Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 7:29

What does 1 Corinthians 7:29 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 7:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 7:29 means

Paul broadens the horizon: the time is short. Therefore, even those married should live with a loosened grip—as though they had none. He does not mean neglecting marital duties but relativizing them in light of eternity. Earthly roles are important but not ultimate. The brevity of time calls for focused devotion and readiness. This perspective helps believers prioritize the kingdom over domestic absorption. The call is not to coldness but to freedom from idolatry—holding good gifts lightly, using them for God’s purposes. Awareness of time’s brevity energizes service and tempers anxiety, preparing hearts to weather both joys and sorrows without losing sight of Christ’s coming.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But this I say, brethren, the time is shortened, that henceforth both those that have wives may be as though they had none;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But this I say, brethren, the time is shortened, that henceforth both those that have wives may be as though they had none;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I say this, my brothers, the time is short; and from now it will be wise for those who have wives to be as if they had them not;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And this I say, brethren, the time henceforth is having been shortened--that both those having wives may be as not having;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

This therefore I say, brethren: The time is short. It remaineth, that they also who have wives be as if they had none:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But this I say, brethren, the time is straitened. For the rest, that they who have wives, be as not having [any]:

Context

Building on verse 28’s realism about marital troubles, Paul now situates all life in the frame of eschatological urgency. Verses 29–31 form a triad urging a light hold on marriage, emotions, and possessions because the world’s form is passing. This helps interpret his earlier advice about remaining as you are: it is about single-minded devotion amid fleeting circumstances. Verse 30 will extend the principle to weeping and rejoicing; verse 31 to commerce and world-use. The flow moves from counsel about states to the mindset that should govern all states.

v.28But shouldest thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Yet such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I would spare you.

v.29This passage

v.30and those that weep, as though they wept not; and those that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and those that buy, as though they possessed not;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 40:6

    The voice of one saying, Cry. And one said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field.

  • 1 John 2:17

    And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:10

    Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, whither thou goest.

  • Ecclesiastes 6:12

    For who knoweth what is good for man in his life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

  • Hebrews 13:13

    Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:31

    and those that use the world, as not using it to the full: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

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