King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:52 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:52 in the King James Version says “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised in... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

1 Corinthians 15:52 · KJV


Context

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.

54

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye (ἐν ἀτόμῳ, ἐν ῥιπῇ ὀφθαλμοῦ)—The phrase en atomō (ἐν ἀτόμῳ) means "in an indivisible unit of time, instantly"—the word atomos (ἄτομος) means "uncuttable," from which English "atom" derives. En rhipē ophthalmou (ἐν ῥιπῇ ὀφθαλμοῦ, "in a twinkling of an eye") describes the fastest movement observable—an eye's blink. The transformation/resurrection happens instantaneously, not gradually.

At the last trump (ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ σάλπιγγι)—The eschatē salpinx (ἐσχάτῃ σάλπιγγι, "last trumpet") signals the eschaton's arrival, God's final action in history (Matthew 24:31, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Revelation 11:15). Jewish festivals used trumpet blasts; the "last trumpet" indicates the final, climactic blast announcing God's kingdom consummation. For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed—simultaneous events: trumpet, resurrection of dead believers, transformation of living believers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Trumpet imagery derives from Old Testament theophanies (Exodus 19:16, Joel 2:1, Zechariah 9:14). The shofar announced God's presence, judgment, and deliverance. Paul uses this imagery to depict Christ's return as divine intervention ending history's present age and inaugurating the age to come—resurrection, judgment, new creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the instantaneous nature of resurrection/transformation indicate about God's power?
  2. How does 'last trumpet' imagery connect to Old Testament theophanies and new creation?
  3. What comfort does the suddenness and certainty of transformation provide to believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἐν1 of 19

In

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἀτόμῳ2 of 19

a moment

G823

uncut, i.e., (by implication) indivisible (an "atom" of time)

ἐν3 of 19

In

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ῥιπῇ4 of 19

the twinkling

G4493

a jerk (of the eye, i.e., (by analogy) an instant)

ὀφθαλμοῦ5 of 19

of an eye

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

ἐν6 of 19

In

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ7 of 19
G3588

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

ἐσχάτῃ8 of 19

the last

G2078

farthest, final (of place or time)

σάλπιγγι·9 of 19

trump

G4536

a trumpet

σαλπίσει10 of 19

the trumpet shall sound

G4537

to trumpet, i.e., sound a blast (literally or figuratively)

γάρ11 of 19

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

καὶ12 of 19

and

G2532

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

οἱ13 of 19
G3588

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

νεκροὶ14 of 19

the dead

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ἐγερθήσονται15 of 19

shall be raised

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

ἄφθαρτοι16 of 19

incorruptible

G862

undecaying (in essence or continuance)

καὶ17 of 19

and

G2532

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

ἡμεῖς18 of 19

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἀλλαγησόμεθα19 of 19

shall 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 15:52 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 15:52 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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