Does "the time is short" mean Paul expected Jesus to return in his lifetime?

While many early Christians, including Paul, lived with a strong sense of the imminence of Christ's return, the phrase "the time is short" (Greek: *ho kairos synestalmenos estin*) does not necessarily imply a precise, immediate expectation within Paul's lifetime. *Kairos* refers to an appointed or decisive time, and *systéllō* means "contracted" or "rolled up." This conveys a sense of the present age being compressed or nearing its end, emphasizing its transient nature and the urgency of living for God's kingdom. It speaks to the "already and not yet" tension of Christian eschatology: Christ has inaugurated the new age, and the old age is passing away, regardless of when the final consummation occurs. The *attitude* of urgency and eternal perspective remains timeless for all believers, as life itself is brief and the return of Christ is always a present possibility.

Does "as though they had none" mean Christians should neglect their spouses or families?

Absolutely not. Paul's instruction "that both they that have wives be as though they had none" is a call for spiritual detachment, not physical or emotional neglect. Throughout 1 Corinthians 7 itself, Paul explicitly affirms the importance of marital duties and mutual respect (e.g., 1 Corinthians 7:3-5). The phrase is a hyperbole, designed to emphasize an internal posture: that one's ultimate identity, security, and devotion must be in Christ alone, not in any earthly relationship, however good. It means not allowing even the most cherished relationships to become idols or to distract from one's primary allegiance to God and the advancement of His kingdom. Believers are called to love their spouses and families deeply, but to hold them loosely in light of eternity, ready to prioritize God above all.

7:28 7:28

1 Corinthians 7:29

7:30 7:30

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;

But {G1161} this {G5124} I say {G5346}, brethren {G80}, the time {G2540} is short {G4958}: it remaineth {G2076}{G3063}, that {G2443} both {G2532} they that have {G2192} wives {G1135} be {G5600} as though {G5613} they had {G2192} none {G3361};

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;

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

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.

Bible Versions

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