1 Corinthians 15:54

Authorized King James Version

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὅταν

G3752

when

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

δὲ

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φθαρτὸν

G5349

corruptible

decayed, i.e., (by implication) perishable

τοῦτο

G5124

this

that thing

ἐνδύσηται

G1746

shall have put on

to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)

ἀφθαρσίαν

G861

incorruption

incorruptibility; genitive, unending existence; (figuratively) genuineness

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

θνητὸν

G2349

mortal

liable to die

#11

τοῦτο

G5124

this

that thing

#12

ἐνδύσηται

G1746

shall have put on

to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)

#13

ἀθανασίαν

G110

immortality

deathlessness

#14

τότε

G5119

then

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

#15

γενήσεται

G1096

shall be brought to pass

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#16

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

λόγος

G3056

the saying

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#18

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

γεγραμμένος

G1125

that is written

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

#20

Κατεπόθη

G2666

is swallowed up

to drink down, i.e., gulp entire (literally or figuratively)

#21

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

θάνατος

G2288

Death

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

#23

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#24

νῖκος

G3534

victory

a conquest (concretely), i.e., (by implication) triumph

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

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Corinthians chapter 15 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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