1 Corinthians 15:29

Authorized King James Version

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?

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἐπεὶ

G1893

Else

thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)

τί

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ποιήσουσιν

G4160

shall they do

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

οἱ

G3588

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

βαπτίζονται

G907

are they then baptized

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

G5228

for

"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

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

νεκρῶν

G3498

the dead

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#10

ὅλως

G3654

at all

completely, i.e., altogether; (by analogy), everywhere; (negatively) not by any means

#11

νεκρῶν

G3498

the dead

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

#12

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#13

ἐγείρονται

G1453

rise

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

#14

τί

G5101

what

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

#15

καὶ

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

βαπτίζονται

G907

are they then baptized

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

#17

ὑπὲρ

G5228

for

"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

#18

τῶν

G3588

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

#19

νεκρῶν

G3498

the dead

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Corinthians.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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