1 Corinthians 15:21
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
3 of 11
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θάνατος
came death
G2288
θάνατος
came death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
6 of 11
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
came also
G2532
καὶ
came also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
8 of 11
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Cross References
John 11:25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:1 Corinthians 15:22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Historical Context
Jewish theology understood death as consequence of Adam's sin (Genesis 3, Sirach 25:24, 4 Ezra 3:7). But Judaism lacked a clear Redeemer figure who would reverse Adamic curse through his own human obedience. Paul's innovation is identifying Jesus as the Last Adam (v. 45) whose resurrection inaugurates new humanity.
Questions for Reflection
- Why must Christ be fully human to accomplish resurrection—why couldn't God simply decree it?
- How does the parallelism between Adam and Christ demonstrate the biblical narrative's unity?
- What does it mean that Christ reverses Adam's curse—how is resurrection connected to Genesis 3?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For since by man came death (ἐπειδὴ γὰρ δι' ἀνθρώπου θάνατος)—Paul introduces Adam-Christ typology, developed further in Romans 5:12-21. The preposition dia (διά, "through, by means of") indicates agency—death entered human experience through Adam's sin (Genesis 3:19, Romans 5:12). Thanatos (θάνατος, "death") encompasses physical death, spiritual separation from God, and eternal condemnation.
By man came also the resurrection of the dead (καὶ δι' ἀνθρώπου ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν)—The symmetry is deliberate: human agency brought death, human agency brings resurrection. But the parallel contains contrast—Adam brought death involuntarily through sin; Christ brought resurrection voluntarily through obedience. Both are anthrōpos (ἄνθρωπος, "man, human"), genuinely human. Christ's true humanity is essential—only human can represent humanity.