1 Corinthians 15:53
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
Original Language Analysis
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
1 of 13
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐνδύσασθαι
must put on
G1746
ἐνδύσασθαι
must put on
Strong's:
G1746
Word #:
6 of 13
to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)
ἀφθαρσίαν
incorruption
G861
ἀφθαρσίαν
incorruption
Strong's:
G861
Word #:
7 of 13
incorruptibility; genitive, unending existence; (figuratively) genuineness
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
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.Ephesians 4:24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.Romans 2:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:Galatians 3:27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Historical Context
Greek philosophy sought immortality through soul's escape from body. Paul teaches bodily transformation—the mortal body doesn't die but is swallowed up by life (2 Corinthians 5:4). This parallels Christ's resurrection—His body wasn't discarded but glorified. The empty tomb proves bodily resurrection; so will believers' resurrection involve transformed, not discarded, bodies.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the 'putting on' metaphor help us understand resurrection as transformation rather than replacement?
- What is the difference between 'incorruption' and 'immortality'—why use both terms?
- How does divine necessity ('must') assure believers that transformation is certain, not merely possible?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For this corruptible must put on incorruption (δεῖ γὰρ τὸ φθαρτὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσασθαι ἀφθαρσίαν)—The verb dei (δεῖ, "it is necessary, must") indicates divine necessity. The clothing metaphor endysasthai (ἐνδύσασθαι, "to put on, clothe oneself") depicts transformation as putting on new garment over the old. To phtharton (τὸ φθαρτόν, "the corruptible") must be clothed with aphtharsia (ἀφθαρσία, "incorruption, imperishability").
And this mortal must put on immortality (καὶ τὸ θνητὸν τοῦτο ἐνδύσασθαι ἀθανασίαν)—Similarly, to thnēton (τὸ θνητόν, "the mortal") must put on athanasia (ἀθανασία, "immortality, deathlessness"). The repetition with synonyms (corruptible/mortal, incorruption/immortality) emphasizes certainty. The clothing metaphor indicates transformation adds to rather than replaces—continuity in transformation. Our bodies don't cease to exist but are gloriously upgraded.