King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:40 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:40 in the King James Version says “There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the ter...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.”

1 Corinthians 15:40 · KJV

Context

38

But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

39

All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.

40

There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

41

There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

42

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial (καὶ σώματα ἐπουράνια, καὶ σώματα ἐπίγεια)—Paul extends analogy from earthly life to cosmic bodies. Epourania sōmata (ἐπουράνια σώματα, "heavenly bodies") refers to sun, moon, stars; epigeia sōmata (ἐπίγεια σώματα, "earthly bodies") to humans and animals. The word sōma (σῶμα, "body") applies to both—physical/material reality takes diverse forms.

But the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another (ἀλλὰ ἑτέρα μὲν ἡ τῶν ἐπουρανίων δόξα, ἑτέρα δὲ ἡ τῶν ἐπιγείων)—The word doxa (δόξα, "glory, splendor, radiance") indicates inherent brightness/majesty. Celestial bodies shine; earthly creatures don't. Yet both have appropriate glory for their sphere. Paul's argument: resurrection bodies will have doxa appropriate to the heavenly realm, different from earthly glory but real and physical.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient cosmology distinguished celestial (incorruptible, eternal) and terrestrial (corruptible, temporal) realms. Aristotelian physics made this a metaphysical divide. Paul uses this framework but subverts it—resurrection doesn't mean escaping earthly for celestial (Greek dualism) but transformation of earthly into glorified form suited for new creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the distinction between celestial and terrestrial glory help us imagine resurrection bodies?
  2. What does Paul mean by 'glory'—how will resurrection bodies manifest God's glory?
  3. How does Paul subvert Greek dualism while using its categories to explain resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

“There are also”

G2532

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

σώματα2 of 18

“bodies”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

ἐπουρανίων3 of 18

“celestial”

G2032

above the sky

καὶ4 of 18

“There are also”

G2532

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

σώματα5 of 18

“bodies”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

ἐπιγείων6 of 18

“terrestrial”

G1919

worldly (physically or morally)

ἀλλ'7 of 18

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἑτέρα8 of 18

“is another”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

μὲν9 of 18
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ἡ10 of 18
G3588

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

τῶν11 of 18
G3588

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

ἐπουρανίων12 of 18

“celestial”

G2032

above the sky

δόξα13 of 18

“the glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

ἑτέρα14 of 18

“is another”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

δὲ15 of 18

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἡ16 of 18
G3588

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

τῶν17 of 18
G3588

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

ἐπιγείων18 of 18

“terrestrial”

G1919

worldly (physically or morally)

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 15:40 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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