1 Corinthians 15:47
The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξ
from
G1537
ἐξ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
γῆς
the earth
G1093
γῆς
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
5 of 13
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
χοϊκός
earthy
G5517
χοϊκός
earthy
Strong's:
G5517
Word #:
6 of 13
dusty or dirty (soil-like), i.e., (by implication) terrene
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεύτερος
the second
G1208
δεύτερος
the second
Strong's:
G1208
Word #:
8 of 13
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κύριος
is the Lord
G2962
Κύριος
is the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
11 of 13
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
John 3:31He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.Genesis 2:7And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.Genesis 3:19In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.Isaiah 9:6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.1 Corinthians 15:45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.2 Corinthians 5:1For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.Luke 2:11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Historical Context
Paul's Adam-Christ typology is covenantal, not merely biological. Adam is federal head of old humanity under the covenant of works; Christ is federal head of new humanity under the covenant of grace. Adam's earthy origin means all "in Adam" are earthy/mortal. Christ's heavenly origin means all "in Christ" will be heavenly/glorified.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Adam's 'earthy' nature explain universal human mortality and limitation?
- What does Christ being 'from heaven' indicate about His person and mission?
- How are believers transferred from Adamic headship to Christic headship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The first man is of the earth, earthy (ὁ πρῶτος ἄνθρωπος ἐκ γῆς χοϊκός)—The word choikos (χοϊκός, "dusty, made of dust") echoes Genesis 2:7: Adam formed from aphar (עָפָר, "dust"). Ek gēs (ἐκ γῆς, "from earth") indicates Adam's origin and nature—earthly, terrestrial, mortal. Humans in Adam share his earthy nature: mortal, subject to decay, limited to earthly sphere.
The second man is the Lord from heaven (ὁ δεύτερος ἄνθρωπος ἐξ οὐρανοῦ)—Christ is ho deuteros anthrōpos (ὁ δεύτερος ἄνθρωπος, "the second man"), though some manuscripts read "the second man, the Lord from heaven." Ex ouranou (ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, "from heaven") indicates Christ's origin and nature. Though incarnated in flesh, Christ's true origin is heavenly—the eternal Son who became human (John 1:14, Philippians 2:6-7). In His resurrection, Christ's human nature is glorified, suited for the heavenly realm.