


1 Corinthians 7:29
Bible Versions
But this I say, brethren, the time [is] short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
What I am saying, brothers, is that there is not much time left: from now on a man with a wife should live as if he had none —
What I am saying, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none;
But this I say, brethren, the time is shortened, that henceforth both those that have wives may be as though they had none;
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1 John 2:17
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. -
Romans 13:11
¶ And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed. -
Romans 13:12
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. -
1 Corinthians 7:31
And they that use this world, as not abusing [it]: for the fashion of this world passeth away. -
James 4:13
Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: -
James 4:16
But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. -
Hebrews 13:13
Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
In 1 Corinthians 7:29, the Apostle Paul provides a pivotal statement regarding the Christian's posture towards earthly life, particularly marriage, in light of an urgent spiritual reality. This verse is part of a larger discourse in 1 Corinthians Chapter 7 where Paul addresses various questions concerning marriage, singleness, and sexual ethics within the Corinthian church.
Context
The city of Corinth was a bustling, diverse, and often morally lax metropolitan center. The Corinthian believers faced challenges integrating their newfound faith with prevailing cultural norms, which sometimes included philosophical asceticism (denying physical pleasures) or libertinism (excessive indulgence). Paul’s advice throughout this chapter aims to guide them toward a lifestyle that honors God amidst these pressures. His counsel in verse 29 comes after discussing the advantages of singleness for undivided devotion to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:7) and before further elaborating on serving the Lord without distraction (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).
Key Themes
Practical Application
For believers today, 1 Corinthians 7:29 serves as a powerful reminder to live with an eternal mindset. It encourages us to:
The verse ultimately challenges believers to assess their priorities and ensure that their lives reflect a deep understanding that the present world is passing away, and what truly matters are eternal things.