King James Version
What Does 1 Corinthians 15:14 Mean?
“And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.”
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:
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **If Christ be not risen.**—Better, *but if Christ be not raised;* and so all through this passage.
**Then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.**—The Apostles had preached a risen Christ, their converts had believed in a risen Christ, but now the proposition is, There is no resurrection; therefore Christ is not risen; therefore the preaching and the faith which are based on the delusion that He is risen are both vain and useless. The argument is still purely an appeal to historical evidence supporting an historical fact, and to the consequences involved in denying that fact (see 1Corinthians 15:16).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge