King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:48 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:48 in the King James Version says “As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 15:48 · KJV

Context

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.

50

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

Read 1 Corinthians 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy (οἷος ὁ χοϊκός, τοιοῦτοι καὶ οἱ χοϊκοί)—The demonstrative pronouns hoios (οἷος, "such as") and toioutoi (τοιοῦτοι, "such, of such kind") indicate likeness and correspondence. All humanity "in Adam" shares his earthy, mortal nature. We bear his image (Genesis 5:3)—not merely physical resemblance but shared nature, condition, and destiny. Under Adamic headship, all die (v. 22).

And as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly (καὶ οἷος ὁ ἐπουράνιος, τοιοῦτοι καὶ οἱ ἐπουράνιοι)—Similarly, believers "in Christ" share His heavenly nature. Through faith-union with Christ, believers are transferred from Adamic to Christic headship. The phrase hoi epouranioi (οἱ ἐπουράνιοι, "the heavenly ones") describes believers' future resurrection state, not present condition. We will be like Christ—bearing His resurrection body's character (1 John 3:2).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Federal theology (covenant headship) developed from Pauline Adam-Christ typology. The Westminster Confession (7.2-3) articulates covenant of works (Adam) and covenant of grace (Christ). Believers' union with Christ—legal, vital, and mystical—transfers them from Adam's condemnation to Christ's righteousness and resurrection life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does being 'in Adam' or 'in Christ' determine our nature and destiny?
  2. What does it mean that believers are 'heavenly ones'—how does this shape present identity?
  3. How is union with Christ formed—what unites believers to Christ's headship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
οἷος1 of 15

“As”

G3634

such or what sort of (as a correlation or exclamation); especially the neuter (adverbially) with negative, not so

ὁ2 of 15
G3588

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

χοϊκοί3 of 15

“is the earthy”

G5517

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

τοιοῦτοι4 of 15

“such”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

καὶ5 of 15

“also”

G2532

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

οἱ6 of 15
G3588

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

χοϊκοί7 of 15

“is the earthy”

G5517

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

καὶ8 of 15

“also”

G2532

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

οἷος9 of 15

“As”

G3634

such or what sort of (as a correlation or exclamation); especially the neuter (adverbially) with negative, not so

ὁ10 of 15
G3588

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

ἐπουράνιοι·11 of 15

“are they”

G2032

above the sky

τοιοῦτοι12 of 15

“such”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

καὶ13 of 15

“also”

G2532

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

οἱ14 of 15
G3588

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

ἐπουράνιοι·15 of 15

“are they”

G2032

above the sky

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 15:48 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 15:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 5:3Philippians 3:20-21John 3:6Job 14:4Romans 5:12-211 Corinthians 15:21-22

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