1 Corinthians 7:29
But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
Original Language Analysis
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
4 of 19
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συνεσταλμένος
is short
G4958
συνεσταλμένος
is short
Strong's:
G4958
Word #:
7 of 19
to send (draw) together, i.e., enwrap (enshroud a corpse for burial), contract (an interval)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐστιν
it remaineth
G2076
ἐστιν
it remaineth
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
10 of 19
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
καὶ
both
G2532
καὶ
both
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχοντες
they had
G2192
ἔχοντες
they had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
14 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ὡς
as though
G5613
ὡς
as though
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
16 of 19
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
μὴ
none
G3361
μὴ
none
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
17 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
1 John 2:17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.1 Corinthians 7:31And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.1 Peter 4:7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.1 Peter 1:24For 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:
Historical Context
Paul and early Christians expected Christ's return within their lifetimes (1 Thessalonians 4:17, "we who are alive and remain"). This eschatological expectation shaped practical decisions about marriage, work, and possessions. While Christ's delay has extended church history, the principle of holding earthly things loosely remains valid.
Questions for Reflection
- How does eschatological urgency—"the time is short"—affect how believers approach marriage and earthly commitments?
- What does it mean to have a wife "as though not having" without neglecting marital duties?
- How should Christians balance honoring marriage's goodness with maintaining eternal perspective?
Analysis & Commentary
But this I say, brethren, the time is short—the phrase ho kairos synestalmenos estin (ὁ καιρὸς συνεσταλμένος ἐστίν, "the time is compressed/shortened") reflects eschatological urgency. Paul believed Christ's return was imminent (Romans 13:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 4:15). This reality should shape priorities. It remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none—hina kai hoi echontes gynaikas hōs mē echontes ōsin.
Paul is not advocating neglecting marriage but relativizing earthly attachments in light of eternity. The phrase hōs mē (ὡς μή, "as not") establishes a pattern continued in verses 30-31: hold earthly realities loosely because they are temporary. Believers with wives should not make marriage their ultimate concern; Christ's return and Kingdom priorities transcend marital status.
This teaching reflects Paul's eschatological perspective: present circumstances, including marriage, are provisional. While marriage is good and binding, it is not eternal (Matthew 22:30). Believers must maintain eternal perspective, not allowing even good things like marriage to become ultimate. This prepares for verses 32-35's discussion of undivided devotion.