King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:49 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:49 in the King James Version says “And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 15:49 · KJV

Context

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.

51

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And as we have borne the image of the earthy (καὶ καθὼς ἐφορέσαμεν τὴν εἰκόνα τοῦ χοϊκοῦ)—The verb ephoresamen (ἐφορέσαμεν, "we bore, wore") uses clothing metaphor. Eikōn (εἰκόνα, "image") connects to Genesis 1:26-27—humans are created in God's image but after the fall bear Adam's fallen image: mortality, sinfulness, corruption. We've "worn" Adam's nature like a garment defining us.

We shall also bear the image of the heavenly (φορέσομεν καὶ τὴν εἰκόνα τοῦ ἐπουρανίου)—The future tense phoresomen (φορέσομεν, "we shall bear, wear") indicates certainty, not mere possibility. Believers will bear Christ's image—righteousness, glory, incorruption, immortality. This is glorification, the final stage of salvation (Romans 8:29-30: "predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son"). Sanctification progressively conforms us to Christ's moral image; glorification will conform us to His resurrection body. Some manuscripts read imperative ("let us bear") rather than future, but context favors future—this is promise, not exhortation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Image of God theology traces from Genesis 1:26 through Romans 8:29 to 1 John 3:2. The fall marred but didn't erase God's image (Genesis 9:6, James 3:9). Redemption restores God's image morally (Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 3:10) and will restore it physically in resurrection (Philippians 3:21). Christ is the perfect image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4, Colossians 1:15); believers are being transformed into that image.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'bear the image' of Adam vs. Christ—how do these images differ?
  2. How does progressive sanctification (bearing Christ's moral image) relate to final glorification (bearing His resurrection body)?
  3. What comfort does the certainty of bearing Christ's image ('we shall') provide to struggling believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

καθὼς2 of 13

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

φορέσομεν3 of 13

“bear”

G5409

to have a burden, i.e., (by analogy) to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment

τὴν4 of 13
G3588

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

εἰκόνα5 of 13

“the image”

G1504

a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance

τοῦ6 of 13
G3588

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

χοϊκοῦ7 of 13

“of the earthy”

G5517

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

φορέσομεν8 of 13

“bear”

G5409

to have a burden, i.e., (by analogy) to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment

καὶ9 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

τὴν10 of 13
G3588

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

εἰκόνα11 of 13

“the image”

G1504

a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance

τοῦ12 of 13
G3588

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

ἐπουρανίου13 of 13

“of the heavenly”

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 15:49 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 15:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 8:292 Corinthians 3:18Genesis 5:31 John 3:22 Corinthians 4:10-11Matthew 13:43

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