King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:14 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:14 in the King James Version says “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 15:14 · King James Version


Context

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.

16

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


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain (εἰ δὲ Χριστὸς οὐκ ἐγήγερται, κενὸν ἄρα τὸ κήρυγμα ἡμῶν)—The word kenon (κενόν, "empty, void") appears twice. Paul's entire ministry—kērygma (κήρυγμα, "proclamation")—rests on resurrection. If false, apostolic preaching is kenon, devoid of content and power. Christianity is not moral philosophy or religious feeling—it's proclamation of historical event.

And your faith is also vain (κενὴ καὶ ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν)—The Corinthians' pistis (πίστις, "faith, trust") would be kenē, empty. Faith is only as good as its object. Faith in a dead messiah is delusion. Paul stakes everything on historical fact—resurrection is not symbol or metaphor but event. Without it, Christianity collapses into meaningless mythology.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul wrote in an era of religious pluralism—mystery religions, emperor worship, philosophical schools all competed. Yet Paul doesn't say 'all religions lead to God' or 'Christianity offers superior ethics.' He claims unique historical event: God raised Jesus from death. This falsifiable claim made Christianity vulnerable to disproof—but also evidentially verifiable.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christianity's dependence on historical facts distinguish it from religions based on timeless truths or myths?
  2. What would Paul say to those who claim 'Jesus rose in my heart' while denying physical resurrection?
  3. Why is Christianity more vulnerable than other religions—and how is this vulnerability actually a strength?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
εἰ1 of 16

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

Χριστὸς3 of 16

“Christ”

G5547

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

οὐκ4 of 16

“not”

G3756

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

ἐγήγερται5 of 16

“be”

G1453

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

κενὴ6 of 16

“vain”

G2756

empty (literally or figuratively)

ἄρα7 of 16

“then”

G686

a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)

τὸ8 of 16
G3588

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

κήρυγμα9 of 16

“preaching”

G2782

a proclamation (especially of the gospel; by implication, the gospel itself)

ἡμῶν10 of 16

“is our”

G2257

of (or from) us

κενὴ11 of 16

“vain”

G2756

empty (literally or figuratively)

δὲ12 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ13 of 16

“also”

G2532

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

ἡ14 of 16
G3588

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

πίστις15 of 16

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ὑμῶν·16 of 16

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you


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 15:14 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 15:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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