King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:3 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:3 in the King James Version says “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scr... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 15:3 · 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;

4

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

5

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For I delivered unto you first of all (παρέδωκα γὰρ ὑμῖν ἐν πρώτοις, paredōka gar hymin en prōtois)—Paul uses technical rabbinic terminology for transmitting authoritative tradition (paradidōmi, παραδίδωμι). The phrase that which I also received (ὃ καὶ παρέλαβον, ho kai parelabon) indicates this is not Paul's invention but apostolic tradition dating to the earliest Christian community, likely within months of the crucifixion (AD 30).

Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures (Χριστὸς ἀπέθανεν ὑπὲρ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν κατὰ τὰς γραφάς)—This is the earliest written creedal formula in Christianity. Hyper (ὑπέρ, "for, on behalf of") indicates substitutionary atonement. The phrase kata tas graphas ("according to the scriptures") grounds this in Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, etc.).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This creedal formula (vv. 3-7) predates Paul's letter by two decades, representing the church's earliest confession. Scholars date it to within 2-5 years of the crucifixion. Paul likely received it during his Damascus/Jerusalem visits (Galatians 1:18), making this the most ancient Christian document we possess.

Reflection Questions

  1. What significance does the early date of this creed have for the reliability of resurrection testimony?
  2. How does 'according to the scriptures' demonstrate that Jesus's death was not an accident but divine plan?
  3. Why is substitutionary atonement ('for our sins') inseparable from resurrection in Christian faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
παρέδωκα1 of 18

I delivered

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

γὰρ2 of 18

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὑμῖν3 of 18

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἐν4 of 18

first of all

G1722

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

πρώτοις5 of 18
G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

6 of 18

that which

G3739

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

καὶ7 of 18

also

G2532

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

παρέλαβον8 of 18

I

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

ὅτι9 of 18

how

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Χριστὸς10 of 18

that Christ

G5547

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

ἀπέθανεν11 of 18

died

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

ὑπὲρ12 of 18

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

τῶν13 of 18
G3588

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

ἁμαρτιῶν14 of 18

sins

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ἡμῶν15 of 18

our

G2257

of (or from) us

κατὰ16 of 18

according

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὰς17 of 18
G3588

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

γραφάς18 of 18

to the scriptures

G1124

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)


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 15:3 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 15:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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