1 Corinthians 15:48
As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
Original Language Analysis
οἷος
As
G3634
οἷος
As
Strong's:
G3634
Word #:
1 of 15
such or what sort of (as a correlation or exclamation); especially the neuter (adverbially) with negative, not so
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χοϊκοί
is the earthy
G5517
χοϊκοί
is the earthy
Strong's:
G5517
Word #:
3 of 15
dusty or dirty (soil-like), i.e., (by implication) terrene
τοιοῦτοι
such
G5108
τοιοῦτοι
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
4 of 15
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χοϊκοί
is the earthy
G5517
χοϊκοί
is the earthy
Strong's:
G5517
Word #:
7 of 15
dusty or dirty (soil-like), i.e., (by implication) terrene
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἷος
As
G3634
οἷος
As
Strong's:
G3634
Word #:
9 of 15
such or what sort of (as a correlation or exclamation); especially the neuter (adverbially) with negative, not so
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοιοῦτοι
such
G5108
τοιοῦτοι
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
12 of 15
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Historical Context
Federal theology (covenant headship) developed from Pauline Adam-Christ typology. The Westminster Confession (7.2-3) articulates covenant of works (Adam) and covenant of grace (Christ). Believers' union with Christ—legal, vital, and mystical—transfers them from Adam's condemnation to Christ's righteousness and resurrection life.
Questions for Reflection
- How does being 'in Adam' or 'in Christ' determine our nature and destiny?
- What does it mean that believers are 'heavenly ones'—how does this shape present identity?
- How is union with Christ formed—what unites believers to Christ's headship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy (οἷος ὁ χοϊκός, τοιοῦτοι καὶ οἱ χοϊκοί)—The demonstrative pronouns hoios (οἷος, "such as") and toioutoi (τοιοῦτοι, "such, of such kind") indicate likeness and correspondence. All humanity "in Adam" shares his earthy, mortal nature. We bear his image (Genesis 5:3)—not merely physical resemblance but shared nature, condition, and destiny. Under Adamic headship, all die (v. 22).
And as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly (καὶ οἷος ὁ ἐπουράνιος, τοιοῦτοι καὶ οἱ ἐπουράνιοι)—Similarly, believers "in Christ" share His heavenly nature. Through faith-union with Christ, believers are transferred from Adamic to Christic headship. The phrase hoi epouranioi (οἱ ἐπουράνιοι, "the heavenly ones") describes believers' future resurrection state, not present condition. We will be like Christ—bearing His resurrection body's character (1 John 3:2).