King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:31 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:31 in the King James Version says “And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 7:31 · KJV

Context

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

33

But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they that use this world, as not abusing it—the verb chrōmenoi (χρώμενοι, "using") describes engagement with earthly systems and goods. Katachrōmenoi (καταχρώμενοι, "using fully/exhausting") suggests excessive attachment or exploitation. Believers may utilize the world's resources without becoming enslaved to them. This balance of engagement without attachment characterizes Christian freedom.

Paul's reasoning: for the fashion of this world passeth away. The term schēma (σχῆμα, "fashion/form/appearance") refers to the world's external, temporary structure. Paragei (παράγει, "is passing away") is present tense—the current world order is already fading. This echoes 1 John 2:17, "the world passeth away, and the lust thereof."

Paul's eschatological perspective undergirds all his counsel in this chapter. Because the present order is temporary and Christ's return is imminent, believers must hold earthly realities loosely—marriage, possessions, social status, emotions. This does not mean withdrawal from the world but proper prioritization: invest in eternal realities, use temporary ones wisely without idolatry.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's language reflects Jewish apocalyptic expectations of the "present age" and "age to come." Christ's death and resurrection inaugurated the new age, though the old age persists until His return. Christians live between the ages, experiencing overlap. This "already/not yet" tension shapes Paul's ethics.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to "use" the world without "abusing" it or becoming enslaved to it?
  2. How does recognizing that the world's "fashion" is temporary affect priorities and investments?
  3. How should Christians balance engagement with culture with recognition that present structures are fading?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

οἱ2 of 16
G3588

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

χρώμενοι3 of 16

“they that use”

G5530

to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc.), i.e., (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act tow

τῳ4 of 16
G3588

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

κόσμου5 of 16

“world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

τούτῳ6 of 16

“of this”

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

ὡς7 of 16

“as”

G5613

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

μὴ8 of 16

“not”

G3361

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

καταχρώμενοι·9 of 16

“abusing”

G2710

to overuse, i.e., misuse

παράγει10 of 16

“passeth away”

G3855

to lead near, i.e., (reflexively or intransitively) to go along or away

γὰρ11 of 16

“it for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τὸ12 of 16
G3588

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

σχῆμα13 of 16

“the fashion”

G4976

a figure (as a mode or circumstance), i.e., (by implication) external condition

τοῦ14 of 16
G3588

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

κόσμου15 of 16

“world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

τούτου16 of 16

“this”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

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 7:31 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 7:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 2:171 Peter 4:7James 4:14Luke 21:341 Peter 1:24Ecclesiastes 9:7-10

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