1 Corinthians 15:58

Authorized King James Version

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ὥστε

G5620

Therefore

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

ἀδελφοί

G80

brethren

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

μου

G3450

of me

ἀγαπητοί

G27

beloved

ἑδραῖοι

G1476

stedfast

sedentary, i.e., (by implication) immovable

γίνεσθε

G1096

be ye

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

ἀμετακίνητοι

G277

unmoveable

immovable

περισσεύοντες

G4052

abounding

to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#10

τῷ

G3588

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

#11

ἔργῳ

G2041

the work

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

#12

τοῦ

G3588

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

#13

κυρίῳ

G2962

of the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#14

πάντοτε

G3842

always

every when, i.e., at all times

#15

εἰδότες

G1492

forasmuch as ye know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#16

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#17

ὁ

G3588

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

#18

κόπος

G2873

labour

a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains

#19

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

#20

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#21

ἔστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#22

κενὸς

G2756

in vain

empty (literally or figuratively)

#23

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#24

κυρίῳ

G2962

of the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Galatians 6:9 Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
— Not be weary in well doing
² Hebrews 6:10 Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
— God is not unrighteous

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?

Related Resources

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Topics

Love