King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:41 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:41 in the King James Version says “There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth fro... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

1 Corinthians 15:41 · KJV


Context

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:

43

It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars (ἄλλη δόξα ἡλίου, καὶ ἄλλη δόξα σελήνης, καὶ ἄλλη δόξα ἀστέρων)—Paul distinguishes even within celestial bodies. Sun, moon, stars all have doxa (δόξα, "glory"), but different doxa. The sun's brilliance exceeds the moon's reflected light; stars' twinkling differs from both.

For one star differeth from another star in glory (ἀστὴρ γὰρ ἀστέρος διαφέρει ἐν δόξῃ)—Even among stars, brightness varies—first magnitude vs. faint stars barely visible. Paul's point: unity doesn't require uniformity. All heavenly bodies shine, but with different splendor. Similarly, all resurrection bodies will be glorified, yet may differ in glory (Daniel 12:3: 'those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky'). This hints at rewards/degrees of glory, though all inherit eternal life.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient astronomy observed varying star magnitudes without understanding stellar physics. Paul uses observable difference to make theological point: resurrection doesn't erase individuality or reward but perfects and glorifies each according to God's wise purpose. This verse influenced later theological reflection on degrees of heavenly reward.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does variation in celestial glory help us understand diversity within resurrection perfection?
  2. What might account for different degrees of glory in resurrection—does this threaten salvation by grace?
  3. How does this verse balance equality (all are glorified) with difference (varying glory)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἄλλη1 of 17

There is one

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

δόξῃ2 of 17

glory

G1391

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

ἡλίου3 of 17

of the sun

G2246

the sun; by implication, light

καὶ4 of 17

and

G2532

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

ἄλλη5 of 17

There is one

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

δόξῃ6 of 17

glory

G1391

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

σελήνης7 of 17

of the moon

G4582

the moon

καὶ8 of 17

and

G2532

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

ἄλλη9 of 17

There is one

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

δόξῃ10 of 17

glory

G1391

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

ἀστέρος11 of 17

another star

G792

a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively

ἀστέρος12 of 17

another star

G792

a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively

γὰρ13 of 17

for

G1063

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

ἀστέρος14 of 17

another star

G792

a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively

διαφέρει15 of 17

differeth from

G1308

to bear through, i.e., (literally) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e., (objectively) to toss about (figuratively, report); subjectively, to "diffe

ἐν16 of 17

in

G1722

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

δόξῃ17 of 17

glory

G1391

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


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 15:41 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 15:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study