King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:58 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:58 in the King James Version says “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye kn...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 15:58 · KJV

Context

56

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore, my beloved brethren (Ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοί)—The conjunction hōste (Ὥστε, "therefore, so then") draws practical conclusion from resurrection doctrine (vv. 1-57). The affectionate address adelphoi mou agapētoi (ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοί, "my beloved brothers") shows pastoral warmth after intense theological argument.

Be ye stedfast, unmoveable (ἑδραῖοι γίνεσθε, ἀμετακίνητοι)—The present imperative ginesthe (γίνεσθε, "become, be") indicates ongoing command. Hedraioi (ἑδραῖοι, "steadfast, firm, settled") depicts solid foundation, immovable stability. Ametakinētoi (ἀμετακίνητοι, "immovable, unshakeable") adds emphasis—not moved from the gospel foundation. Resurrection hope produces perseverance (1 Thessalonians 1:3, Hebrews 6:19).

Always abounding in the work of the Lord (περισσεύοντες ἐν τῷ ἔργῳ τοῦ κυρίου πάντοτε)—The present participle perisseuontes (περισσεύοντες, "abounding, overflowing, excelling") indicates lavish, generous, abundant labor. En tō ergō tou kyriou (ἐν τῷ ἔργῳ τοῦ κυρίου, "in the work of the Lord") encompasses all kingdom service. Forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (εἰδότες ὅτι ὁ κόπος ὑμῶν οὐκ ἔστιν κενὸς ἐν κυρίῳ)—The perfect participle eidotes (εἰδότες, "knowing") indicates settled conviction. Kopos (κόπος, "labor, toil, hard work") is never kenos (κενός, "empty, vain") in the Lord. Resurrection guarantees Christian service is never wasted—all kingdom labor will be vindicated and rewarded.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul concludes the greatest resurrection chapter in Scripture with practical application. Doctrine produces duty; orthodoxy produces orthopraxy. Because resurrection is certain, believers can labor sacrificially, knowing nothing done for Christ is wasted. This verse has sustained martyrs, missionaries, and suffering saints across two millennia.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does resurrection certainty produce steadfastness and immovability in Christian life?
  2. What does 'abounding' in the Lord's work look like practically—how does resurrection hope motivate service?
  3. How does knowing your labor is 'not in vain' enable perseverance through suffering, discouragement, and apparent failure?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
Ὥστε1 of 24

“Therefore”

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

ἀδελφοί2 of 24

“brethren”

G80

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

μου3 of 24

“my”

G3450

of me

ἀγαπητοί4 of 24

“beloved”

G27

beloved

ἑδραῖοι5 of 24

“stedfast”

G1476

sedentary, i.e., (by implication) immovable

γίνεσθε6 of 24

“be ye”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἀμετακίνητοι7 of 24

“unmoveable”

G277

immovable

περισσεύοντες8 of 24

“abounding”

G4052

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

ἐν9 of 24

“in”

G1722

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

τῷ10 of 24
G3588

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

ἔργῳ11 of 24

“the work”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

τοῦ12 of 24
G3588

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

κυρίῳ13 of 24

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

πάντοτε14 of 24

“always”

G3842

every when, i.e., at all times

εἰδότες15 of 24

“forasmuch as ye know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι16 of 24

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὁ17 of 24
G3588

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

κόπος18 of 24

“labour”

G2873

a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains

ὑμῶν19 of 24

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

οὐκ20 of 24

“not”

G3756

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

ἔστιν21 of 24

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

κενὸς22 of 24

“in vain”

G2756

empty (literally or figuratively)

ἐν23 of 24

“in”

G1722

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

κυρίῳ24 of 24

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

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 15:58 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 15:58 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 6:92 Chronicles 15:7Hebrews 6:10Philippians 2:161 Corinthians 3:82 Peter 3:17-18

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