1 Corinthians 15:12
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
Original Language Analysis
κηρύσσεται
be preached
G2784
κηρύσσεται
be preached
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
4 of 18
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
6 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἐγήγερται
he rose
G1453
ἐγήγερται
he rose
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
8 of 18
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
9 of 18
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
λέγουσίν
say
G3004
λέγουσίν
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
14 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀνάστασις
resurrection
G386
ἀνάστασις
resurrection
Strong's:
G386
Word #:
15 of 18
a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor
Cross References
Acts 26:8Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?Acts 17:32And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.Acts 23:8For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.2 Timothy 2:18Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.2 Thessalonians 2:17Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
Historical Context
Greek philosophy viewed the body as a prison (Plato's Phaedo: 'soma sēma'—'the body is a tomb'). Immortality of the soul, yes; resurrection of the body, absurd. Stoics and Epicureans at Athens mocked Paul when he mentioned resurrection (Acts 17:32). Corinthian believers, immersed in this culture, struggled to embrace bodily resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern worldviews parallel Greek dualism in devaluing physical embodiment?
- Why is it logically inconsistent to affirm Christ's resurrection while denying general resurrection?
- How does Greek philosophical disdain for the body contradict the biblical doctrine of creation and incarnation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead (Εἰ δὲ Χριστὸς κηρύσσεται ὅτι ἐκ νεκρῶν ἐγήγερται)—Paul begins his logical argument. The perfect tense egēgertai (ἐγήγερται, "has been raised") indicates completed action with ongoing results. Christ's resurrection is the foundation of apostolic preaching (kēryssō, κηρύσσω, "to herald").
How say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? (πῶς λέγουσιν ἐν ὑμῖν τινες ὅτι ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν οὐκ ἔστιν;)—The word anastasis (ἀνάστασις) means "standing up again," physical bodily resurrection. Greek philosophical dualism, especially Platonism and Epicureanism, denied bodily resurrection as undesirable (Acts 17:32). Some Corinthians, influenced by this worldview, accepted Christ's unique resurrection but denied general resurrection—a logically incoherent position Paul demolishes.