1 Corinthians 15:45

Authorized King James Version

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὕτως
so
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#2
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#3
γέγραπται
it is written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#4
Ἐγένετο
was made
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#5
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
πρῶτος
The first
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#7
ἄνθρωπος
man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#8
Ἀδὰμ
G76
Adam
adam, the first man; typically (of jesus) man (as his representative)
#9
εἰς
was made
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#10
ψυχὴν
soul
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#11
ζῶσαν
a living
to live (literally or figuratively)
#12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἔσχατος
the last
farthest, final (of place or time)
#14
Ἀδὰμ
G76
Adam
adam, the first man; typically (of jesus) man (as his representative)
#15
εἰς
was made
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#16
πνεῦμα
spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#17
ζῳοποιοῦν
a quickening
to (re-)vitalize (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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