1 Corinthians 15:39

Authorized King James Version

All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὐ

G3756

is not

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

πᾶσα

G3956

All

all, any, every, the whole

σὰρξ

G4561

flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

ἡ

G3588

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

αὐτὴ

G846

the same

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

σὰρξ

G4561

flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἄλλη

G243

another

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

μὲν

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

#10

σὰρξ

G4561

flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

#11

ἀνθρώπων

G444

of men

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

#12

ἄλλη

G243

another

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

#13

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#14

σὰρξ

G4561

flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

#15

κτηνῶν

G2934

of beasts

property, i.e., (specially) a domestic animal

#16

ἄλλη

G243

another

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

#17

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#18

ἰχθύων

G2486

of fishes

a fish

#19

ἄλλη

G243

another

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

#20

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#21

πτηνῶν

G4421

of birds

a bird

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Love