1 Corinthians 15:17

Authorized King James Version

And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰ
if
if, whether, that, etc
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
Χριστὸς
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#4
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#5
ἐγήγερται
be
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
#6
ματαία
is vain
empty, i.e., (literally) profitless, or (specially), an idol
#7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
πίστις
faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
#9
ὑμῶν
your
of (from or concerning) you
#10
ἔτι
yet
"yet," still (of time or degree)
#11
ἐστὲ
ye are
ye are
#12
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#13
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἁμαρτίαις
sins
a sin (properly abstract)
#15
ὑμῶν
your
of (from or concerning) you

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of faith reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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