1 Corinthians 15:22
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἀδὰμ
Adam
G76
Ἀδὰμ
Adam
Strong's:
G76
Word #:
5 of 14
adam, the first man; typically (of jesus) man (as his representative)
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Genesis 3:19In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.Genesis 2:17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.Genesis 3:6And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures understood corporate personality—the king represented the nation, the patriarch represented the family. Paul applies this to Adam and Christ as representative heads of two humanities: old creation in Adam, new creation in Christ. This was revolutionary theology, grounding individual salvation in corporate realities.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to be 'in Adam' or 'in Christ'—how are these representative unions formed?
- Why is federal headship necessary—why can't we each simply be responsible for our own actions?
- How does being 'made alive in Christ' involve more than just going to heaven when we die?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For as in Adam all die (ὥσπερ γὰρ ἐν τῷ Ἀδὰμ πάντες ἀποθνῄσκουσιν)—The phrase en tō Adam ("in Adam") indicates federal headship and representative union. All humanity is in Adam—connected to him as branches to root, represented by him as citizens by ruler. His sin becomes ours; his death penalty we inherit. The present tense apothnēskousin (ἀποθνῄσκουσιν, "die, are dying") indicates ongoing process—we are all under death sentence because we are "in Adam."
Even so in Christ shall all be made alive (οὕτως καὶ ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ πάντες ζωοποιηθήσονται)—The phrase en tō Christō ("in Christ") indicates new federal headship. Through faith-union with Christ, believers are transferred from Adam's headship to Christ's. The future passive verb zōopoiēthēsontai (ζωοποιηθήσονται, "will be made alive") indicates God's action—resurrection is gift, not achievement. The "all" here is qualified by "in Christ"—not universal salvation, but all united to Christ will be resurrected.