1 Corinthians 15:37
And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃ
that which
G3739
ὃ
that which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
σπείρεις
thou sowest
G4687
σπείρεις
thou sowest
Strong's:
G4687
Word #:
3 of 19
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμα
that body
G4983
σῶμα
that body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
6 of 19
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γενησόμενον
that shall be
G1096
γενησόμενον
that shall be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
8 of 19
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
σπείρεις
thou sowest
G4687
σπείρεις
thou sowest
Strong's:
G4687
Word #:
9 of 19
to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τύχοι
it may chance
G5177
τύχοι
it may chance
Strong's:
G5177
Word #:
14 of 19
akin to the base of g5088 through the idea of effecting; properly, to affect; or (specially), to hit or light upon (as a mark to be reached), i.e., (t
Historical Context
Ancient understanding of botany was observational, not cellular/genetic. Paul's argument doesn't require modern science—it uses visible natural processes to analogize invisible spiritual realities. The seed-plant transformation, observable to all, demonstrates God's power to radically transform while maintaining continuity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the dramatic difference between seed and plant answer concerns about resurrection body's form?
- What does 'bare grain' suggest about our current bodies compared to resurrection bodies?
- How does maintaining identity through transformation help us understand personal continuity in resurrection?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be (καὶ ὃ σπείρεις, οὐ τὸ σῶμα τὸ γενησόμενον σπείρεις)—Paul emphasizes radical transformation. The seed you plant (speireis, σπείρεις) is not the plant that will emerge (to sōma to genesomenon, τὸ σῶμα τὸ γενησόμενον, "the body that will come into being"). An acorn looks nothing like an oak; a grain of wheat nothing like a wheat stalk. Yet there's identity—the oak is the acorn transformed, not a different entity.
But bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain (ἀλλὰ γυμνὸν κόκκον, εἰ τύχοι σίτου ἤ τινος τῶν λοιπῶν)—The word gymnon (γυμνόν, "bare, naked") indicates the seed's simple, unimpressive form. The resurrection body will be as different from the earthly body as a wheat plant from a grain—yet continuous in identity. Paul answers the 'how' question: God transforms radically while preserving identity.