1 Corinthians 7:29-31

1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Third Sunday after Epiphany B

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29 I mean,A brothersB and sisters, the appointed timeC has grown short;D from now on,E let even those who have wivesF be as though they had none, 

Notes on verse 29

A “mean” = phemi. From phao (to shine). This is to declare, say, or use contrasts in speaking to shed light on one point of view.
B “brothers” = adelphos. From a (with, community, fellowship) + delphus (womb). This is a brother in a literal or figurative sense. It is also used of another member of the Church.
C “appointed time” = kairos. This is season, opportunity, occasion. The word chronos is used for chronological time. Kairos is used for spiritually significant time – the right time or appointed time.
D “grown short” = sustello. 2x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + stello (to set, arrange, prepare, provide for); {probably from histemi (to stand, place, set up, establish, stand firm)}. This is to wrap up, shorten, cover, limit. It can be wrapping a corpse to be buried or a short period of time.
E “from now on” = loipon. 13x in NT. From loipos (the rest, remained, remnant, other, residue); from leipo (to leave behind, be lacking). This is what remains, from now on, finally.
F “wives” = gune. Perhaps from ginomai (to come into being, to happen, become, be born; to emerge from one state or condition to another; this is coming into being with the sense of movement or growth). This is woman, wife, or bride. This is where the word “gynecologist” comes from.

30 and those who mournG as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoiceH as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buyI as though they had no possessions,J 

Notes on verse 30

G “mourn” = klaio. This is to weep, lament, or sob. It is weeping aloud.
H “rejoice” = chairo. From char– (to extend favor, lean towards, be inclined to be favorable towards). This is to rejoice, be glad or cheerful; a greeting. This is the root verb that the Greek word for “grace” comes from (charis).
I “buy” = agorazo. From agora (assembly, forum, marketplace, town square, thoroughfare); from ageiro (to gather). This is to go and buy something at market with a focus on goods being transferred. It can also mean to purchase or redeem.
J “possessions” = katecho. Related to “have” in v29. 18x in NT. From kata (down, against, according to, throughout) + echo (to have, hold, possess). This is to hold fast, bind, possess, restrain, arrest, suppress. It is to hold down in a literal or figurative sense. It can also be to hold something in one’s memory.

31 and those who deal withK the worldL as though they had no dealings withM it. For the present formN of this world is passing away.O

Notes on verse 31

K “deal with” = chraomai. 11x in NT. This is to use, make use of, give what is needed, act in a specific way, request.
L “world” = kosmos. Perhaps from the base of komizo (to carry, convey, recover); from komeo (to take care of). This is order, the world, the universe, including its inhabitants. Literally, this is something that is ordered so it can refer to all creation. It can also refer to decoration in the sense that something is better ordered and, thus, made more beautiful. This is where “cosmos” and “cosmetics” come from.
M “dealings with” = katachraomai. Related to “deal with” in v31. 2x in NT. From kata (down, against, throughout, among) + chraomai (see note K above). This is to use up, overuse, abuse, or use fully.
N “present form” = schema. Related to “have” in v29 & “possessions” in v30. 2x in NT. From echo (see note J above). This is form, shape, figure, appearance, outward condition.
O “passing away” = parago. 11x in NT. From para (by, beside, in the presence of, alongside) + ago (to lead, bring, carry, guide, go, drive). This is to lead near or by, to pass by, go along, be a passer-by.


Image credit: “Dome of the Los Angeles Public Library” by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, 1933.

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