1 Corinthians 7:29

ἐστιν τὸ λοιπόν אABD. Rec. places ἐστιν after τὸ λοιπόν with E. Some MSS. and ancient versions have ἐστιν in both places. The punctuation varies with different editors. But there is early authority for that adopted in the text.

29. τοῦτο δέ φημι. The conclusion of the whole matter. The time is short, the world is passing away. In whatever condition a man is, let him live in a constant state of readiness to abandon it at the bidding of God. Let him keep his soul unfettered by the ties, the enjoyments, and above all, the cares of this life. There are several ways of rendering this passage, but they do not materially affect the meaning.

ὁ καιρός. The present order of things.

συνεσταλμένος. Is drawing to a close. Literally, has been drawn together. St Paul here expresses the idea so common in his day, that the end of the present dispensation was to be expected immediately. See 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18, and note on 1 Corinthians 7:31. ‘But in such times as these let those that have wives be as those that have none, as St Paul said when he told his people under the Roman emperor to be above begetting slaves or martyrs. A man of the people should keep himself as free from incumbrance as he can just now. He will find it more easy to dare and suffer for the people when the time comes.’ Kingsley, Alton Locke, c. 10.

τὸ λοιπόν. The punctuation of the different editors varies here a good deal. Some take τὸ λοιπόν with what goes before, in which case we must render the time which remains is shortened (or is shortened from henceforth). So the Peshito. But the Vetus Lat. and Vulg., as well as Tertullian, connect τὸ λοιπόν with what follows. So Tischendorf, Westcott and Hort (text).

ἵνα. See note on ch. 1 Corinthians 4:2. It is impossible to suppose that the Apostle meant that the time was shortened in order that the disciples might live the life he proceeds to describe.