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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 7:31 and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/7-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/46_1Co_07_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 7:31 - The Unmarried and Widowed" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/7-31.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/7-31.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 31</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-30.htm" title="1 Corinthians 7:30">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 7:31 <a href="/1_corinthians/7-32.htm" title="1 Corinthians 7:32">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/7.htm">New International Version</a> those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and those using the world, as not using it as their own. For the present form of this world is passing away. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/7.htm">King James Bible</a> And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/7.htm">New King James Version</a> and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the present form of this world is passing away. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it. For the form of this world is passing away. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> and those who use the world [taking advantage of its opportunities], as though they did not make full use of it. For the outward form of this world [its present social and material nature] is passing away. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> and those who use the world as though they did not make full use of it. For this world in its current form is passing away. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> and those who use the world as though they did not make full use of it. For this world in its current form is passing away. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> and those that use the world, as not using it to the full: for the fashion of this world passeth away. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> It won't make any difference how much good you are getting from this world or how much you like it. This world as we know it is now passing away. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> and those that use the world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Those who use the things in this world should do so but not depend on them. It is clear that this world in its present form is passing away. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> those who deal in material goods, as though they were not fully occupied with them. For this world, as it is now, will not last much longer. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> and those who use the things in the world as though they were not dependent on them. For the world in its present form is passing away. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/7.htm">NET Bible</a> those who use the world as though they were not using it to the full. For the present shape of this world is passing away. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> and those who use the world, as not using it to the fullest. For the form of this world is passing away. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And they that use this world, as not abusing it. For the fashion of this world passeth away. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and those who use the world as not using it to the full. For the world as it now exists is passing away. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/7.htm">World English Bible</a> and those who use the world, as not using it to the fullest. For the mode of this world passes away. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and those using this world, as not using [it] up; for the [present] form of this world is passing away. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and those using the world, as not using it as their own. For the present form of this world is passing away. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and those using this world, as not using it up; for passing away is the fashion of this world. <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they using this world, as not using; for the form of this world passes away.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And they that use this world, as if they used it not: for the fashion of this world passeth away. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> and those who use the things of this world, as if they were not using them. For the figure of this world is passing away. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/7.htm">New American Bible</a> those using the world as not using it fully. For the world in its present form is passing away. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And those who make use of this world should not abuse it, for the fashion of this world is passing away. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And those who use this world, not apart from the right usage, for the form of this world is passing away.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> and those who use this world, as not abusing it; for the outward show of this world passes away. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> and those using the world, as those not using it thoroughly: for the fashion of this world is passing away. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and they who use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and they that possess this world, as those that can't make an ill use of it, for the scene of this world is continually shifting. I would have you free from anxiety. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and those who use the world as not using it to the full. For the world as it now exists is passing away. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> and those who use the world, as not using it to the full; for the fashion of this world is passing away. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and they, that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=1439" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/7.htm">The Unmarried and Widowed</a> …30those who weep, as if they did not; those who are joyful, as if they were not; those who make a purchase, as if they had nothing; 31<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those who</a> <a href="/greek/5530.htm" title="5530: chrōmenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- To use, make use of, deal with, take advantage of. ">use</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the things of</a> <a href="/greek/2889.htm" title="2889: kosmon (N-AMS) -- Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).">this world,</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as if</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/2710.htm" title="2710: katachrōmenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- To use to the full, use up. From kata and chraomai; to overuse, i.e. Misuse.">not dependent on them.</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutou (DPro-GMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2889.htm" title="2889: kosmou (N-GMS) -- Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).">world</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">in its</a> <a href="/greek/4976.htm" title="4976: schēma (N-NNS) -- Fashion, habit, form, appearance. From the alternate of echo; a figure, i.e. external condition.">present form</a> <a href="/greek/3855.htm" title="3855: paragei (V-PIA-3S) -- To pass by, depart, pass away. From para and ago; to lead near, i.e. to go along or away.">is passing away.</a> 32I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_john/2-17.htm">1 John 2:17</a> The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever. <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a> You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. <a href="/2_peter/3-10.htm">2 Peter 3:10-12</a> But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. / Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness / as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. <a href="/matthew/24-35.htm">Matthew 24:35</a> Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a> Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. <a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24-25</a> For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, / but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you. <a href="/luke/21-34.htm">Luke 21:34-36</a> But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. / For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth. / So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.” <a href="/hebrews/13-14.htm">Hebrews 13:14</a> For here we do not have a permanent city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. <a href="/philippians/3-20.htm">Philippians 3:20-21</a> But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, / who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-18.htm">2 Corinthians 4:18</a> So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. <a href="/isaiah/40-6.htm">Isaiah 40:6-8</a> A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. / The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” <a href="/psalms/39-4.htm">Psalm 39:4-6</a> “Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is. / You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah / Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away. <a href="/psalms/102-25.htm">Psalm 102:25-27</a> In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. / They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them, and they will be passed on. / But You remain the same, and Your years will never end. <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:2-4</a> “Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher, “futility of futilities! Everything is futile!” / What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun? / Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. <a href="/job/14-1.htm">Job 14:1-2</a> “Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. / Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passes away.use.<a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">1 Corinthians 9:18</a> What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:24,25</a> There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God… <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:12,13</a> I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life… for.<a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Psalm 39:6</a> Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.<a href="/psalms/73-20.htm">Psalm 73:20</a> As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:4</a> One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.the fashion.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/7-1.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/john/4-9.htm">Dealings</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Disposing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-13.htm">End</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-13.htm">Exists</a> <a href="/acts/7-44.htm">Fashion</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">Form</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-19.htm">Full</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-2.htm">Fullest</a> <a href="/romans/16-26.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-28.htm">Life</a> <a href="/john/19-40.htm">Mode</a> <a href="/romans/2-1.htm">Passes</a> <a href="/luke/18-37.htm">Passeth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">Passing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-26.htm">Present</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-19.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">Use</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-12.htm">Using</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-22.htm">Way</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-2.htm">World</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">World's</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/11-34.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-10.htm">Dealings</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Disposing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-13.htm">End</a> <a href="/galatians/4-25.htm">Exists</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-15.htm">Fashion</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-7.htm">Form</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-15.htm">Full</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-12.htm">Fullest</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Life</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Mode</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-11.htm">Passes</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-11.htm">Passeth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-5.htm">Passing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">Present</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-5.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">Use</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">Using</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-12.htm">Way</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-33.htm">World</a> <a href="/galatians/4-3.htm">World's</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 7</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-1.htm">He discusses marriage;</a> 4. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-4.htm">showing it to be a remedy against sinful desires,</a> 10. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">and that the bond thereof ought not lightly to be dissolved.</a> 20. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-20.htm">Every man must be content with his vocation.</a> 25. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-25.htm">Virginity wherefore to be embraced;</a> 35. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-35.htm">and for what respects we may either marry, or abstain from marrying.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/7.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>those who use the things of this world This phrase addresses believers who interact with the material and temporal aspects of life. The Greek word for "use" here is "χράομαι" (chraomai), which implies utilizing or making use of something. In a historical context, the early Christians lived in a world filled with Roman opulence and pagan practices. Paul is urging them to engage with the world without becoming attached to it. The conservative Christian perspective emphasizes stewardship, suggesting that while believers are to responsibly manage worldly resources, they must not let these things dominate their lives or distract them from their spiritual journey.as if not engrossed in them The term "engrossed" translates from the Greek "καταχράομαι" (katachraomai), meaning to overuse or misuse. Paul is cautioning against becoming overly absorbed or entangled in worldly matters. Historically, this reflects the early church's struggle to maintain spiritual focus amidst societal pressures. From a conservative viewpoint, this serves as a reminder to prioritize eternal values over temporal pleasures, encouraging believers to live in the world but not be of the world, maintaining a heavenly perspective.For this world in its present form The phrase "this world" comes from the Greek "κόσμος" (kosmos), referring to the current order or system of human affairs. "In its present form" suggests a temporary state, highlighting the transient nature of worldly systems. Archaeologically, the Greco-Roman world was marked by constant change and upheaval, mirroring the impermanence Paul describes. Conservative Christians interpret this as a call to focus on the eternal kingdom of God rather than the fleeting structures of human society, reinforcing the belief that true fulfillment is found in Christ alone.is passing away The Greek word "παράγω" (parago) means to pass by or disappear. This conveys the idea of the temporal nature of the world, which is in a state of decay and transition. Historically, this aligns with the eschatological hope of early Christians who anticipated Christ's return and the establishment of a new heaven and earth. From a conservative perspective, this serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency to live for God's kingdom, encouraging believers to invest in what is eternal rather than what is temporary, as the current world order is destined to fade away.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) Not abusing it.--We can scarcely find a better word in English than "abusing" by which to render the Greek of this passage. But this word implies, in modern language, an abuse arising from misuse, and not, as in the original here, an abuse arising from over-much use. All the things mentioned in this series by the Apostle are right things; and the warning is against being in bondage to those things which are in themselves right and good, and not against any criminal use of them. Though they are not wrong in themselves, we are not to become slaves of them; we are to renounce them, "so as not to follow nor be led by them."For the fashion of this world passeth away.--Better, for the outward form of this world is passing away (the word translated "fashion" occurs only here and in <a href="/philippians/2-8.htm" title="And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross.">Philippians 2:8</a>). The allusion is not a merely general reference to the ephemeral nature of things temporal, but arises from the Apostle's conviction that the last days were already commencing, when the outward temporal form of things was being superseded (<a href="/romans/8-19.htm" title="For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God.">Romans 8:19</a>; <a href="/revelation/21-1.htm" title="And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.">Revelation 21:1</a>). The word "for" does not introduce a reason for the immediately preceding injunction, but carries us back to the previous statement in <a href="/1_corinthians/7-29.htm" title="But this I say, brothers, the time is short: it remains, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;">1Corinthians 7:29</a> : "the time is short," the intervening series of illustrative exhortations being parenthetical.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 31. - As not abusing it; rather, as not using it to the full - not draining dry the cup of earthly advantages (comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">1 Corinthians 9:18</a>). Like Gideon's true heroes, we must not fling ourselves down to drink greedily of the river of earthly gifts, but drink them sparingly, and as it were with the palm of the hand. The fashion of this world passeth away. So St. John says, "The world passeth away, and the lust thereof" (1 <a href="/john/1-18.htm">John 1:18</a>). It is but as the shifting scene of a theatre, or as a melting vapour (<a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. those who οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. use χρώμενοι (chrōmenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5530.htm">Strong's 5530: </a> To use, make use of, deal with, take advantage of. the things of τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. [this] world, κόσμον (kosmon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2889.htm">Strong's 2889: </a> Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). as if ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. not dependent on them. καταχρώμενοι (katachrōmenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2710.htm">Strong's 2710: </a> To use to the full, use up. From kata and chraomai; to overuse, i.e. Misuse. For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. this τούτου (toutou) Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. world κόσμου (kosmou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2889.htm">Strong's 2889: </a> Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). [in its] τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. present form σχῆμα (schēma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4976.htm">Strong's 4976: </a> Fashion, habit, form, appearance. From the alternate of echo; a figure, i.e. external condition. is passing away. παράγει (paragei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3855.htm">Strong's 3855: </a> To pass by, depart, pass away. From para and ago; to lead near, i.e. to go along or away. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">1 Corinthians 7:31 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">1 Corinthians 7:31 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">1 Corinthians 7:31 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">1 Corinthians 7:31 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">1 Corinthians 7:31 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">1 Corinthians 7:31 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">1 Corinthians 7:31 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">1 Corinthians 7:31 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">1 Corinthians 7:31 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">1 Corinthians 7:31 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 7:31 And those who use the world as (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 7:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 7:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 7:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 7:32" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>