King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:2 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:2 in the King James Version says “By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. keep: or, ho...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

1 Corinthians 15:2 · KJV

SalvationFaith

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;

4

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
By which also ye are saved (δι' οὗ καὶ σῴζεσθε, di' hou kai sōzesthe)—The present tense verb indicates ongoing salvation, not merely a past event. Paul connects salvation directly to keeping in memory (κατέχετε, katechete), meaning to hold fast, retain firmly. This is not mere intellectual recall but active, persevering faith.

The phrase unless ye have believed in vain (εἰκῇ ἐπιστεύσατε, eikē episteusate) uses eikē ("without purpose, groundlessly") to indicate belief without foundation. Paul is not questioning the genuineness of their initial faith but warning that denying resurrection empties that faith of meaning. If resurrection is false, belief itself becomes eikē—purposeless.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of 'vain faith' would have been shocking to Corinthian believers who prided themselves on spiritual gifts (chapters 12-14). Paul argues that spectacular gifts mean nothing if the resurrection is denied—the entire Christian edifice collapses without it.

Reflection Questions

  1. What distinguishes 'keeping in memory' from mere mental assent to doctrinal propositions?
  2. How might Christians today 'believe in vain' by affirming resurrection intellectually while living as functional materialists?
  3. What does it mean that salvation is an ongoing present reality, not merely a past decision?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
δι'1 of 15

“By”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

οὗ2 of 15

“which”

G3739

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

καὶ3 of 15

“also”

G2532

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

σῴζεσθε4 of 15

“ye are saved”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

τίνι5 of 15
G5100

some or any person or object

λόγῳ6 of 15
G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

εὐηγγελισάμην7 of 15

“I preached”

G2097

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

ὑμῖν8 of 15

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

εἰ9 of 15

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

κατέχετε10 of 15

“ye keep”

G2722

to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ἐκτὸς11 of 15

“unless”

G1622

the exterior; figuratively (as a preposition) aside from, besides

εἰ12 of 15

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ13 of 15
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εἰκῇ14 of 15

“in vain”

G1500

idly, i.e., without reason (or effect)

ἐπιστεύσατε15 of 15

“ye have believed”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

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 15:2 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 15:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 3:6Hebrews 2:1Hebrews 3:14Ephesians 2:8John 8:31-321 Corinthians 1:18

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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