1 Corinthians 15:16

KJV

For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} if {G1487} the dead {G3498} rise {G1453} not {G3756}, then is {G1453} not {G3761} Christ {G5547} raised {G1453}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For if the dead are not raised, then the Messiah has not been raised either;

Berean Standard Bible

For if the dead are not raised, then not even Christ has been raised.

American Standard Version

For if the dead are not raised, neither hath Christ been raised:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 15:16, the Apostle Paul presents a foundational logical argument concerning the resurrection: if a general resurrection of the dead is impossible or does not occur, then it necessarily follows that Christ himself could not have been raised. This verse serves as a critical link in Paul's comprehensive defense of the bodily resurrection, asserting that the very possibility of Christ's resurrection is inextricably tied to the broader reality of resurrection for all. It underscores the profound theological implications of denying this core Christian doctrine, revealing how such a denial undermines the entire framework of Christian faith and hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the fifteenth chapter of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, a chapter entirely devoted to the doctrine of the resurrection. Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians of the gospel message they received, emphasizing Christ's death, burial, and resurrection as historical facts attested by many witnesses ([1 Corinthians 15:1-11](/1_corinthians/15-1-11 "1 Corinthians 15:1-11 - The Gospel and Witnesses to the Resurrection")). He then addresses a specific theological error prevalent among some in the Corinthian church: the denial of a future resurrection of the dead ([1 Corinthians 15:12](/1_corinthians/15-12 "1 Corinthians 15:12 - Doubts about the Resurrection")). Verses [1 Corinthians 15:13-19](/1_corinthians/15-13-19 "1 Corinthians 15:13-19 - The Consequences of Denying the Resurrection") form a powerful *reductio ad absurdum* argument, where Paul systematically demonstrates the catastrophic consequences of denying the resurrection, leading to the conclusion that if the dead do not rise, then Christ has not risen, rendering faith futile and hope nonexistent. Verse 16 is a direct and forceful restatement of this central premise, reinforcing the logical necessity of the resurrection for the entire Christian worldview.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub deeply influenced by various philosophical schools of thought prevalent in the Greco-Roman world. Many of these philosophies, particularly Platonism and nascent Gnostic ideas, held a dualistic view of reality, often despising the material body and viewing it as a prison for the immortal soul. For such thinkers, the idea of a *bodily* resurrection was considered absurd, repulsive, or simply unnecessary, as true liberation was seen as the soul's escape from the physical realm. This intellectual climate likely contributed to the skepticism regarding the resurrection among some Corinthian believers. Paul's robust defense of the bodily resurrection directly confronts these prevailing cultural and philosophical biases, asserting a uniquely Judeo-Christian understanding of God's redemptive plan that encompasses both spirit and body. His argument for the resurrection was not merely an abstract theological point but a direct challenge to the worldview of his audience.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") is rich with theological themes, and verse 16 contributes significantly to several of them. Firstly, it underscores the **inseparable link between Christ's resurrection and the general resurrection of believers**. Paul argues that these two events are not independent but are fundamentally intertwined; one cannot exist without the other. This establishes Christ's resurrection as the "firstfruits" and guarantee of the future resurrection for all who believe, as elaborated in [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **foundational nature of the resurrection for Christian faith**. If Christ has not been raised, then the apostles' preaching is empty, and the believers' faith is in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:14](/1_corinthians/15-14 "1 Corinthians 15:14 - The Futility of Faith Without Resurrection")). The resurrection is not an optional add-on but the very cornerstone upon which the entire edifice of Christian doctrine rests. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **hope beyond the grave**. By asserting the necessity of resurrection, Paul offers believers a profound assurance that death is not the ultimate end, but that a future, glorified existence awaits them, secured by Christ's victory over death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **For (Greek, _gár'_):** This particle introduces a reason or explanation, indicating that the statement in verse 16 is a logical consequence or justification for the preceding arguments. It signals that Paul is building a case, providing the underlying rationale for why denying the general resurrection is so problematic for the denial of Christ's resurrection.
* **dead (Greek, _nekrós'_):** This word refers to a corpse or one who is literally deceased. In this context, it refers to humanity in general, those who have physically died. Paul uses this term to emphasize the physical reality of death and, by extension, the physical reality of resurrection, directly countering any spiritualizing or allegorizing of the concept.
* **rise (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb means "to waken" or "to rouse," whether literally from sleep, from lying down, or from death. It can be used transitively (to raise someone) or intransitively (to rise oneself). Paul consistently uses this verb throughout [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") to describe both the resurrection of the general dead and the resurrection of Christ, underscoring the parallelism and interconnectedness of these two events. Its use here emphasizes a literal, physical rising from death.
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós'_):** Meaning "anointed," this is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah" and is an epithet of Jesus. Paul's use of "Christ" here emphasizes Jesus's unique identity as the promised deliverer and the central figure of God's redemptive plan. His resurrection is not merely that of a historical figure, but of the divine Messiah, whose rising has cosmic and salvific implications.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For if the dead rise not":** This clause introduces a conditional premise, setting up a hypothetical scenario. Paul posits the denial of a general resurrection of the dead, which was the specific error he was confronting in Corinth. The "if" (Greek, _ei_) indicates a real condition, one that Paul is arguing against, but which he temporarily accepts for the sake of demonstrating its logical consequences. The phrase "the dead rise not" refers to the absence or impossibility of a future resurrection for all humanity.
* **"then is not Christ raised":** This is the logical conclusion that necessarily follows from the preceding premise. If there is no such thing as resurrection, if death is truly the final state for all, then Christ, who died, could not have been raised either. Paul asserts an undeniable, reciprocal relationship: the general resurrection validates Christ's resurrection, and Christ's resurrection guarantees the general resurrection. Denying one logically necessitates denying the other.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [1 Corinthians 15:16](/1_corinthians/15-16 "1 Corinthians 15:16 - The Logical Necessity of Christ's Resurrection") to construct his argument. Foremost is the **Conditional Statement** (protasis and apodosis), introduced by "For if... then is not..." (Greek: _ei... oudé_). This structure allows Paul to present a hypothetical scenario (the dead do not rise) and then logically deduce its inescapable consequence (Christ is not raised). This forms part of his larger **Reductio ad Absurdum** argument, where he takes the opposing viewpoint to its logical, absurd, and faith-destroying conclusion, thereby demonstrating its falsity. By showing that denying the general resurrection leads to the denial of Christ's resurrection, which is unthinkable for a Christian, Paul compels his audience to affirm the general resurrection. Furthermore, there is clear **Parallelism** in the repeated use of the verb "rise/raised" (Greek, _egeírō_) for both "the dead" and "Christ," emphasizing the direct and inseparable connection between the two resurrections. This linguistic parallelism reinforces the theological interdependence Paul is asserting.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound theological implication of [1 Corinthians 15:16](/1_corinthians/15-16 "1 Corinthians 15:16 - The Logical Necessity of Christ's Resurrection") is that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not an isolated miracle but the definitive pattern and guarantee of the future resurrection for all believers. Paul establishes an unbreakable link: if God cannot or will not raise the dead generally, then He could not have raised Christ specifically. This means that the power of God demonstrated in Christ's resurrection is the same power that will effect the resurrection of all who are "in Christ." It validates the entire gospel message, proving Christ's victory over sin and death and securing the hope of eternal life for His followers. Without the resurrection, the Christian faith collapses into mere ethical philosophy or a historical account of a good man, devoid of transformative power and ultimate hope.

* [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit's Power to Raise from the Dead")
* [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 15:16](/1_corinthians/15-16 "1 Corinthians 15:16 - The Logical Necessity of Christ's Resurrection") calls believers to a profound reflection on the centrality of the resurrection to their faith and daily lives. In a world often characterized by despair, the finality of death, and a focus on temporary earthly pursuits, this verse anchors our hope in an eternal reality. It reminds us that our faith is not based on a dead prophet or a philosophical system, but on a living Savior who conquered the grave. This truth provides immense comfort in the face of loss, knowing that those who die in Christ will rise again. It also empowers us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in what truly lasts and living courageously for Christ, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Steadfastness in the Lord")). The resurrection is the ultimate assurance of God's faithfulness and power, transforming our understanding of life, death, and eternity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the logical connection between Christ's resurrection and the general resurrection of the dead strengthen your personal faith and hope?**
* **In what ways might a denial of the resurrection (either Christ's or a general one) undermine the practical aspects of Christian living and mission?**
* **How does the truth of the resurrection influence your perspective on suffering, loss, and the inevitability of death?**
* **What specific actions or attitudes might flow from a deep conviction that Christ has indeed been raised and that you, too, will rise?**

### FAQ

**Why is Christ's resurrection inextricably linked to the general resurrection of believers in Paul's argument?**

Answer: Paul's argument in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") establishes Christ's resurrection as the "firstfruits" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits")) of a new creation and the guarantee of the future resurrection for all who belong to Him. If there is no such thing as resurrection, then Christ's rising from the dead would be an impossibility, or at best, an anomaly without universal significance. Paul argues that God's power to raise the dead is a consistent principle; if that power does not apply to humanity in general, it could not have applied to Christ. Therefore, the general resurrection validates Christ's resurrection, and Christ's resurrection provides the basis and pattern for the general resurrection. They are two sides of the same divine act of overcoming death.

**What specific philosophical ideas in Corinth might have led some to deny the resurrection of the dead?**

Answer: In the Greco-Roman world, particularly among educated elites, there was a prevalent philosophical disdain for the physical body. Platonic thought, for example, often viewed the body as a temporary prison for the immortal soul, with true liberation being the soul's release from the body at death. The idea of the body being resurrected and glorified was seen as crude, unnecessary, or even repulsive. Furthermore, nascent Gnostic ideas, which emphasized spiritual knowledge and often denigrated the material world, would also have contributed to skepticism about a bodily resurrection. Paul's emphasis on the *bodily* resurrection directly challenged these prevailing dualistic worldviews, asserting a holistic view of human salvation that includes both spirit and body.

**Does "if the dead rise not" imply that some believed no one would ever rise, or just that believers wouldn't?**

Answer: In [1 Corinthians 15:12](/1_corinthians/15-12 "1 Corinthians 15:12 - Doubts about the Resurrection"), Paul states, "Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?" The phrase "resurrection of the dead" (Greek: _anastasis nekron_) is a general theological term referring to the future resurrection of all people, or at least all believers. Therefore, "if the dead rise not" implies that some in Corinth were denying the very concept of a future resurrection for *anyone*, including believers. Paul then uses this general denial to show its logical implication for Christ's own resurrection, demonstrating the absurdity of their position.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 15:16](/1_corinthians/15-16 "1 Corinthians 15:16 - The Logical Necessity of Christ's Resurrection") finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ as the ultimate conqueror of death and the source of all resurrection life. His resurrection is not merely an example or a historical event, but the very power and promise that guarantees the future resurrection of all who believe in Him. As the "firstfruits" from the dead ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits")), Christ's resurrection inaugurates the new creation and demonstrates God's power to overcome the curse of sin and death. He is the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), embodying the very principle that Paul defends. Because Christ was raised from the dead, never to die again ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Death and Resurrection")), His followers are assured that they too will share in His victory. He is the head of the church, the "firstborn from the dead" ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Head of the Church")), holding the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). Thus, the truth that "if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised" is fulfilled in the glorious reality that Christ *has* been raised, thereby securing the resurrection for all who are united with Him by faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.