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1 Corinthians 7

Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.

Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

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

But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

What does 1 Corinthians 7:31 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 7:31 is a part of the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, in which he discusses various issues related to Christian life and conduct.

The specific verse admonishes believers to engage with the world in a responsible way, without becoming overly attached to it or its practices.

The phrase "as not abusing it" suggests a call to moderation and a reminder that the systems, values, and material aspects of life are not eternal.

The "fashion of this world" refers to the temporary nature and fleeting existence of worldly patterns, signifying that life as we know it will change and ultimately pass away.

This verse has been interpreted as an exhortation to focus on eternal spiritual realities rather than getting entangled in the pursuit of temporary worldly matters.

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

The Corinthian church was situated in a cosmopolitan city known for its wealth, diversity, and moral laxity.

The congregation was composed of both Jewish and Gentile converts, which brought about a blend of various cultural and religious backgrounds.

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter in response to reports of divisions, immorality, and doctrinal confusion within the church.

During the time, Christians faced the challenge of living their faith while surrounded by pagan practices and societal pressures.

Paul's advice reflects an understanding of these circumstances, emphasizing that while believers lived in the world, their ultimate allegiance should not be to the transient norms of their environment but to the eternal kingdom of God.

Theological Insights

Various theological perspectives may interpret 1 Corinthians 7:31 differently. One common perspective is that this verse underlines the Christian eschatological hope: that believers are waiting for the return of Christ and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

Therefore, they should live in the present world with a sense of detachment from worldly attachments.

Another perspective may focus on the principle of stewardship, emphasizing that engagement with the world should not equate to misuse or exploitation of its resources.

Instead, believers should responsibly utilize what is available for the service of God and others while recognizing that the ultimate purpose of their lives transcends this world.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse encourages individuals to navigate their everyday decisions with an eternal perspective.

For instance, in consumer choices, one might reflect on the difference between need and greed, opting not to overly invest in materialism.

In relationships, this attitude might prompt people to value others for their inherent worth rather than for what material benefits they can offer.

In professional life, it might lead to making ethical choices even when they conflict with what is commonly accepted or profitable.

The core message is to enjoy and use the world without being consumed by it and to always keep sight of the bigger, spiritual picture.

Cross-References

Matthew 6:19-21: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal."
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."

2 Peter 3:10-11: "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up."

Language Study

The Greek term used for "use" is χρῆσθαι (chresthai), which means to use or make use of something.

The word "abusing" translates from καταχράομαι (katachraomai), which carries the sense of misuse or exploiting to a point of exhaustion.

"Fashion" is from σχῆμα (schema), meaning form, figure, or appearance. This term emphasizes the transitory, outward aspect of the world, as opposed to its substance or essence.

"Passeth away" is from παράγεται (paragetai), implying that something moves on or passes by, denoting the temporary state of worldly patterns.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of detachment found in this verse can be compared to similar notions in other religious and philosophical traditions.

For example, in Buddhism, there is the concept of impermanence (anicca), which teaches that all things are transient and therefore attachment causes suffering.

Within Stoicism, the idea of living according to nature and accepting that everything happens according to a divine plan, while not attaching oneself to external circumstances, is prevalent.

These comparisons can enrich the understanding of how different cultures and religions grapple with the tension between the temporal world and the search for deeper, more enduring truths.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science emphasizes the constantly changing nature of the universe, from the life cycles of stars to the evolutionary processes of life on Earth.

The acceptance of the universe as a dynamic system in constant flux resonates with the scriptural assertion that "the fashion of this world passeth away." This intersection might serve as a point of dialogue between science and theology, where both can agree on the transitory nature of the physical world, albeit from different standpoints and implications.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians offer various commentaries on 1 Corinthians 7:31.

Some focus on the ethical implications of Paul's advice, interpreting it as a call to social responsibility and sustainable living. Others find in it an imperative to prioritize spiritual growth and the development of an inner life that is not dependent on external circumstances.

Commentators like John Calvin elaborated on the idea that Christians should interact with the world as travelers passing through, investing in what lasts rather than what fades.

More contemporary scholars might explore the socio-political ramifications of this text, considering how it can address modern issues like consumerism, environmental stewardship, and the pursuit of justice.

1 Corinthians 7

1 Corinthians 7

What does 1 Corinthians 7:31 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does 1 Corinthians 7:31 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?