King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:42 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:42 in the King James Version says “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 15:42 · KJV

Context

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:

44

It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

Read 1 Corinthians 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So also is the resurrection of the dead (οὕτως καὶ ἡ ἀνάστασις τῶν νεκρῶν)—Paul applies the analogies (vv. 36-41) to resurrection. The word houtōs (οὕτως, "so, thus, in this manner") indicates the seed-plant and terrestrial-celestial comparisons explain resurrection. What follows are four contrasts describing transformation from earthly to resurrection body.

It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption (σπείρεται ἐν φθορᾷ, ἐγείρεται ἐν ἀφθαρσίᾳ)—The verb speiretai (σπείρεται, "is sown") treats burial as planting. Phthora (φθορά, "corruption, decay, perishability") describes earthly bodies subject to disease, aging, death, decomposition. Aphtharsia (ἀφθαρσία, "incorruption, imperishability") describes resurrection bodies immune to decay, aging, death. The resurrection body is the earthly body gloriously transformed, not replaced.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient burial practices planted bodies in earth, often in fetal position, symbolizing return to womb of earth. Paul baptizes this imagery—burial is sowing seed that will sprout in resurrection. The corruption-incorruption contrast addresses Greek philosophical objection: decay proves body is inferior, unworthy of eternal existence. Paul counters: God transforms the corruptible into incorruptible.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does treating burial as 'sowing' change our view of Christian funerals and graveyards?
  2. What does 'incorruption' mean practically—will resurrection bodies never age, tire, or experience pain?
  3. How does transformation (not replacement) of the body preserve personal identity and continuity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Οὕτως1 of 12

“So”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ2 of 12

“also”

G2532

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

ἡ3 of 12
G3588

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

ἀνάστασις4 of 12

“is the resurrection”

G386

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

τῶν5 of 12
G3588

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

νεκρῶν6 of 12

“of the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

σπείρεται7 of 12

“It is sown”

G4687

to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)

ἐν8 of 12

“in”

G1722

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

φθορᾷ9 of 12

“corruption”

G5356

decay, i.e., ruin (spontaneous or inflicted, literally or figuratively)

ἐγείρεται10 of 12

“it is raised”

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

ἐν11 of 12

“in”

G1722

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

ἀφθαρσίᾳ·12 of 12

“incorruption”

G861

incorruptibility; genitive, unending existence; (figuratively) genuineness

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 15:42 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 15:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 13:43Daniel 12:3Philippians 3:20-21Romans 8:211 Peter 1:41 Corinthians 15:50-54

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