King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:53 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:53 in the King James Version says “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 15:53 · KJV

Context

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.

55

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? grave: or, hell

Read 1 Corinthians 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For this corruptible must put on incorruption (δεῖ γὰρ τὸ φθαρτὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσασθαι ἀφθαρσίαν)—The verb dei (δεῖ, "it is necessary, must") indicates divine necessity. The clothing metaphor endysasthai (ἐνδύσασθαι, "to put on, clothe oneself") depicts transformation as putting on new garment over the old. To phtharton (τὸ φθαρτόν, "the corruptible") must be clothed with aphtharsia (ἀφθαρσία, "incorruption, imperishability").

And this mortal must put on immortality (καὶ τὸ θνητὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσασθαι ἀθανασίαν)—Similarly, to thnēton (τὸ θνητόν, "the mortal") must put on athanasia (ἀθανασία, "immortality, deathlessness"). The repetition with synonyms (corruptible/mortal, incorruption/immortality) emphasizes certainty. The clothing metaphor indicates transformation adds to rather than replaces—continuity in transformation. Our bodies don't cease to exist but are gloriously upgraded.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greek philosophy sought immortality through soul's escape from body. Paul teaches bodily transformation—the mortal body doesn't die but is swallowed up by life (2 Corinthians 5:4). This parallels Christ's resurrection—His body wasn't discarded but glorified. The empty tomb proves bodily resurrection; so will believers' resurrection involve transformed, not discarded, bodies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'putting on' metaphor help us understand resurrection as transformation rather than replacement?
  2. What is the difference between 'incorruption' and 'immortality'—why use both terms?
  3. How does divine necessity ('must') assure believers that transformation is certain, not merely possible?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
δεῖ1 of 13

“must”

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

γὰρ2 of 13

“For”

G1063

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

τὸ3 of 13
G3588

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

φθαρτὸν4 of 13

“corruptible”

G5349

decayed, i.e., (by implication) perishable

τοῦτο5 of 13

“this”

G5124

that thing

ἐνδύσασθαι6 of 13

“must put on”

G1746

to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)

ἀφθαρσίαν7 of 13

“incorruption”

G861

incorruptibility; genitive, unending existence; (figuratively) genuineness

καὶ8 of 13

“and”

G2532

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

τὸ9 of 13
G3588

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

θνητὸν10 of 13

“mortal”

G2349

liable to die

τοῦτο11 of 13

“this”

G5124

that thing

ἐνδύσασθαι12 of 13

“must put on”

G1746

to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)

ἀθανασίαν13 of 13

“immortality”

G110

deathlessness

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 15:53 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 15:53 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 5:2-41 John 3:2Ephesians 4:24Romans 2:7Romans 13:12-14Galatians 3:27

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