1 Corinthians 15:20

Authorized King James Version

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Νυνὶ

G3570

now

just now

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

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

ἐκ

G1537

from

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

νεκρῶν

G3498

the dead

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ἀπαρχὴ

G536

the firstfruits

a beginning of sacrifice, i.e., the (jewish) first-fruit (figuratively)

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κεκοιμημένων

G2837

of them that slept

to put to sleep, i.e., (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease

#10

ἐγένετο

G1096

and become

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Cross References

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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

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

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