1 Corinthians 15 - Study the King James Bible

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

Moreover = Now.
declare = make known. Greek. gnorizo.
unto = to.
gospel . App-140 .
preached . App-121 .
also ye have received = ye received also.
and wherein, &c . = in (Greek. en. App-104 .) which ye stand also.

By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

By = Through. App-104 . 1 Corinthians 15:1 .
also, &c . = ye are saved also.
if . App-118 .
keep in memory = hold fast. Greek. katecho. See 1 Corinthians 7:30 .
what = with what word. Greek. logos. App-121 . He refers to the substance of his preaching, based as it was on the facts of the Lord's death and resurrection, which last was challenged by some false teachers (1 Corinthians 15:12 ).
unless . See 1 Corinthians 14:5 (except).
have . Omit.
believed . App-150 .
in vain = to no purpose. Greek. eike . See Romans 13:4 .

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

delivered . Greek. paradidomi. See John 19:30 . Compare 1 Corinthians 11:23 .
first of all = among (Greek. en . App-104 .) the first things.
also received = received also.
Christ . App-98 .
sins . App-128 .
according to . App-104 .

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

rose again = has been raised. App-178 .
scriptures . Psalms 16:10 . Isaiah 53:9-11 . Jon 1:17 . Compare Matthew 12:39 . Luke 11:29 .

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

seen . App-133 . In 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 we have the Figure of speech Protimesis. App-6 .
of = by. Dative case.
Cephas . Luke 24:34 .
the twelve . John 20:19 , John 20:24 . The term is used officially.

After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

After that . Greek. epeita.
at once . Greek. ephapax. See Romans 6:10 . There is no mention of this in the Gospels, unless it be Matthew 28:16-20 , where "some doubted" may imply that others than the eleven were present.
unto this present = until now.
some . Greek. tin e s . App-124 .
are fallen asleep . App-171 .

After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

James . See App-182 .
all, &c . Luke 24:50-52 .Acts 1:6-9 .
apostles . App-189

And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

as = as if (it were). Greek. hosperei. Only here.
one born, &c . = an abortion. Greek. ektroma. Only here in NT., but used in Septuagint of Job 3:16 . Ecclesiastes 1:6 , Ecclesiastes 1:3 .

For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

least . Figure of speech Meiosis ( App-6 ).
church . App-186 .
God . App-98 .

10.

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

grace . App-184 .
which, &c . = Figure of speech Ellipsis. App-6 .
upon . App-104 .
was not = did not become, i.e. prove to be.
in vain . Greek. kenos, empty. Not the same word as in verses: 1Co 15:2 , 1 Corinthians 15:17 .
with . App-104 .

11.

Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

whether, or . App-118 .
preach . App-121 .

12.

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

from the dead . Greek. ek nekron. App-139 .
among . App-104 .
resurrection . Greek. anastasis. App-178 .
the dead . No art. App-139 .

13.

But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

then, &c . = not even (Greek. oude) has Christ been raised.

14.

And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

be not risen = has not been raised.
preaching . App-121 .
faith . App-150 .
is also = also is .

15.

Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

Yea, and = Moreover.
false witnesses . Greek. pseudomartur. Only here and Matthew 26:60 .
have . Omit.
testified . Greek. murtureo. See p. 1511.
of = against. Gr . kata. App-104 .
if so be that = if ( App-118 .2. a) at least.

16.

For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

not . Greek. oude .

17.

And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

vain = to no purpose. Greek. mataios. See Acts 14:15 . Not the same word as in verses: 1Co 15:2 , 1 Corinthians 15:10 , 1 Corinthians 15:14 , 1 Corinthians 15:58 .

18.

Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

are fallen = fell.
are . Omit.
perished . Greek. apollumi. See 1 Corinthians 1:18 .

19.

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

life . Greek. zoe. App-170 .
have hope = are having our hope.
of all men, &c. = more to be pitied than all men.
men . Greek. anthropos. App-123 . be
put down is death [Satan].

20.

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

is, &c . = Christ has been raised. From 1 Corinthians 15:20 to 1 Corinthians 15:28 is a digression. Figure of speech Parembole. App-6 .
and become . All the texts omit.
firstfruits . Greek. aparche. See Romans 8:23 , and compare notes on John 20:1 , John 20:17 .
them, &c . = those who have fallen asleep. See 1 Corinthians 15:6 .

21.

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

came also = also came.

22.

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Adam . Literally the Adam.
all die . By virtue of their relationship to Adam. See Romans 5:12-19 .
even so, &c . = so in Christ also. Christ also has a relationship to the human race. It is that of Lordship (Romans 14:9 ). This is acknowledged by some now (John 13:13 ; John 20:28 ), and brings salvation (Romans 10:9 ). It is the work of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3 ). Hence Judas only said, "Master" (Matthew 26:25 , Matthew 26:49 ). The natural man rebels against such acknowledgment (Exodus 5:2 .Psalms 2:2 , Psalms 2:3 ; Psalms 12:4 .Luke 19:14; Luke 19:14 ). But this Lordship shall one day be asserted and acknowledged by all, including the arch-rebel himself (Psalms 2:6 , Psalms 2:7 . Philippians 1:2 , Philippians 1:9-11 .Revelation 19:16; Revelation 19:16 ). To this end all must be raised.
made alive . Greek. zoopoiea. See Romans 4:17 . Compare John 5:28 , John 5:29 .

23.

But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

every man = each one.
order . Greek. tagma. Only here in NT. It is used in the Septuagint of a body of soldiers. Numbers 2:2 , &c. (rank). 2 Samuel 23:13 (army).
afterward . Greek. epeita. Same as verses: 1 Corinthians 15:6-7 .
at = in. Greek. en . App-104 .
coming . Greek. parousia. See Matthew 24:3 .

24.

Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

end . Greek. telos . Not the same "end" as in 1 Corinthians 1:8 . Christ's coming brings that "end", but this is the end of the millennial age.
shall, &c . The texts read, "delivers up".
kingdom . See App-112 , App-113 , App-114 .
Father . App-98 .
put down = brought to nought. Greek. katargeo. See Romans 3:3 .
rule . Greek. arche. App-172 .
authority . App-172 .
power . App-172 . Compare Ephesians 1:21 . 1 Peter 3:22 .

25.

For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

under . App-104 . It is God Who puts all enemies under Christ's feet. The fifth quotation of Psalms 110:1 . Compare Matthew 22:44 .

26.

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

The last enemy, &c . Literally, Death, the last enemy, is destroyed. Figure of speech Prolepsis 1. App-6 .
destroyed . Same word as "put down", 1 Corinthians 15:24 .

27.

For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

hath put = subjected. Greek. hupotasso. Contrast the first occurance: Luke 2:51 .
put under Him = subjected. This quotation is from Psalms 8:6 .
He is excepted = it is with the exception of Him.

28.

And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

subdued = subjected, as above.
also Himself = Himself also.
subject = subjected. It is the Father Who puts all enemies as a footstool for the feet of the Son. See Matthew 22:44 . But when this is done, the Son rises up, takes His great power and reigns (Revelation 11:17 ), and putting His feet on the footstool, treads down the nations His enemies, and continues to put down all that exalts itself against God throughout His millennial reign. See Psalms 18:37-50 ; Psalms 60:12 ; Psalms 101:8 (Revised Version); 1Co 145:20 . Isaiah 63:3 , Isaiah 63:6 . Revelation 19:15 .
that = in order that. Greek. hina.
all in all . In verses: 1 Corinthians 15:27-28 , panta Occurs six times, in five of them translated "all things". It must be the same here. There is an ellipsis, and it should read "over all things in all (places)", i.e. everywhere supreme.

29.

Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

baptized, &c . See 1 Corinthians 15:20 . This question follows on from 1 Corinthians 15:19 .
baptized = being baptized.
the dead. App-139 .
why are they, &c . Read, why are they baptized also? (It is) for the dead. It is to remain dead, as Christ remains, if there be no resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:13 . The argument is, What is the use of being baptized, if it is only to remain dead? No suggestion here of the vicarious baptism which sprang up later among the Marcionites and others.

30.

And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

stand . . . in jeopardy . See Acts 19:27 .

31.

I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

I protest, &c . = I affirm (a Greek particle used in affirmations) by the boasting concerning you. The pronoun "your" corresponds to the genitive, not of possession, but of relation. App-17 .
Christ Jesus . App-98 .
Lord . App-98 . For this full title see Romans 6:23 . daily. Greek. kath ' ( App-104 .) hemeran.

32.

If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

after the manner of men = according to ( App-104 ) a man.
have . Omit.
fought with beasts . Greek. theriomacheo. Only here. Figure of speech Metaphor. App-6 . Referring to the riot (Acts 19:28-31 ). Ignatius, in his epistle to the Romans, says, "From Syria even to Rome, I light with beasts . . . being bound to ten leopards, I mean, a band of soldiers, who, even when they receive benefits, show themselves the worse". Clark's Ante-Nicene Library. what, &c. = what is the profit? Greek. ophelos. Only here and James 2:14 , James 2:16 .
me = to me.
let us eat, &c . Many similar expressions of Epicureanism are found in heathen writers. But this is probably cited from Isaiah 22:13 . Compare Wisdom 1 Corinthians 2:5-9 .

33.

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

deceived . See 1 Corinthians 6:9 .
evil . App-128 .
communications = associations. Greek. homilia. Only here. Compare the verb, Acts 20:11 .
corrupt . See 1 Corinthians 3:17 .
good . App-184 .
manners . Greek. ethos. Only here. In plural = morals. A quotation from the Thais of Menander, an Athenian poet. App-107 .

34.

Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

Awake . Literally Return to sobriety (of mind). Greek. eknepho. Only here in N.T., but in Septuagint Genesis 9:24 . 1 Samuel 25:37 ; &c.
to righteousness = righteously, i.e. as is right. Greek. dikaios, adverb of dikaios. App-191 .
sin . App-128 .
have not, &c. Literally have ignorance. Greek. agnosia. Only here and 1 Peter 2:15 .
to your shame. See 1 Corinthians 6:5 .

35.

But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

some man = some one. App-123 .
what = what kind of.
the dead. App-139 .

36.

Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

fool . See Luke 11:40 . The fourth occurance:
quickened . Same as "made alive", 1 Corinthians 15:22 .
except . Greek. ean ( App-118 ) me ( App-105 ).

37.

And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:

bare = naked. Greek. gumnos. Always translated "naked" elsewhere.
it may chance = if ( App-118 . b) it should happen.
of some other = of some one (Greek. tis) of the rest (Greek. loipos. App-124 .)

38.

But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

as it hath, &c . = even as He purposed. App-102 . Compare 1 Corinthians 12:18 .
every seed = each of the seeds. In verses: 1 Corinthians 15:36-38 the apostle shows that as we know not how the seeds come to life and grow up (Mark 4:27 ), much less do we know how the resurrection change is effected.
his = its.

39.

All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.

All flesh, ! &c . = Not all flesh is the same flesh.
one . App-124 .
another . Same as "one". Greek. allos.
beasts . See Acts 23:24 .
birds . Greek. ptenon. Only here.

40.

There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

celestial. Greek. epouranios. Occurs twenty times. Translated "heavenly" except in this verse, Ephesians 6:12 , Philippians 2:10 . See John 3:12 .
terrestrial . Greek. epigeios. Occurs seven times. Translated "earthly" except here in this verse and Philippians 2:10 . The same contrast is seen in John 3:12 , Philippians 2:10 .
one . . . another. Greek. heteros. App-124 .
Longer Note on 1 Corinthians 15:40 .
1. The subject of 1 Corinthians 15:35-54 is the manner of the resurrection. And the basis is, as the plant to the seed, so spiritual body to natural body, &c. : "thou sowest not the body that shall be (literally come into existence), but a naked grain, as the case may be, of wheat (John 12:24 ), or some one of the rest" (1 Corinthians 15:37 ).
2. But in 1 Corinthians 15:39 is set forth differentiation as to "flesh" of mundane organized beings; and in 1 Corinthians 15:41 differentiation in glory (beauty) of the heavenly luminaries. Between these two is 1 Corinthians 15:40 , where the differentiation is commonly regarded as merely between "the resurrection body" and the body that now is. But is the contrast not rather between a . resurrection bodies fitted for life and activities "in the heavenlies", and b . resurrection bodies fitted for life and activities on earth? (e.g. Matthew 19:28 ; compare Ezekiel 34:23 ; Ezekiel 37:24 , &c.)
3. The contrast (differentiation) in 1 Corinthians 15:39 concerns one thing only, i.e. "flesh". That in 1 Corinthians 15:41 also concerns one thing only. Therefore, it is suggested, the contrast in 1 Corinthians 15:40 is between resurrection bodies only , and not between resurrection (flesh and bones) bodies and natural (flesh and blood) bodies. If the glory ( doxa ) spoken of here is to be applied to the body that now is, where, alas! is the evidence of it?
4. As the resurrection is still future, the ellipses may be supplied and the verse rendered, thus: "And heavenly bodies (there will be) and earthly bodies; but of one kind indeed (will be) the glory of the heavenly, and another kind that of the earthly".

41.

There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

one, another, another . Greek. alios. App-124 .
one, another . Omit.

42.

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

also, &c . = is the resurrection of the dead also, i.e. with a different body.
corruption . Greek. phthora. See Romans 8:21 . The four contrasts in verses: 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 give the Figure of speech Symploke. App-6 .
incorruption . Greek. aphtharsia. See Romans 2:7 .

43.

It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

power . App-172 .

44.

It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

natural . Greek. psuchikos. See 1 Corinthians 2:14 .
spiritual . Greek. pneumatikos. See 1 Corinthians 12:1 .
and there is = there is also.

45.

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

And so, &c . = So it has been written also. We have the proofs from nature and analogy of the variety and resources in the Divine working, and the testimony of the Word besides.
was made . Literally became into. Greek. egeneto eis. The exact expression used in Genesis 2:7 (Septuagint)
soul . Greek. psuche. App-110 .
a quickening spirit = into ( eis ) a quickening spirit. See John 5:21 .
spirit . App-101 .

46.

Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

Howbeit, &c . Read "But not first the spiritual, but the natural".
and . Omit.
that which is = the.

47.

The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

earth . App-129 .
earthy . Greek. choikos. Only here and in verses: 1 Corinthians 15:48-49 . The noun chous, dust, is found in the Septuagint Genesis 2:7 . Psalms 22:15 ; Psalms 104:29 . Ecclesiastes 3:20 .
the Lord . All the texts omit.
from . App-104 . Same as "of", previous line.
heaven . Singular. See Matthew 6:10 .

48.

As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

heavenly . Greek. epotiranios. Same as "celestial", 1 Corinthians 15:40 .

49.

And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

image . Greek. eikon. See Romans 1:23 .
also bear, &c . = bear the image also.

50.

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

flesh and blood . See Matthew 16:17 .
cannot = are not (Greek. ou, as in 1 Corinthians 15:9 ) able to.
kingdom of God . App-114 .
neither . Greek. oude.

51.

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Behold . App-133 .:2.
shew = tell.
mystery = secret. App-193 .
sleep = be sleeping. App-171 .
be changed . Greek. allasao. See Acts 6:14 .

52.

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

moment . Greek. atomos, literally that which cannot be out or divided. Hence "atom". Only here.
twinkling . Greek. ripe. Only here.
incorruptible . Greek. aphthartos. See Romans 1:23 .

53.

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

corruptible . Greek. phthart o s . See Romans 1:23 .
mortal . Greek. thnetos. See Romans 6:12 .
immortality . Greek. athanasia. Only here, 1 Corinthians 15:54 , and 1 Timothy 6:16 . In Romans 2:7 and 2 Timothy 1:10 aphtharsia is translated immortality.

54.

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

saying = word. App-121 .
swallowed up . Greek. katapino. Elsewhere Matthew 23:24 . 2Co 2:7 ; 2 Corinthians 5:4 .Hebrews 11:29 . 1 Peter 5:8 . Revelation 12:16 .
in = unto. App-104 .
victory . Greek. nikos. Only here, verses: 1 Corinthians 15:55 , 1 Corinthians 15:57 , and Matthew 12:20 . The quotation is from Isaiah 25:8 , and the following verse from Hosea 13:14 . App-107 .

55.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

sting . Greek. kentron. See Acts 26:14 .
grave . Greek. hades. App-131 . The texts read "death" (Greek. thanatos) .

56.

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

strength = power, as in verses: 1 Corinthians 15:24 , 1 Corinthians 15:43 .

57.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

thanks . App-184 .
Jesus Christ . App-98 .

58.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Therefore = So then.
beloved . App-135 .
stedfast . Greek. hedraios. See 1 Corinthians 7:37 .
unmoveable . Greek. ametakinetos. Only here.
forasmuch as ye know = knowing. App-132 .
Lord . App-98 .