1 Corinthians 15:49
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φορέσομεν
bear
G5409
φορέσομεν
bear
Strong's:
G5409
Word #:
3 of 13
to have a burden, i.e., (by analogy) to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰκόνα
the image
G1504
εἰκόνα
the image
Strong's:
G1504
Word #:
5 of 13
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χοϊκοῦ
of the earthy
G5517
χοϊκοῦ
of the earthy
Strong's:
G5517
Word #:
7 of 13
dusty or dirty (soil-like), i.e., (by implication) terrene
φορέσομεν
bear
G5409
φορέσομεν
bear
Strong's:
G5409
Word #:
8 of 13
to have a burden, i.e., (by analogy) to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰκόνα
the image
G1504
εἰκόνα
the image
Strong's:
G1504
Word #:
11 of 13
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
Cross References
Romans 8:29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.2 Corinthians 3:18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.Genesis 5:3And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth: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.1 John 3:2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Historical Context
Image of God theology traces from Genesis 1:26 through Romans 8:29 to 1 John 3:2. The fall marred but didn't erase God's image (Genesis 9:6, James 3:9). Redemption restores God's image morally (Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 3:10) and will restore it physically in resurrection (Philippians 3:21). Christ is the perfect image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4, Colossians 1:15); believers are being transformed into that image.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'bear the image' of Adam vs. Christ—how do these images differ?
- How does progressive sanctification (bearing Christ's moral image) relate to final glorification (bearing His resurrection body)?
- What comfort does the certainty of bearing Christ's image ('we shall') provide to struggling believers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And as we have borne the image of the earthy (καὶ καθὼς ἐφορέσαμεν τὴν εἰκόνα τοῦ χοϊκοῦ)—The verb ephoresamen (ἐφορέσαμεν, "we bore, wore") uses clothing metaphor. Eikōn (εἰκόνα, "image") connects to Genesis 1:26-27—humans are created in God's image but after the fall bear Adam's fallen image: mortality, sinfulness, corruption. We've "worn" Adam's nature like a garment defining us.
We shall also bear the image of the heavenly (φορέσομεν καὶ τὴν εἰκόνα τοῦ ἐπουρανίου)—The future tense phoresomen (φορέσομεν, "we shall bear, wear") indicates certainty, not mere possibility. Believers will bear Christ's image—righteousness, glory, incorruption, immortality. This is glorification, the final stage of salvation (Romans 8:29-30: "predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son"). Sanctification progressively conforms us to Christ's moral image; glorification will conform us to His resurrection body. Some manuscripts read imperative ("let us bear") rather than future, but context favors future—this is promise, not exhortation.