King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:30 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:30 in the King James Version says “And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as t...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;”

1 Corinthians 7:30 · KJV

Context

28

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

29

But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth , that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

30

And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

31

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

32

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: that belong: Gr. of the Lord

Read 1 Corinthians 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they that weep, as though they wept not—Paul extends the hōs mē ("as not") pattern to all earthly experiences. Klaiontes (κλαίοντες, "weeping") represents sorrow and suffering. Believers experiencing grief should not despair, knowing present sufferings are temporary compared to eternal glory (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Christian hope transcends immediate circumstances.

And they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not—chairontes (χαίροντες, "rejoicing") represents prosperity and happiness. Even legitimate joys must not become ultimate. Earthly pleasures are fleeting; believers must not build their lives on them. The pattern continues: and they that buy, as though they possessed not. Material possessions are temporary; believers are stewards, not ultimate owners.

This series of contrasts establishes proper Christian detachment: engage earthly realities without being controlled by them. Weep without despair, rejoice without idolatry, possess without covetousness. This is not Stoic apathy but Christian freedom—holding earthly things loosely because heavenly realities are ultimate.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Stoic philosophy advocated emotional detachment and indifference to circumstances (apatheia). Paul's teaching is similar but distinct: Christians engage emotions and earthly realities but are not mastered by them. Christian hope in resurrection and eternal life provides perspective that relativizes present experiences.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does holding earthly joys and sorrows loosely differ from Stoic emotional detachment?
  2. What would it look like to rejoice without making joy ultimate, or to possess without being possessed by possessions?
  3. How does resurrection hope enable Christians to weep "as though not weeping"?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

οἱ2 of 18
G3588

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

κλαίοντες3 of 18

“they that weep”

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

ὡς4 of 18

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

μὴ5 of 18

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

κλαίοντες6 of 18

“they that weep”

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

καὶ7 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

οἱ8 of 18
G3588

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

χαίροντες9 of 18

“they that rejoice”

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

ὡς10 of 18

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

μὴ11 of 18

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

χαίροντες12 of 18

“they that rejoice”

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

καὶ13 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

οἱ14 of 18
G3588

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

ἀγοράζοντες15 of 18

“they that buy”

G59

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

ὡς16 of 18

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

μὴ17 of 18

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

κατέχοντες18 of 18

“though they possessed”

G2722

to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 7:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 7:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 6:25John 16:22Ecclesiastes 3:4Psalms 126:5-6Psalms 30:5Luke 6:21

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