1 Corinthians 7:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they that use {G5530} this {G5127} world {G2889}, as {G5613} not {G3361} abusing {G2710} it: for {G1063} the fashion {G4976} of this {G5129} world {G2889} passeth away {G3855}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and those who deal in worldly affairs as if not engrossed in them — because the present scheme of things in this world won’t last much longer.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 7:31 provides essential guidance for believers on how to interact with the temporal world, advocating for a posture of responsible engagement without excessive attachment or misuse. Paul urges Christians to utilize earthly resources and opportunities discerningly, always remembering that the superficial appearance and transient systems of this world are fleeting, destined to pass away, and therefore should not be the ultimate focus of their lives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of 1 Corinthians 7 where Paul addresses various practical aspects of Christian life, including marriage, singleness, and social status, all undergirded by an urgent eschatological perspective. Paul's advice in this chapter is heavily influenced by what he calls "the present distress" ([1 Corinthians 7:26](/1_corinthians/7-26 "1 Corinthians 7:26 - The Present Distress")), which suggests a period of hardship or an intense awareness of the Lord's imminent return. He encourages believers to live with a sense of urgency, as if "the appointed time has grown very short" ([1 Corinthians 7:29](/1_corinthians/7-29 "1 Corinthians 7:29 - The Shortness of Time")). This immediate context, particularly verses [1 Corinthians 7:29-31](/1_corinthians/7-29-31 "1 Corinthians 7:29-31 - Living in Light of Eternity"), emphasizes a radical reorientation of priorities for those who are married, those who mourn, those who rejoice, and those who buy, urging them to live as though these earthly circumstances are temporary and not ultimate.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city in the Roman Empire, renowned for its wealth, trade, and unfortunately, its rampant immorality and diverse philosophical schools. The Corinthian church, composed of converts from various social strata, faced the challenge of living out their faith in this environment. They were surrounded by a culture that often prioritized material gain, social status, and sensual pleasure. Paul's counsel in [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "The First Epistle to the Corinthians") frequently addresses issues arising from the tension between Christian ethics and pagan cultural norms. The "fashion of this world" would have encompassed the prevailing social structures, economic systems, philosophical trends, and moral values that dominated Corinthian society, all of which stood in stark contrast to the values of God's kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Paul's theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Christian detachment and an eternal perspective**. Believers are called to live "in the world but not of the world," meaning their identity, security, and ultimate hope are not rooted in earthly achievements or possessions but in Christ and His coming kingdom. This detachment fosters freedom from anxiety over worldly losses and a greater focus on spiritual priorities, aligning with the call to "set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth" ([Colossians 3:2](/colossians/3-2 "Colossians 3:2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")). Secondly, it highlights the **temporal nature of all earthly things**. The explicit statement that "the fashion of this world passeth away" serves as a foundational theological truth, reminding believers that all human systems, trends, pleasures, and struggles are transient. This perspective motivates a proper **stewardship without worldliness**, where believers engage with and utilize the world's resources and opportunities responsibly, but without becoming enslaved to them or misusing them for selfish gain, contrasting sharply with the warning against "loving the world or the things in the world" ([1 John 2:15](/1_john/2-15 "1 John 2:15 - Do Not Love the World")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abusing (Greek, _katachráomai'_):** From the verb `katachráomai` (G2710), this word means "to overuse" or "misuse." In this context, it implies not becoming engrossed, enslaved, or utterly consumed by worldly things to the point of spiritual detriment. It is a warning against allowing the temporal to master one's affections or actions, diverting focus from eternal realities.
* **World (Greek, _kósmos'_):** The term `kósmos` (G2889) refers to an "orderly arrangement" or "decoration," and by implication, "the world" in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally). Here, it refers to the created order and its systems, particularly as organized by humanity apart from God, often carrying a negative moral connotation as a realm of human activity and values that stands in opposition to God's will.
* **Fashion (Greek, _schēma'_):** The Greek word `schēma` (G4976) denotes an "outward form, appearance, or transient display." It is distinct from `morphē`, which signifies an inner, essential nature. Paul's choice of `schēma` emphasizes the superficial, ever-changing, and ultimately impermanent character of the world's trends, systems, and structures. It suggests a temporary facade or a stage set that will eventually be dismantled.
* **Passeth away (Greek, _parágō'_):** The verb `parágō` (G3855) means "to lead near," but reflexively or intransitively, "to go along or away," "to pass by," or "to come to an end." Its use here powerfully conveys the idea of transience and the inevitable dissolution of the present world order, underscoring its impermanence and impending disappearance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they that use this world":** This clause acknowledges that believers are not called to withdraw from the world entirely. They are to engage with its resources, participate in its economic activities (buying, selling), and fulfill their responsibilities within its social structures (marriage, work). The word "use" (Greek, `chráomai`) implies a practical, functional interaction.
* **"as not abusing [it]":** This crucial qualification defines the manner of engagement. The Greek `katachráomai` signifies "overusing" or "misusing." It warns against allowing worldly things to become idols, to consume one's time, energy, or affection excessively, or to lead one into sin. It's a call to maintain spiritual freedom and not be enslaved by possessions, relationships, or pursuits.
* **"for the fashion of this world passeth away":** This provides the theological rationale for the preceding instruction. The word "fashion" (`schēma`) refers to the outward, superficial, and transient appearance or arrangement of the world. Paul's point is that the entire present system, its trends, values, and structures, is temporary and will inevitably vanish. This imminent dissolution means that investing one's ultimate hope, security, or identity in these fleeting realities is futile and misguided.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message with clarity and force. The primary device is **Contrast**, setting up a tension between the proper "use" of the world and its "abuse." This antithetical pairing highlights the delicate balance believers must maintain, distinguishing between necessary engagement and idolatrous attachment. Furthermore, the phrase "the fashion of this world passeth away" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** or **Analogy**, likening the world's present order to a fleeting theatrical scene or a changing stage set. This imagery vividly portrays the transient, superficial, and impermanent nature of earthly realities, urging readers to look beyond the present spectacle to what is eternal. Finally, the verse itself serves as an **Apostolic Imperative** or **Exhortation**, a direct instruction from Paul, grounded in theological truth, designed to guide the practical conduct and mindset of the Corinthian believers and, by extension, all Christians.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on eschatology and the nature of the believer's citizenship. It teaches that while Christians are physically present in this world and must interact with its systems, their ultimate allegiance and hope lie beyond its temporary existence. The world, in its current fallen state and transient "fashion," is not our ultimate home or source of security. This perspective calls for a radical reorientation of values, prioritizing God's kingdom and eternal realities over the fleeting allure of earthly possessions, status, or pleasures. It challenges the common human tendency to find ultimate meaning and satisfaction in what is temporal, urging a spiritual detachment that frees believers to live generously, justly, and with an unwavering focus on Christ's return and the consummation of His kingdom.

* [1 John 2:15](/1_john/2-15 "1 John 2:15 - Do Not Love the World")
* [Colossians 3:2](/colossians/3-2 "Colossians 3:2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For contemporary believers, 1 Corinthians 7:31 remains a vital compass in navigating a rapidly changing and often consumeristic world. It challenges us to cultivate an eternal perspective, reminding us that our true citizenship is in heaven, and therefore, our ultimate investments should be in what lasts. This means holding loosely to material possessions, career achievements, social status, and even relationships, recognizing them as gifts from God to be stewarded, not idols to be worshipped or sources of ultimate security. It calls us to discern carefully how we engage with technology, media, and cultural trends, ensuring that they do not subtly "abuse" us by consuming our time, shaping our values contrary to Christ, or distracting us from our primary calling to glorify God and serve others. Living with the awareness that "the fashion of this world passeth away" should ignite a sense of urgency, motivating us to redeem the time for God's glory, investing in spiritual growth, eternal relationships, and the advancement of the gospel, rather than chasing after fleeting earthly gratifications.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does an eternal perspective shape my daily choices regarding possessions, time, and relationships?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be "abusing" the world, allowing it to master me rather than serving God's purposes?**
* **What practical steps can I take to hold more loosely to earthly things and invest more in eternal realities?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse advocate for asceticism or withdrawal from society?**

Answer: No, 1 Corinthians 7:31 does not advocate for asceticism (severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence) or withdrawal from society. Instead, it calls for a balanced and discerning engagement with the world. The phrase "use this world, as not abusing [it]" implies active participation in daily life—working, marrying, buying, selling—but with a posture of spiritual detachment. It's about not allowing worldly pursuits to become idolatrous or to master one's affections and priorities. Believers are to live *in* the world but not be *of* the world, meaning their values, identity, and ultimate hope are rooted in God's kingdom, not in the temporary systems of this age. This perspective allows for freedom from anxiety and a greater focus on eternal purposes, as seen in Jesus' prayer for His disciples in [John 17:15-16](/john/17-15-16 "John 17:15-16 - Not of the World").

**What does "fashion of this world" mean practically for us today?**

Answer: The "fashion of this world" (Greek, `schēma`) refers to the outward, superficial, and transient appearance, structure, or prevailing mode of the world. Practically, for us today, this encompasses a wide range of temporary realities:
* **Cultural Trends and Ideologies:** Fleeting fads, popular philosophies, social norms, and prevailing mindsets that are constantly changing and often contradict biblical truth.
* **Economic Systems and Materialism:** The pursuit of wealth, consumerism, and the belief that material possessions bring ultimate security or happiness.
* **Political Systems and Power Structures:** Governments, political ideologies, and the pursuit of earthly power, all of which are temporary and subject to change or collapse.
* **Social Status and Reputation:** The emphasis on worldly achievements, fame, or social standing as sources of identity or worth.
* **Sensory Pleasures and Entertainment:** Any form of gratification or diversion that, when pursued excessively or as an ultimate end, distracts from eternal realities.
Paul's point is that all these outward forms are impermanent, like a stage set that will be dismantled. Therefore, Christians should not invest their ultimate hope or identity in them, but rather live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that God's kingdom is the only enduring reality. This aligns with the call in [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed to This World") to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 7:31 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect illustration in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He perfectly demonstrated how to "use this world, as not abusing it," living fully in human experience yet utterly detached from its corrupting influences and fleeting allure. Though He walked the earth, ministered among people, and engaged with the social and religious structures of His day, His kingdom was explicitly "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). He owned no property, sought no earthly power, and His ultimate concern was always the will of His Father and the establishment of an eternal kingdom, not the temporary "fashion" of His contemporary world. Jesus' victory over sin and death on the cross decisively broke the power of this passing world system, and His resurrection inaugurated a new creation. For believers, living out 1 Corinthians 7:31 is therefore not merely a moral injunction but a participation in Christ's own victory. We are called to live as those who have been crucified with Christ to the world and its fleeting desires ([Galatians 6:14](/galatians/6-14 "Galatians 6:14 - Crucified to the World")), and whose lives are now hidden with Christ in God ([Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Your Life Is Hidden with Christ")). Our citizenship is in heaven ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Our Citizenship Is in Heaven")), empowering us to navigate this world with divine purpose, free from its mastery, and confident in the enduring reality of Christ's eternal reign.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 2:17

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1 Peter 4:7

¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Luke 21:34

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.

James 4:14

Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Ecclesiastes 9:7

Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

1 Peter 1:24

¶ For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: