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

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 7:29. It’s a really interesting and somewhat unusual passage, so we'll go through it step by step. Here's the basic idea: This verse is about taking care of your marriage . It essentially says that if you are married, you should focus on enjoying your relationship and being happy with it, even if it’s not a traditional, large wedding. Let’s unpack it into smaller parts: “But this I say…” : This is an introduction – the speaker is offering a perspective. “…the time [is] short:” This means that the time for enjoying your marriage is limited. It's not meant to be forever, but it’s also not going to last indefinitely. “it remaineth…” : This highlights that something needs to continue – a period of enjoyment and happiness. “…that both they who have wives be as though they had none:” This is the core of the verse. It means: If you are married, you should treat your marriage with love, respect, and contentment, even if you don't have any children. What does this mean practically? The idea here is that marriage isn’t about having a huge family. It’s about the relationship itself . It's about companionship, mutual support, affection, and shared life. So, instead of worrying about having kids, focus on nurturing your relationship with your partner. Important Context – Why did Paul write this? Paul was addressing married men who were experiencing difficulties or feeling disillusioned with their marriages. He wasn’t saying that it's okay to not have a marriage at all! He was advising them to be realistic and to focus on the positive aspects of their relationship. In short, the verse encourages us to appreciate and cherish our marriages, even if they don't look like traditional family life. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give an example of how this verse might be applied in a real-life situation? Explore the context of the verse within 1 Corinthians 7?