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;

1 CORINTHIANS 7:30KJV
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1 Corinthians 7:30 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:30 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:30 tells believers to hold the experiences of life—sorrow, joy, and possessions—with a light touch, as if these things are not the ultimate reality. Paul is urging the Corinthians not to let their emotions or material circumstances control them, because the present world is passing away.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing questions about marriage, daily life, and how to live faithfully in uncertain times. In this verse, he lists weeping, rejoicing, and buying as examples of everyday experiences, and says to act "as though" these things do not fully define or possess them. The verse fits into Paul's larger message that believers should live with an awareness that their true hope and identity are not rooted in temporary things.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 7:30

  • "weep" (κλαίοντες, klaiontes): This word means to cry or mourn. Paul uses it to represent sorrowful experiences, but he says to do so "as though they wept not," suggesting not to be overwhelmed by grief.
  • "rejoice" (χαίροντες, chairontes): This means to be glad or celebrate. Paul says to rejoice "as though they rejoiced not," pointing to a joy that is real but not all-consuming or ultimate.
  • "buy" (ἀγοράζοντες, agorazontes): This word refers to purchasing or acquiring goods. Paul says to buy "as though they possessed not," reminding readers that ownership in this world is temporary.
  • "possessed" (κατέχοντες, katechontes): This means to hold or possess. The phrase "as though they possessed not" emphasizes that even what we own is not truly ours forever.

Why 1 Corinthians 7:30 matters

  • 1 Corinthians 7:30 helps clear up the misunderstanding that Christians must avoid all emotion or material activity; instead, Paul is teaching detachment, not denial.
  • The verse highlights Paul's emphasis on the temporary nature of worldly experiences and possessions, encouraging believers to focus on what is lasting.
  • This teaching connects to the wider passage, where Paul is urging the Corinthians to live wisely and with perspective, because "the fashion of this world passeth away" (v.31).

Where else these words appear

“possessed” Greek G2722 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 21:38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
  • Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

“buy” Greek G59 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
  • Mark 15:46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
  • John 13:29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

“weep” Greek G2799 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Luke 8:52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
  • Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

“rejoice” Greek G5463 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.