1 Corinthians 15:19
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταύτῃ
G3778
ταύτῃ
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
5 of 14
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
Cross References
1 Peter 1:21Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.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.2 Timothy 1:12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.Luke 21:34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.2 Timothy 3:12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.Ecclesiastes 6:11Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?1 Thessalonians 1:3Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;Luke 8:14And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
Historical Context
Christian life in the first century meant social ostracism, economic hardship, family rejection, legal persecution, and often martyrdom. If death ended all, believers sacrificed everything for nothing. Epicurean philosophy ("eat, drink, be merry, for tomorrow we die") would be wiser. Only resurrection justifies Christian suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's 'most miserable' argument challenge those who see Christianity as merely helpful mythology?
- What sacrifices do Christians make that are only rational if resurrection is true?
- How should the certainty of resurrection shape Christian willingness to suffer for Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If in this life only we have hope in Christ (εἰ ἐν τῇ ζωῇ ταύτῃ ἐν Χριστῷ ἠλπικότες ἐσμέν μόνον)—The perfect participle ēlpikotes (ἠλπικότες, "having hoped") with monon (μόνον, "only") indicates hope confined to earthly existence. If Christianity offers merely improved mortality—better ethics, religious feelings, community—without defeating death, it's pathetic.
We are of all men most miserable (ἐλεεινότεροι πάντων ἀνθρώπων ἐσμέν)—The comparative adjective eleeinoteroi (ἐλεεινότεροι, "more pitiable") is striking. Christians sacrifice worldly pleasures, face persecution, die as martyrs—for what? If death ends all, believers are deluded fools, deserving pity. Paul's logic: Christianity is either gloriously true or pathetically false. There's no middle ground where it's "helpful though not literally true." Resurrection is the linchpin.