1 Corinthians 15:2
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
Original Language Analysis
δι'
By
G1223
δι'
By
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
οὗ
which
G3739
οὗ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σῴζεσθε
ye are saved
G4982
σῴζεσθε
ye are saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
4 of 15
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
λόγῳ
G3056
λόγῳ
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
6 of 15
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
εὐηγγελισάμην
I preached
G2097
εὐηγγελισάμην
I preached
Strong's:
G2097
Word #:
7 of 15
to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
κατέχετε
ye keep
G2722
κατέχετε
ye keep
Strong's:
G2722
Word #:
10 of 15
to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ἐκτὸς
unless
G1622
ἐκτὸς
unless
Strong's:
G1622
Word #:
11 of 15
the exterior; figuratively (as a preposition) aside from, besides
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
13 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Hebrews 3:6But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.Hebrews 2:1Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.Hebrews 3:14For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;Colossians 1:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;Ephesians 2:8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:1 Corinthians 1:18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.2 Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,Hebrews 10:23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)James 2:14What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?James 2:26For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Historical Context
The concept of 'vain faith' would have been shocking to Corinthian believers who prided themselves on spiritual gifts (chapters 12-14). Paul argues that spectacular gifts mean nothing if the resurrection is denied—the entire Christian edifice collapses without it.
Questions for Reflection
- What distinguishes 'keeping in memory' from mere mental assent to doctrinal propositions?
- How might Christians today 'believe in vain' by affirming resurrection intellectually while living as functional materialists?
- What does it mean that salvation is an ongoing present reality, not merely a past decision?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
By which also ye are saved (δι' οὗ καὶ σῴζεσθε, di' hou kai sōzesthe)—The present tense verb indicates ongoing salvation, not merely a past event. Paul connects salvation directly to keeping in memory (κατέχετε, katechete), meaning to hold fast, retain firmly. This is not mere intellectual recall but active, persevering faith.
The phrase unless ye have believed in vain (εἰκῇ ἐπιστεύσατε, eikē episteusate) uses eikē ("without purpose, groundlessly") to indicate belief without foundation. Paul is not questioning the genuineness of their initial faith but warning that denying resurrection empties that faith of meaning. If resurrection is false, belief itself becomes eikē—purposeless.