King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:31 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:31 in the King James Version says “I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily . your: some read, our” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily . your: some read, our”

1 Corinthians 15:31 · KJV

Context

29

Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

30

And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

31

I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily . your: some read, our

32

If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. after: or, to speak after the manner of men

33

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Read 1 Corinthians 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord (καθ' ἡμέραν ἀποθνῄσκω, νὴ τὴν ὑμετέραν καύχησιν, ἀδελφοί, ἣν ἔχω ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν)—The phrase nē tēn hymeteran kauchēsin (νὴ τὴν ὑμετέραν καύχησιν) is an oath formula, "I swear by your boasting/rejoicing." Paul takes an oath by his legitimate pride in the Corinthian church—they are his kauchēsis (καύχησις, "boast, pride"), evidence his ministry bears fruit (2 Corinthians 1:14, Philippians 2:16).

I die daily (καθ' ἡμέραν ἀποθνῄσκω)—The phrase kath' hēmeran apothnēskō means daily facing death threat, not mere self-denial. Paul's apostolic ministry meant continual mortal danger. He lived as a condemned man awaiting execution—which finally came circa AD 67 under Nero. Only resurrection hope makes such a life rational and joyful.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's life was precarious from Damascus (Acts 9:23-25) through his execution in Rome. Five times he received 39 lashes, three beatings with rods, one stoning (2 Corinthians 11:24-25). He wrote 1 Corinthians from Ephesus, where silversmiths later rioted, threatening his life (Acts 19). 'I die daily' was literal reality, not hyperbole.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'die daily' in modern contexts where physical martyrdom is less common?
  2. How does Paul's pride in the Corinthian church motivate his suffering—what does this teach about pastoral ministry?
  3. Why would Paul endure daily death-threats if resurrection were false—what does this prove?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καθ'1 of 15

“daily”

G2596

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

ἡμέραν2 of 15
G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἀποθνῄσκω3 of 15

“I die”

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

νὴ4 of 15

“I protest by”

G3513

a particle of attestation (accompanied by the object invoked or appealed to in confirmation); as sure as

τὴν5 of 15
G3588

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

ἡμετέραν6 of 15

“rejoicing”

G2251

our

καύχησιν7 of 15
G2746

boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense

ἣν8 of 15

“which”

G3739

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

ἔχω9 of 15

“I have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐν10 of 15

“in”

G1722

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

Χριστῷ11 of 15

“Christ”

G5547

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

Ἰησοῦ12 of 15

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

τῷ13 of 15
G3588

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

κυρίῳ14 of 15

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν15 of 15

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

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 15:31 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 15:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 4:10-11Romans 8:361 Corinthians 4:9-13Philippians 3:31 Thessalonians 3:9Jeremiah 11:7

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