King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:13 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:13 in the King James Version says “But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 15:13 · KJV

Context

11

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

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?

13

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

14

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

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if there be no resurrection of the dead (εἰ δὲ ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν οὐκ ἔστιν)—Paul constructs a reductio ad absurdum argument. He assumes the opponents' premise (no resurrection) and demonstrates it leads to absurd, unacceptable conclusions. This is sophisticated Greco-Roman logical argumentation, showing Paul's rhetorical training.

Then is Christ not risen (οὐδὲ Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται)—The logic is inexorable. If resurrection is metaphysically impossible, Christ couldn't have risen either. The Corinthians' position—Christ rose uniquely, but believers won't—is philosophically untenable. Christ's resurrection is either the firstfruits (v. 20) guaranteeing the harvest, or it didn't happen. There's no middle ground. Resurrection is not Christ's private miracle but the inauguration of new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's argument structure reflects his rabbinic training under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). Jewish rabbinic debate employed similar logical reductions. Yet he writes in Greek rhetorical style for a Gentile audience, demonstrating his missional adaptability (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is Christ's resurrection inseparable from our resurrection—why can't Christ's be unique?
  2. How does Paul's logical argument demonstrate that Christianity stands or falls on historical claims?
  3. What does this teach about the importance of defending the faith with reason and evidence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
εἰ1 of 9

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 9

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀνάστασις3 of 9

“resurrection”

G386

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

νεκρῶν4 of 9

“of the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

οὐκ5 of 9

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔστιν6 of 9

“there be”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

οὐδὲ7 of 9

“not”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

Χριστὸς8 of 9

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἐγήγερται·9 of 9

“is”

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

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 15:13 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 15:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 11:25-26Romans 8:111 Thessalonians 4:14Revelation 1:181 Peter 1:3Romans 4:24-25

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