1 Corinthians 15:32

Authorized King James Version

If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

κατὰ

G2596

after the manner

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἄνθρωπον

G444

of men

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐθηριομάχησα

G2341

I have fought with beasts

to be a beast-fighter (in the gladiatorial show), i.e., (figuratively) to encounter (furious men)

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Ἐφέσῳ

G2181

Ephesus

ephesus, a city of asia minor

τί

G5101

what

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

μοι

G3427

to me

τὸ

G3588

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

#10

ὄφελος

G3786

advantageth it

gain

#11

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#12

νεκροὶ

G3498

the dead

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

#13

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

#14

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

#15

Φάγωμεν

G5315

let us eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#17

πίωμεν

G4095

drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#18

αὔριον

G839

to morrow

properly, fresh, i.e., (adverb with ellipsis of g2250) to-morrow

#19

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#20

ἀποθνῄσκομεν

G599

we die

to die off (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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?
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?
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?

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