1 Corinthians 7:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 7:31
31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 7 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, prayer, love. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 7:31
31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
Analysis
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.
Reflection
- What does it mean to "use" the world without "abusing" it or becoming enslaved to it?
- How does recognizing that the world's "fashion" is temporary affect priorities and investments?
- How should Christians balance engagement with culture with recognition that present structures are fading?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 21:34, James 4:14, 1 Peter 1:24, 4:7, 1 John 2:17