King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:1 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:1 in the King James Version says “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 15:1 · KJV

Context

1

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

2

By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. keep: or, hold fast what: Gr. by what speech

3

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel (τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, to euangelion)—Paul begins his resurrection apologetic by anchoring it in the gospel he originally preached. The verb gnōrizō (γνωρίζω, "I make known") suggests formal proclamation of authoritative truth. The phrase wherein ye stand (en hō hestēkate, ἐν ᾧ ἑστήκατε) uses the perfect tense, indicating the Corinthians' established, ongoing position in gospel truth.

This verse introduces the most extensive New Testament treatment of resurrection doctrine (vv. 1-58). The Corinthian church was infected with Greek philosophical dualism that denigrated physical matter and denied bodily resurrection (v. 12). Paul responds by demonstrating that resurrection is not peripheral but central to Christian faith—the gospel itself stands or falls on this doctrine.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written circa AD 55 from Ephesus during Paul's third missionary journey. The Corinthian congregation, steeped in Greek philosophy (especially Platonic dualism), struggled to reconcile bodily resurrection with prevailing views that saw the body as a prison for the soul. Greek thinkers like Plato taught immortality of the soul, not resurrection of the body.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your understanding of the gospel depend on the physical resurrection of Christ?
  2. In what ways might contemporary views of spirituality minimize the importance of bodily resurrection?
  3. What does it mean that you 'stand' in the gospel—how does resurrection truth provide stability for Christian faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Γνωρίζω1 of 16

“I declare”

G1107

to make known; subjectively, to know

δὲ2 of 16

“Moreover”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμῖν3 of 16

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἀδελφοί4 of 16

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

τὸ5 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εὐαγγέλιον6 of 16

“the gospel”

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

ᾧ7 of 16

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εὐηγγελισάμην8 of 16

“I preached”

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

ὑμῖν9 of 16

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ᾧ10 of 16

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ11 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παρελάβετε12 of 16

“ye have received”

G3880

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

ἐν13 of 16

“wherein”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ᾧ14 of 16

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ15 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἑστήκατε16 of 16

“ye stand”

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 15:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 15:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 1:6-121 Peter 5:121 Corinthians 15:3-111 Corinthians 1:23-241 Thessalonians 1:6John 12:48

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