1 Corinthians 7:29

But this I say

(τουτο δε φÂημ. Note φÂημ here rather than λεγÂω (verses 1 Corinthians 7:8; 1 Corinthians 7:12). A new turn is here given to the argument about the present necessity.The time is shortened

(ο καιρος συνεσταλμενος εστιν). Perfect periphrastic passive indicative of συστελλω, old verb to place together, to draw together. Only twice in the N.T., here and Acts 5:6 which see. Found in the papyri for curtailing expenses. Calvin takes it for the shortness of human life, but apparently Paul pictures the foreshortening of time (opportunity) because of the possible nearness of and hope for the second coming. But in Philippians Paul faces death as his fate (Philippians 1:21-26), though still looking for the coming of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:20).That henceforth

(το λοιπον ινα). Proleptic position of το λοιπον before ινα and in the accusative of general reference and ινα has the notion of result rather than purpose (Robertson, Grammar, p. 997).As though they had none

(ως μη εχοντες). This use of ως with the participle for an assumed condition is regular and μη in the Koine is the normal negative of the participle. So the idiom runs on through verse 1 Corinthians 7:31.