King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:51 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:51 in the King James Version says “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 15:51 · KJV

Context

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.

53

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

Read 1 Corinthians 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, I shew you a mystery (ἰδοὺ μυστήριον ὑμῖν λέγω)—The word mystērion (μυστήριον, "mystery, secret") refers to truth previously hidden, now revealed by God (Romans 16:25, Ephesians 3:3-6). The imperative idou (ἰδού, "behold, look") demands attention. Paul unveils something startling: not all believers will die before resurrection.

We shall not all sleep (πάντες οὐ κοιμηθησόμεθα)—The verb koimēthēsometha (κοιμηθησόμεθα, "we will sleep") uses Christian euphemism for death. Paul includes himself ("we")—he expected Christ might return in his lifetime (1 Thessalonians 4:15). Some believers will be alive at the parousia. But we shall all be changed (πάντες δὲ ἀλλαγησόμεθα)—the future passive verb allagēsometha (ἀλλαγησόμεθα, "we shall be changed") indicates divine action. All believers, whether dead (resurrected) or living (transformed), will receive resurrection bodies.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christians expected Christ's imminent return (Acts 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, James 5:8). Paul writes to clarify what happens to those alive at the parousia—they won't be disadvantaged compared to deceased saints. Both groups receive resurrection bodies simultaneously, though through different processes (resurrection vs. transformation).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul call this a 'mystery'—what was previously hidden that's now revealed?
  2. How does the promise that living believers will be transformed address concerns about 'missing out'?
  3. What does it mean to be 'changed'—how does transformation differ from resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἰδού,1 of 11

“Behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

μυστήριον2 of 11

“a mystery”

G3466

a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)

ὑμῖν3 of 11

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

λέγω·4 of 11

“I shew”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

πάντες5 of 11

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

μὲν6 of 11
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

οὐ7 of 11

“not”

G3756

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

κοιμηθησόμεθα8 of 11

“We shall”

G2837

to put to sleep, i.e., (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease

πάντες9 of 11

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

δὲ10 of 11

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀλλαγησόμεθα11 of 11

“be changed”

G236

to make different

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 15:51 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 15:51 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 4:14-17Philippians 3:211 Corinthians 15:20Ephesians 1:91 Corinthians 4:11 Corinthians 2:7

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