1 Corinthians 15:58
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.
Original Language Analysis
Ὥστε
Therefore
G5620
Ὥστε
Therefore
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 24
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
2 of 24
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
γίνεσθε
be ye
G1096
γίνεσθε
be ye
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
6 of 24
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
περισσεύοντες
abounding
G4052
περισσεύοντες
abounding
Strong's:
G4052
Word #:
8 of 24
to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργῳ
the work
G2041
ἔργῳ
the work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
11 of 24
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
13 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
εἰδότες
forasmuch as ye know
G1492
εἰδότες
forasmuch as ye know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
15 of 24
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
16 of 24
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόπος
labour
G2873
κόπος
labour
Strong's:
G2873
Word #:
18 of 24
a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains
Cross References
Galatians 6:9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.2 Chronicles 15:7Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.Hebrews 6:10For 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.Philippians 2:16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.1 Corinthians 3:8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.Colossians 1:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;1 Thessalonians 1:3Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;Psalms 55:22Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.Hebrews 13:21Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.1 Corinthians 16:10Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
Historical Context
Paul concludes the greatest resurrection chapter in Scripture with practical application. Doctrine produces duty; orthodoxy produces orthopraxy. Because resurrection is certain, believers can labor sacrificially, knowing nothing done for Christ is wasted. This verse has sustained martyrs, missionaries, and suffering saints across two millennia.
Questions for Reflection
- How does resurrection certainty produce steadfastness and immovability in Christian life?
- What does 'abounding' in the Lord's work look like practically—how does resurrection hope motivate service?
- How does knowing your labor is 'not in vain' enable perseverance through suffering, discouragement, and apparent failure?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore, my beloved brethren (Ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοί)—The conjunction hōste (Ὥστε, "therefore, so then") draws practical conclusion from resurrection doctrine (vv. 1-57). The affectionate address adelphoi mou agapētoi (ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοί, "my beloved brothers") shows pastoral warmth after intense theological argument.
Be ye stedfast, unmoveable (ἑδραῖοι γίνεσθε, ἀμετακίνητοι)—The present imperative ginesthe (γίνεσθε, "become, be") indicates ongoing command. Hedraioi (ἑδραῖοι, "steadfast, firm, settled") depicts solid foundation, immovable stability. Ametakinētoi (ἀμετακίνητοι, "immovable, unshakeable") adds emphasis—not moved from the gospel foundation. Resurrection hope produces perseverance (1 Thessalonians 1:3, Hebrews 6:19).
Always abounding in the work of the Lord (περισσεύοντες ἐν τῷ ἔργῳ τοῦ κυρίου πάντοτε)—The present participle perisseuontes (περισσεύοντες, "abounding, overflowing, excelling") indicates lavish, generous, abundant labor. En tō ergō tou kyriou (ἐν τῷ ἔργῳ τοῦ κυρίου, "in the work of the Lord") encompasses all kingdom service. Forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (εἰδότες ὅτι ὁ κόπος ὑμῶν οὐκ ἔστιν κενὸς ἐν κυρίῳ)—The perfect participle eidotes (εἰδότες, "knowing") indicates settled conviction. Kopos (κόπος, "labor, toil, hard work") is never kenos (κενός, "empty, vain") in the Lord. Resurrection guarantees Christian service is never wasted—all kingdom labor will be vindicated and rewarded.