1 Corinthians 15:40
There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
There are also
G2532
καὶ
There are also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σώματα
bodies
G4983
σώματα
bodies
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
2 of 18
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
καὶ
There are also
G2532
καὶ
There are also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σώματα
bodies
G4983
σώματα
bodies
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
5 of 18
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξα
the glory
G1391
δόξα
the glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
13 of 18
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Ancient cosmology distinguished celestial (incorruptible, eternal) and terrestrial (corruptible, temporal) realms. Aristotelian physics made this a metaphysical divide. Paul uses this framework but subverts it—resurrection doesn't mean escaping earthly for celestial (Greek dualism) but transformation of earthly into glorified form suited for new creation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the distinction between celestial and terrestrial glory help us imagine resurrection bodies?
- What does Paul mean by 'glory'—how will resurrection bodies manifest God's glory?
- How does Paul subvert Greek dualism while using its categories to explain resurrection?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial (καὶ σώματα ἐπουράνια, καὶ σώματα ἐπίγεια)—Paul extends analogy from earthly life to cosmic bodies. Epourania sōmata (ἐπουράνια σώματα, "heavenly bodies") refers to sun, moon, stars; epigeia sōmata (ἐπίγεια σώματα, "earthly bodies") to humans and animals. The word sōma (σῶμα, "body") applies to both—physical/material reality takes diverse forms.
But the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another (ἀλλὰ ἑτέρα μὲν ἡ τῶν ἐπουρανίων δόξα, ἑτέρα δὲ ἡ τῶν ἐπιγείων)—The word doxa (δόξα, "glory, splendor, radiance") indicates inherent brightness/majesty. Celestial bodies shine; earthly creatures don't. Yet both have appropriate glory for their sphere. Paul's argument: resurrection bodies will have doxa appropriate to the heavenly realm, different from earthly glory but real and physical.