King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:50 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:50 in the King James Version says “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorr... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 15:50 · KJV


Context

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,

52

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (τοῦτο δέ φημι, ἀδελφοί, ὅτι σὰρξ καὶ αἷμα βασιλείαν θεοῦ κληρονομῆσαι οὐ δύναται)—The phrase sarx kai haima (σὰρξ καὶ αἷμα, "flesh and blood") is Hebraic idiom for mortal human nature (Matthew 16:17, Galatians 1:16, Ephesians 6:12). Paul doesn't disparage embodiment but indicates present mortal bodies are unsuited for eternal kingdom. The verb klēronomēsai (κληρονομῆσαι, "to inherit") indicates receiving promised inheritance—eternal life in God's kingdom.

Neither doth corruption inherit incorruption (οὐδὲ ἡ φθορὰ τὴν ἀφθαρσίαν κληρονομεῖ)—Phthora (φθορά, "corruption, decay, perishability") cannot inherit aphtharsia (ἀφθαρσία, "incorruption, imperishability"). This is logical impossibility—the corruptible cannot possess the incorruptible. Therefore transformation is necessary (v. 51-52). Resurrection doesn't mean disembodied souls but transformed bodies—physicality perfected, not negated.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse refutes both Gnosticism (which denied bodily resurrection) and crude materialism (which expected mere resuscitated corpses). Paul affirms embodiment while insisting on transformation. The kingdom of God is physical new creation (Isaiah 65:17, Revelation 21:1), requiring physical bodies—but glorified bodies suited to that realm.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'flesh and blood cannot inherit' require transformation rather than disembodiment?
  2. What aspects of present mortal existence are incompatible with eternal kingdom life?
  3. How does this verse balance continuity (we will have bodies) with discontinuity (they must be transformed)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Τοῦτο1 of 19

this

G5124

that thing

δέ2 of 19

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

φημι3 of 19

I say

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

ἀδελφοί4 of 19

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ὅτι5 of 19

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

σὰρξ6 of 19

flesh

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

καὶ7 of 19

and

G2532

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

αἷμα8 of 19

blood

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

βασιλείαν9 of 19

the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

θεοῦ10 of 19

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

κληρονομεῖ11 of 19

doth

G2816

to be an heir to (literally or figuratively)

οὐ12 of 19

cannot

G3756

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

δύνανται13 of 19
G1410

to be able or possible

οὐδὲ14 of 19

neither

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

15 of 19
G3588

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

φθορὰ16 of 19

corruption

G5356

decay, i.e., ruin (spontaneous or inflicted, literally or figuratively)

τὴν17 of 19
G3588

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

ἀφθαρσίαν18 of 19

incorruption

G861

incorruptibility; genitive, unending existence; (figuratively) genuineness

κληρονομεῖ19 of 19

doth

G2816

to be an heir to (literally or figuratively)


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 15:50 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 15:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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