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

1 CORINTHIANS 7:29KJV
Know the Bible

1 Corinthians 7:29 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:29 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:29 means that Paul is telling the believers that time is running short, so those who are married should live as if they were not, focusing less on earthly attachments. Paul is emphasizing that the present situation calls for a different perspective on normal life priorities, including marriage.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing questions about marriage and daily life during a time of uncertainty and distress. He urges them to hold loosely to their usual roles and relationships because the world as they know it is changing quickly. Paul’s point is not to ignore marriage, but to remind believers that eternal concerns are more urgent than temporary ones.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 7:29

  • χρόνος (chronos, G2540) — "time": This word here refers to a specific, limited period, not just time in general. Paul is highlighting a sense of urgency and limitation.
  • συνεσταλμένος (synestalmenos, G4958) — "short": This word means "drawn together" or "contracted," giving the idea that the time left is compressed or running out.
  • ὡς μὴ ἔχοντες (hōs mē echontes, G5613, G3361, G2192) — "as though they had none": This phrase uses a comparison to show that even those who are married should not let that relationship be their main focus, given the pressing circumstances.

Why 1 Corinthians 7:29 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the misunderstanding that Paul is against marriage; instead, he is speaking to a specific moment of crisis and urging believers to keep their priorities on what lasts.
  • It reveals Paul’s emphasis on the temporary nature of earthly life compared to eternal realities, which is a theme throughout this chapter.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Paul discusses how all believers, whether married or single, should live with a sense of detachment from worldly things because of the urgency of the times.

Where else these words appear

“short” Greek G4958 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 5:6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

“remaineth” Greek G3063 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 26:45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
  • Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

“say” Greek G5346 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
  • Luke 22:58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
  • Acts 23:5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

“be” Greek G5600 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • John 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?