1 Corinthians 15:6

Authorized King James Version

After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἔπειτα
After that
thereafter
#2
ὤφθη
he was seen
to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1
#3
ἐπάνω
of above
up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)
#4
πεντακοσίοις
five hundred
five hundred
#5
ἀδελφοῖς
G80
brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#6
ἐφάπαξ
at once
upon one occasion (only)
#7
ἐξ
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#8
ὧν
whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#9
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
πλείους
the greater part
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
#11
μένουσιν
remain
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
#12
ἕως
unto
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#13
ἄρτι
this present
just now
#14
τινὲς
some
some or any person or object
#15
δὲ
but
but, and, etc
#16
καὶ
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ἐκοιμήθησαν·
are fallen asleep
to put to sleep, i.e., (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease

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

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