King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:29 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:29 in the King James Version says “But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth , that both they that have wives be as though they had none;” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 7:29 · KJV

Context

27

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

28

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.

29

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

30

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;

31

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

Read 1 Corinthians 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does eschatological urgency—"the time is short"—affect how believers approach marriage and earthly commitments?
  2. What does it mean to have a wife "as though not having" without neglecting marital duties?
  3. How should Christians balance honoring marriage's goodness with maintaining eternal perspective?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
τοῦτο1 of 19

“this”

G5124

that thing

δέ2 of 19

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

φημι3 of 19

“I say”

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

ἀδελφοί4 of 19

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ὁ5 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καιρὸς6 of 19

“the time”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

συνεσταλμένος7 of 19

“is short”

G4958

to send (draw) together, i.e., enwrap (enshroud a corpse for burial), contract (an interval)

τὸ8 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λοιπόν9 of 19
G3063

something remaining (adverbially)

ἐστιν10 of 19

“it remaineth”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἵνα11 of 19

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καὶ12 of 19

“both”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ13 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔχοντες14 of 19

“they had”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

γυναῖκας15 of 19

“wives”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ὡς16 of 19

“as though”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

μὴ17 of 19

“none”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἔχοντες18 of 19

“they had”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ὦσιν19 of 19

“be”

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 7:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 7:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 2:17Romans 13:11-121 Corinthians 7:31James 4:13-16Hebrews 13:13-142 Peter 3:8-9

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