1 Corinthians 7:31

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 16
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 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρώμενοι they that use G5530
χρώμενοι they that use
Strong's: G5530
Word #: 3 of 16
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
τῳ G3588
τῳ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου world G2889
κόσμου world
Strong's: G2889
Word #: 5 of 16
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
τούτῳ of this G5129
τούτῳ of this
Strong's: G5129
Word #: 6 of 16
to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)
ὡς as G5613
ὡς as
Strong's: G5613
Word #: 7 of 16
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 8 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
καταχρώμενοι· abusing G2710
καταχρώμενοι· abusing
Strong's: G2710
Word #: 9 of 16
to overuse, i.e., misuse
παράγει passeth away G3855
παράγει passeth away
Strong's: G3855
Word #: 10 of 16
to lead near, i.e., (reflexively or intransitively) to go along or away
γὰρ it for G1063
γὰρ it for
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 11 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σχῆμα the fashion G4976
σχῆμα the fashion
Strong's: G4976
Word #: 13 of 16
a figure (as a mode or circumstance), i.e., (by implication) external condition
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου world G2889
κόσμου world
Strong's: G2889
Word #: 15 of 16
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
τούτου this G5127
τούτου this
Strong's: G5127
Word #: 16 of 16
of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

Analysis & 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.

Historical 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.

Questions for Reflection