King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:47 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:47 in the King James Version says “The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 15:47 · KJV

Context

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.

49

And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The first man is of the earth, earthy (ὁ πρῶτος ἄνθρωπος ἐκ γῆς χοϊκός)—The word choikos (χοϊκός, "dusty, made of dust") echoes Genesis 2:7: Adam formed from aphar (עָפָר, "dust"). Ek gēs (ἐκ γῆς, "from earth") indicates Adam's origin and nature—earthly, terrestrial, mortal. Humans in Adam share his earthy nature: mortal, subject to decay, limited to earthly sphere.

The second man is the Lord from heaven (ὁ δεύτερος ἄνθρωπος ἐξ οὐρανοῦ)—Christ is ho deuteros anthrōpos (ὁ δεύτερος ἄνθρωπος, "the second man"), though some manuscripts read "the second man, the Lord from heaven." Ex ouranou (ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, "from heaven") indicates Christ's origin and nature. Though incarnated in flesh, Christ's true origin is heavenly—the eternal Son who became human (John 1:14, Philippians 2:6-7). In His resurrection, Christ's human nature is glorified, suited for the heavenly realm.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's Adam-Christ typology is covenantal, not merely biological. Adam is federal head of old humanity under the covenant of works; Christ is federal head of new humanity under the covenant of grace. Adam's earthy origin means all "in Adam" are earthy/mortal. Christ's heavenly origin means all "in Christ" will be heavenly/glorified.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Adam's 'earthy' nature explain universal human mortality and limitation?
  2. What does Christ being 'from heaven' indicate about His person and mission?
  3. How are believers transferred from Adamic headship to Christic headship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ὁ1 of 13
G3588

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

πρῶτος2 of 13

“The first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

ἄνθρωπος3 of 13

“man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐξ4 of 13

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

γῆς5 of 13

“the earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

χοϊκός6 of 13

“earthy”

G5517

dusty or dirty (soil-like), i.e., (by implication) terrene

ὁ7 of 13
G3588

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

δεύτερος8 of 13

“the second”

G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

ἄνθρωπος9 of 13

“man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ὁ10 of 13
G3588

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

Κύριος11 of 13

“is the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐξ12 of 13

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

οὐρανοῦ13 of 13

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

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 15:47 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 15:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 3:31Genesis 2:7Genesis 3:192 Corinthians 5:1Luke 2:11John 3:12-13

Test Your Knowledge

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