1 Corinthians 15:13

Authorized King James Version

But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ἀνάστασις

G386

resurrection

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

νεκρῶν

G3498

of the dead

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

οὐκ

G3756

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

ἔστιν

G2076

there be

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

οὐδὲ

G3761

not

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

Χριστὸς

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἐγήγερται·

G1453

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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