1 Corinthians 15:43
It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
Original Language Analysis
σπείρεται
It is sown
G4687
σπείρεται
It is sown
Strong's:
G4687
Word #:
1 of 12
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
ἀτιμίᾳ
dishonour
G819
ἀτιμίᾳ
dishonour
Strong's:
G819
Word #:
3 of 12
infamy, i.e., (subjectively) comparative indignity, (objectively) disgrace
ἐγείρεται
it is raised
G1453
ἐγείρεται
it is raised
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
4 of 12
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
δόξῃ·
glory
G1391
δόξῃ·
glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
6 of 12
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
σπείρεται
It is sown
G4687
σπείρεται
It is sown
Strong's:
G4687
Word #:
7 of 12
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
ἀσθενείᾳ
weakness
G769
ἀσθενείᾳ
weakness
Strong's:
G769
Word #:
9 of 12
feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty
Cross References
Colossians 3:4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.2 Corinthians 13:4For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.Daniel 12:1And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.Philippians 3:10That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Historical Context
Ancient honor-shame cultures understood death as supreme dishonor—the body, once animated image of God, becomes lifeless flesh requiring disposal. Paul promises reversal: the humiliated body will be glorified, the weakened body empowered. This addresses Greek disdain for the body and offers Christian countervision—embodiment perfected, not escaped.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the dishonor-to-glory transformation vindicate the goodness of embodied existence?
- What 'power' will resurrection bodies possess—what will we be empowered to do?
- How should hope for glorified bodies shape how we treat our present weak, dishonored bodies?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory (σπείρεται ἐν ἀτιμίᾳ, ἐγείρεται ἐν δόξῃ)—The word atimia (ἀτιμία, "dishonor, humiliation, disgrace") describes the indignity of death and burial—bodily functions cease, decay begins, corpse must be hidden in earth. Doxa (δόξα, "glory, radiance, splendor") describes resurrection body sharing Christ's glory (Philippians 3:21: 'he will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body').
It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power (σπείρεται ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ, ἐγείρεται ἐν δυνάμει)—The noun astheneia (ἀσθενεία, "weakness, frailty, infirmity") encompasses physical limitations, fatigue, vulnerability. Death is ultimate weakness—total cessation of strength. Dynamis (δύναμις, "power, strength, capability") describes resurrection vitality—bodies empowered for eternal service, never tiring or weakening (Revelation 7:15-17).