1 Corinthians 7:31
New International Version
those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

New Living Translation
Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.

English Standard Version
and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.

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.

Berean Literal Bible
and those using the world, as not using it as their own. For the present form of this world is passing away.

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

New King James Version
and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.

New American Standard Bible
and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the present form of this world is passing away.

NASB 1995
and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away.

NASB 1977
and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away.

Legacy Standard Bible
and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it. For the form of this world is passing away.

Amplified Bible
and those who use the world [taking advantage of its opportunities], as though they did not make full use of it. For the outward form of this world [its present social and material nature] is passing away.

Christian Standard Bible
and those who use the world as though they did not make full use of it. For this world in its current form is passing away.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and those who use the world as though they did not make full use of it. For this world in its current 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.

Contemporary English Version
It won't make any difference how much good you are getting from this world or how much you like it. This world as we know it is now passing away.

English Revised Version
and those that use the world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Those who use the things in this world should do so but not depend on them. It is clear that this world in its present form is passing away.

Good News Translation
those who deal in material goods, as though they were not fully occupied with them. For this world, as it is now, will not last much longer.

International Standard Version
and those who use the things in the world as though they were not dependent on them. For the world in its present form is passing away.

Majority 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.

NET Bible
those who use the world as though they were not using it to the full. For the present shape of this world is passing away.

New Heart English Bible
and those who use the world, as not using it to the fullest. For the form of this world is passing away.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they that use this world, as not abusing it. For the fashion of this world passeth away.

Weymouth New Testament
and those who use the world as not using it to the full. For the world as it now exists is passing away.

World English Bible
and those who use the world, as not using it to the fullest. For the mode of this world passes away.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and those using this world, as not using [it] up; for the [present] form of this world is passing away.

Berean Literal Bible
and those using the world, as not using it as their own. For the present form of this world is passing away.

Young's Literal Translation
and those using this world, as not using it up; for passing away is the fashion of this world.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they using this world, as not using; for the form of this world passes away.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they that use this world, as if they used it not: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and those who use the things of this world, as if they were not using them. For the figure of this world is passing away.

New American Bible
those using the world as not using it fully. For the world in its present form is passing away.

New Revised Standard Version
and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And those who make use of this world should not abuse it, for the fashion of this world is passing away.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And those who use this world, not apart from the right usage, for the form of this world is passing away.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and those who use this world, as not abusing it; for the outward show of this world passes away.

Godbey New Testament
and those using the world, as those not using it thoroughly: for the fashion of this world is passing away.

Haweis New Testament
and they who use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

Mace New Testament
and they that possess this world, as those that can't make an ill use of it, for the scene of this world is continually shifting. I would have you free from anxiety.

Weymouth New Testament
and those who use the world as not using it to the full. For the world as it now exists is passing away.

Worrell New Testament
and those who use the world, as not using it to the full; for the fashion of this world is passing away.

Worsley New Testament
and they, that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Unmarried and Widowed
30those who weep, as if they did not; those who are joyful, as if they were not; those who make a purchase, as if they had nothing; 31and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away. 32I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord.…

Cross References
1 John 2:17
The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

James 4:14
You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

2 Peter 3:10-12
But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. / Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness / as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat.

Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

1 Peter 1:24-25
For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, / but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.

Luke 21:34-36
But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. / For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth. / So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Hebrews 13:14
For here we do not have a permanent city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.

Philippians 3:20-21
But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, / who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Isaiah 40:6-8
A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. / The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Psalm 39:4-6
“Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is. / You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah / Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away.

Psalm 102:25-27
In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. / They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them, and they will be passed on. / But You remain the same, and Your years will never end.

Ecclesiastes 1:2-4
“Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher, “futility of futilities! Everything is futile!” / What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun? / Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.

Job 14:1-2
“Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. / Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure.


Treasury of Scripture

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

use.

1 Corinthians 9:18
What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

Ecclesiastes 2:24,25
There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God…

Ecclesiastes 3:12,13
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life…

for.

Psalm 39:6
Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.

Psalm 73:20
As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

Ecclesiastes 1:4
One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.

the fashion.

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1 Corinthians 7
1. He discusses marriage;
4. showing it to be a remedy against sinful desires,
10. and that the bond thereof ought not lightly to be dissolved.
20. Every man must be content with his vocation.
25. Virginity wherefore to be embraced;
35. and for what respects we may either marry, or abstain from marrying.














those who use the things of this world
This phrase addresses believers who interact with the material and temporal aspects of life. The Greek word for "use" here is "χράομαι" (chraomai), which implies utilizing or making use of something. In a historical context, the early Christians lived in a world filled with Roman opulence and pagan practices. Paul is urging them to engage with the world without becoming attached to it. The conservative Christian perspective emphasizes stewardship, suggesting that while believers are to responsibly manage worldly resources, they must not let these things dominate their lives or distract them from their spiritual journey.

as if not engrossed in them
The term "engrossed" translates from the Greek "καταχράομαι" (katachraomai), meaning to overuse or misuse. Paul is cautioning against becoming overly absorbed or entangled in worldly matters. Historically, this reflects the early church's struggle to maintain spiritual focus amidst societal pressures. From a conservative viewpoint, this serves as a reminder to prioritize eternal values over temporal pleasures, encouraging believers to live in the world but not be of the world, maintaining a heavenly perspective.

For this world in its present form
The phrase "this world" comes from the Greek "κόσμος" (kosmos), referring to the current order or system of human affairs. "In its present form" suggests a temporary state, highlighting the transient nature of worldly systems. Archaeologically, the Greco-Roman world was marked by constant change and upheaval, mirroring the impermanence Paul describes. Conservative Christians interpret this as a call to focus on the eternal kingdom of God rather than the fleeting structures of human society, reinforcing the belief that true fulfillment is found in Christ alone.

is passing away
The Greek word "παράγω" (parago) means to pass by or disappear. This conveys the idea of the temporal nature of the world, which is in a state of decay and transition. Historically, this aligns with the eschatological hope of early Christians who anticipated Christ's return and the establishment of a new heaven and earth. From a conservative perspective, this serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency to live for God's kingdom, encouraging believers to invest in what is eternal rather than what is temporary, as the current world order is destined to fade away.

(31) Not abusing it.--We can scarcely find a better word in English than "abusing" by which to render the Greek of this passage. But this word implies, in modern language, an abuse arising from misuse, and not, as in the original here, an abuse arising from over-much use. All the things mentioned in this series by the Apostle are right things; and the warning is against being in bondage to those things which are in themselves right and good, and not against any criminal use of them. Though they are not wrong in themselves, we are not to become slaves of them; we are to renounce them, "so as not to follow nor be led by them."

For the fashion of this world passeth away.--Better, for the outward form of this world is passing away (the word translated "fashion" occurs only here and in Philippians 2:8). The allusion is not a merely general reference to the ephemeral nature of things temporal, but arises from the Apostle's conviction that the last days were already commencing, when the outward temporal form of things was being superseded (Romans 8:19; Revelation 21:1). The word "for" does not introduce a reason for the immediately preceding injunction, but carries us back to the previous statement in 1Corinthians 7:29 : "the time is short," the intervening series of illustrative exhortations being parenthetical.

Verse 31. - As not abusing it; rather, as not using it to the full - not draining dry the cup of earthly advantages (comp. 1 Corinthians 9:18). Like Gideon's true heroes, we must not fling ourselves down to drink greedily of the river of earthly gifts, but drink them sparingly, and as it were with the palm of the hand. The fashion of this world passeth away. So St. John says, "The world passeth away, and the lust thereof" (1 John 1:18). It is but as the shifting scene of a theatre, or as a melting vapour (James 4:14).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

those who
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

use
χρώμενοι (chrōmenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5530: To use, make use of, deal with, take advantage of.

the things of
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

[this] world,
κόσμον (kosmon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).

as if
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

not dependent on them.
καταχρώμενοι (katachrōmenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2710: To use to the full, use up. From kata and chraomai; to overuse, i.e. Misuse.

For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

this
τούτου (toutou)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

world
κόσμου (kosmou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).

[in its]
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

present form
σχῆμα (schēma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4976: Fashion, habit, form, appearance. From the alternate of echo; a figure, i.e. external condition.

is passing away.
παράγει (paragei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3855: To pass by, depart, pass away. From para and ago; to lead near, i.e. to go along or away.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 7:31 And those who use the world as (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 7:30
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