, not in a way that breeds cynicism or inaction, but in a way that fuels spiritual urgency and a commitment to things that are eternal. It echoes the sentiment of many spiritual traditions that encourage disengagement from worldly attachments to pursue a higher spiritual reality.

1 Corinthians 7 31 Commentary

The exhortation in this verse serves as a vital corrective against materialism and worldly entanglement. Paul's counsel is not an endorsement of monasticism or complete withdrawal from society, but a call to live with an "uncluttered" heart. The transient nature of all earthly possessions, relationships, and structures should govern our priorities. We are to engage with the world, but not be "of" the world (John 17:14-16). This implies a balance: engage fully where God has placed us, fulfill our responsibilities, but without the desperate grip of ownership or the debilitating anxiety of loss, because these things are temporary. The focus must be on the eternal realities of God's kingdom, his unchanging word, and our relationship with Him, which are not subject to the decay and change of this present world. Living this way enables a believer to pursue holiness and devotion without the distractions and burdens of excessive attachment to fleeting things.

• Practical example: A believer who is in business should pursue it diligently but remain unburdened by the fear of failure or excessive pride in success, understanding that both the business and the gains are subject to the passing nature of this world.
• Practical example: Someone married should cherish their spouse but without clinging to them as the ultimate source of happiness or security, recognizing that earthly relationships, though commanded and valuable, are temporal.