King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:43 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:43 in the King James Version says “It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 15:43 · KJV

Context

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.

45

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

Read 1 Corinthians 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory (σπείρεται ἐν ἀτιμίᾳ, ἐγείρεται ἐν δόξῃ)—The word atimia (ἀτιμία, "dishonor, humiliation, disgrace") describes the indignity of death and burial—bodily functions cease, decay begins, corpse must be hidden in earth. Doxa (δόξα, "glory, radiance, splendor") describes resurrection body sharing Christ's glory (Philippians 3:21: 'he will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body').

It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power (σπείρεται ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ, ἐγείρεται ἐν δυνάμει)—The noun astheneia (ἀσθενεία, "weakness, frailty, infirmity") encompasses physical limitations, fatigue, vulnerability. Death is ultimate weakness—total cessation of strength. Dynamis (δύναμις, "power, strength, capability") describes resurrection vitality—bodies empowered for eternal service, never tiring or weakening (Revelation 7:15-17).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient honor-shame cultures understood death as supreme dishonor—the body, once animated image of God, becomes lifeless flesh requiring disposal. Paul promises reversal: the humiliated body will be glorified, the weakened body empowered. This addresses Greek disdain for the body and offers Christian countervision—embodiment perfected, not escaped.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the dishonor-to-glory transformation vindicate the goodness of embodied existence?
  2. What 'power' will resurrection bodies possess—what will we be empowered to do?
  3. How should hope for glorified bodies shape how we treat our present weak, dishonored bodies?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
σπείρεται1 of 12

“It is sown”

G4687

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

ἐν2 of 12

“in”

G1722

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

ἀτιμίᾳ3 of 12

“dishonour”

G819

infamy, i.e., (subjectively) comparative indignity, (objectively) disgrace

ἐγείρεται4 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

ἐν5 of 12

“in”

G1722

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

δόξῃ·6 of 12

“glory”

G1391

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

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

ἀσθενείᾳ9 of 12

“weakness”

G769

feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty

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

δυνάμει·12 of 12

“power”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

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 15:43 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 15:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 6:14Colossians 3:4Philippians 3:20-212 Corinthians 13:4Daniel 12:1Mark 12:24-25

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 15 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes