1 Corinthians 15:29
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
Original Language Analysis
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
2 of 19
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ποιήσουσιν
shall they do
G4160
ποιήσουσιν
shall they do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
3 of 19
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βαπτίζονται
are they then baptized
G907
βαπτίζονται
are they then baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
5 of 19
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
6 of 19
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅλως
at all
G3654
ὅλως
at all
Strong's:
G3654
Word #:
10 of 19
completely, i.e., altogether; (by analogy), everywhere; (negatively) not by any means
ἐγείρονται
rise
G1453
ἐγείρονται
rise
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
13 of 19
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
14 of 19
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
βαπτίζονται
are they then baptized
G907
βαπτίζονται
are they then baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
16 of 19
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
17 of 19
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
Cross References
Historical Context
Church fathers offered various interpretations. The Mormon practice of baptism for the dead claims this verse as support, but Paul's grammar ("they," not "we") distances himself. Most likely, some Corinthian Christians practiced vicarious baptism—perhaps influenced by pagan Greek customs—and Paul uses it as *reductio*: even this shows you believe in resurrection, so why deny it?
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul mention a practice without explicitly endorsing or condemning it?
- How does this verse demonstrate Paul's rhetorical skill in using opponents' own practices against their position?
- What does this teach about distinguishing between apostolic teaching and cultural practices Paul references?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead? (Ἐπεὶ τί ποιήσουσιν οἱ βαπτιζόμενοι ὑπὲρ τῶν νεκρῶν;)—This is one of the New Testament's most puzzling verses. The phrase baptizomenoi hyper tōn nekrōn (βαπτιζόμενοι ὑπὲρ τῶν νεκρῶν, "being baptized on behalf of the dead") has spawned dozens of interpretations. Paul likely references a Corinthian practice ("they," not "we") of vicarious baptism for deceased believers who died before baptism. Paul doesn't endorse it but uses it *ad hominem*—even this questionable practice presumes resurrection belief.
If the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead? (εἰ ὅλως νεκροὶ οὐκ ἐγείρονται, τί καὶ βαπτίζονται ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν;)—Paul's argument: why undergo any ritual for the dead if death is final? The practice only makes sense if resurrection occurs. This is pragmatic argument, not doctrinal endorsement of proxy baptism (a practice unknown elsewhere in Scripture).