King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:46 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:46 in the King James Version says “Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.”

1 Corinthians 15:46 · KJV

Context

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.

46

Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

47

The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

48

As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

Read 1 Corinthians 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural (ἀλλ' οὐ πρῶτον τὸ πνευματικὸν ἀλλὰ τὸ ψυχικόν)—Paul establishes God's temporal order: psychikon ("natural") precedes pneumatikon ("spiritual"). This refutes any view that spiritual realm is inherently superior or prior to material creation. Creation begins with physical/natural realm (Genesis 1-2), not Platonic eternal forms. God's plan unfolds in stages: natural first, spiritual afterward.

And afterward that which is spiritual (ἔπειτα τὸ πνευματικόν)—The adverb epeita (ἔπειτα, "then, afterward") indicates sequence, not replacement. The spiritual doesn't negate the natural but perfects it. Resurrection is not escape from embodiment but transformation of embodiment. This is anti-Gnostic: matter is not evil to be transcended but good creation to be redeemed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gnostic and proto-Gnostic movements taught matter was inferior or evil, created by a lesser deity, and salvation meant escaping materiality for purely spiritual existence. Paul's sequence (natural then spiritual) affirms matter's goodness and God's intentional creative order. The spiritual age perfects, not negates, the natural.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the natural-then-spiritual order refute Greek dualism and Gnosticism?
  2. What does this teach about God's valuation of material creation and embodiment?
  3. How does understanding redemption as transformation (not escape) from natural to spiritual shape Christian earthly life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 11

“Howbeit”

G235

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

οὐ2 of 11

“that was not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

πρῶτον3 of 11

“first”

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

τὸ4 of 11
G3588

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

πνευματικόν5 of 11

“that which is spiritual”

G4152

non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou

ἀλλὰ6 of 11

“Howbeit”

G235

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

τὸ7 of 11
G3588

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

ψυχικόν8 of 11

“that which is natural”

G5591

sensitive, i.e., animate (in distinction on the one hand from g4152, which is the higher or renovated nature; and on the other from g5446, which is th

ἔπειτα9 of 11

“and afterward”

G1899

thereafter

τὸ10 of 11
G3588

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

πνευματικόν11 of 11

“that which is spiritual”

G4152

non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou

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 15:46 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 15:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 3:9-10Ephesians 4:22-24Romans 6:6

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