1 Corinthians 15:47
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 15:47
47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 15 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, redemption, prayer. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-58: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it defends the resurrection as central to Christian faith. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 15:47
47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: Genesis 2:7, Luke 2:11
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 15:45, Genesis 3:19, Isaiah 9:6, John 3:31, 2 Corinthians 5:1