Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 7:31

What does 1 Corinthians 7:31 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 7:31 means

Paul sums up: those who use the world should not be engrossed in it, for the present form of this world is passing away. Christians participate in society, work, and family, but they must not let these good things swallow their devotion or define their identity. The transient nature of worldly structures calls for wisdom and restraint. Live as pilgrims, using resources and opportunities for God’s glory without being captured by them. This posture protects from both worldliness and withdrawal. It keeps the heart anchored in the eternal kingdom while engaging temporal callings responsibly. Knowing the world’s form is fading frees the believer to serve with courage and generosity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and those that use the world, as not using it to the full: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and those that use the world, as not using it to the full: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And for those who make use of the world, not to be using it fully; for this world's way of life will quickly come to an end.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and those using this world, as not using <FI>it<Fi> up; for passing away is the fashion of this world.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they that use this world, as if they used it not. For the fashion of this world passeth away.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and they that use the world, as not disposing of it as their own; for the fashion of this world passes.

Context

This verse concludes the eschatological perspective introduced in verses 29–30. It explains why Paul prefers fewer entanglements and why marriage decisions should be weighed carefully: the world’s current order is temporary. Next, in verses 32–35, Paul will state his pastoral aim directly—freedom from anxieties and undistracted devotion to the Lord—contrasting the concerns of married and unmarried believers. The flow moves from principle to purpose, clarifying that Paul’s counsel is for the Corinthians’ profit, not to ensnare them.

v.30and those that weep, as though they wept not; and those that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and those that buy, as though they possessed not;

v.31This passage

v.32But I would have you to be free from cares. He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ecclesiastes 11:9

    Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

  • Ecclesiastes 1:4

    One generation goeth, and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth for ever.

  • Luke 16:1

    And he said also unto the disciples, There was a certain rich man, who had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he was wasting his goods.

  • James 4:14

    whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? For ye are a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:18

    What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the gospel.

  • Luke 12:15

    And he said unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

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