1 Corinthians 15:18
Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
Original Language Analysis
ἄρα
Then
G686
ἄρα
Then
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
1 of 7
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
καὶ
they also
G2532
καὶ
they also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κοιμηθέντες
which are fallen asleep
G2837
κοιμηθέντες
which are fallen asleep
Strong's:
G2837
Word #:
4 of 7
to put to sleep, i.e., (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease
Cross References
Revelation 14:13And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.1 Corinthians 15:6After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.1 Thessalonians 4:16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Historical Context
By AD 55, thousands of Christians had died, many as martyrs (Acts 7:54-60, 12:1-2). Bereaved believers comforted themselves that death was temporary sleep, that resurrection awaited. Paul argues this comfort is either glorious truth or cruel lie—there's no middle ground.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christian comfort for bereaved believers depend entirely on resurrection?
- What hope would remain if death were final—how would this change funeral practices and grief?
- Why does Paul connect the resurrection of past believers with the truth of Christ's resurrection?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished (ἄρα καὶ οἱ κοιμηθέντες ἐν Χριστῷ ἀπώλοντο)—The perfect participle koimēthentes (κοιμηθέντες, "having fallen asleep") is the Christian euphemism for death, implying temporary sleep before resurrection awakening. But if no resurrection, this language is cruel deception. The verb apōlonto (ἀπώλοντο, "perished, were destroyed") indicates total loss, eternal ruin.
This verse devastates Christian hope if resurrection fails. Believers who died trusting Christ's promises—martyrs burned alive, apostles crucified, persecuted saints—would be utterly deceived. Their deaths would be apōleia (destruction), not koimēsis (sleep). Death would be final defeat, not temporary rest. Paul argues this conclusion is intolerable—thus resurrection must be true.