1 Corinthians 15:42
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνάστασις
is the resurrection
G386
ἀνάστασις
is the resurrection
Strong's:
G386
Word #:
4 of 12
a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σπείρεται
It is sown
G4687
σπείρεται
It is sown
Strong's:
G4687
Word #:
7 of 12
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
φθορᾷ
corruption
G5356
φθορᾷ
corruption
Strong's:
G5356
Word #:
9 of 12
decay, i.e., ruin (spontaneous or inflicted, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Matthew 13:43Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.Daniel 12:3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.Romans 8:21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.1 Peter 1:4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,Isaiah 38:17Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.Acts 2:31He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.Acts 2:27Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.Psalms 49:14Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.Psalms 16:10For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.Job 17:14I have said to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worm, Thou art my mother, and my sister.
Historical Context
Ancient burial practices planted bodies in earth, often in fetal position, symbolizing return to womb of earth. Paul baptizes this imagery—burial is sowing seed that will sprout in resurrection. The corruption-incorruption contrast addresses Greek philosophical objection: decay proves body is inferior, unworthy of eternal existence. Paul counters: God transforms the corruptible into incorruptible.
Questions for Reflection
- How does treating burial as 'sowing' change our view of Christian funerals and graveyards?
- What does 'incorruption' mean practically—will resurrection bodies never age, tire, or experience pain?
- How does transformation (not replacement) of the body preserve personal identity and continuity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
So also is the resurrection of the dead (οὕτως καὶ ἡ ἀνάστασις τῶν νεκρῶν)—Paul applies the analogies (vv. 36-41) to resurrection. The word houtōs (οὕτως, "so, thus, in this manner") indicates the seed-plant and terrestrial-celestial comparisons explain resurrection. What follows are four contrasts describing transformation from earthly to resurrection body.
It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption (σπείρεται ἐν φθορᾷ, ἐγείρεται ἐν ἀφθαρσίᾳ)—The verb speiretai (σπείρεται, "is sown") treats burial as planting. Phthora (φθορά, "corruption, decay, perishability") describes earthly bodies subject to disease, aging, death, decomposition. Aphtharsia (ἀφθαρσία, "incorruption, imperishability") describes resurrection bodies immune to decay, aging, death. The resurrection body is the earthly body gloriously transformed, not replaced.