1 Corinthians 7:30

Authorized King James Version

PDF

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;

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κλαίοντες they that weep G2799
κλαίοντες they that weep
Strong's: G2799
Word #: 3 of 18
to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)
ὡς as G5613
ὡς as
Strong's: G5613
Word #: 4 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 5 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
κλαίοντες they that weep G2799
κλαίοντες they that weep
Strong's: G2799
Word #: 6 of 18
to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 7 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χαίροντες they that rejoice G5463
χαίροντες they that rejoice
Strong's: G5463
Word #: 9 of 18
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
ὡς as G5613
ὡς as
Strong's: G5613
Word #: 10 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 11 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
χαίροντες they that rejoice G5463
χαίροντες they that rejoice
Strong's: G5463
Word #: 12 of 18
to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγοράζοντες they that buy G59
ἀγοράζοντες they that buy
Strong's: G59
Word #: 15 of 18
properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem
ὡς as G5613
ὡς as
Strong's: G5613
Word #: 16 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 17 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
κατέχοντες though they possessed G2722
κατέχοντες though they possessed
Strong's: G2722
Word #: 18 of 18
to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)

Analysis & 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.

Historical 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.

Questions for Reflection