1 Corinthians 15:20

KJV

¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} now {G3570} is {G1453} Christ {G5547} risen {G1453} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}, and become {G1096} the firstfruits {G536} of them that slept {G2837}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the fact is that the Messiah has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have died.

Berean Standard Bible

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

American Standard Version

But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 15:20 serves as the triumphant climax to Paul's defense of the resurrection, pivoting from a series of rhetorical questions about the futility of faith without Christ's bodily rising to a definitive declaration. This verse proclaims the historical reality of Jesus' resurrection from the dead, establishing Him as the "firstfruits" – the initial, guaranteed installment – of the future resurrection of all believers who have died. It is a foundational truth that validates Christian hope and promises the ultimate victory over death for all who are in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a crucial turning point in [1 Corinthians 15](/1-corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"), often called the "resurrection chapter." Paul has just spent verses [1 Corinthians 15:12-19](/1-corinthians/15-12-19 "1 Corinthians 15:12-19 - The Implications of No Resurrection") systematically dismantling the false premise held by some Corinthians that there is no resurrection of the dead. He argues that if there is no resurrection, then Christ has not been raised, rendering the apostles' preaching futile, the Corinthians' faith meaningless, and believers still in their sins. Furthermore, those who have died in Christ would have perished. Verse 20, introduced by the emphatic "But now," shatters these hypothetical negations with a resounding affirmation of Christ's actual, historical resurrection, thereby providing the irrefutable basis for the future resurrection of all believers. It shifts the argument from the disastrous implications of a non-resurrection to the glorious reality and implications of Christ's resurrection.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub in the Roman province of Achaia, known for its diverse philosophical currents and religious practices. While some Jewish converts would have been familiar with the concept of a future resurrection (e.g., [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to Everlasting Life or Contempt")), many Gentile Corinthians, influenced by Greek philosophical thought, found the idea of bodily resurrection problematic, even absurd. Plato, for instance, taught the immortality of the soul but often viewed the body as a prison from which the soul longed to escape. The notion of a physical body being raised from the dead was therefore a significant stumbling block for some. Paul's use of the "firstfruits" metaphor would resonate with both Jewish and Gentile audiences. For Jews, it evoked the agricultural feasts and offerings (e.g., [Leviticus 23:9-14](/leviticus/23-9-14 "Leviticus 23:9-14 - The Feast of Firstfruits")), signifying a pledge of the full harvest. For Gentiles, it conveyed the idea of a prototype or a beginning that guarantees what is to follow.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [1 Corinthians 15](/1-corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") is the **Resurrection of the Dead**, specifically its historical reality in Christ and its future certainty for believers. Paul emphasizes the **Indispensability of Christ's Resurrection** as the cornerstone of the Christian faith; without it, the entire Gospel message collapses, as he powerfully argues in [1 Corinthians 15:14](/1-corinthians/15-14 "1 Corinthians 15:14 - The Futility of Faith Without Resurrection"). This verse also introduces the theme of **Christ as the Prototype and Guarantee** for the resurrection of all who belong to Him, using the powerful imagery of the "firstfruits." This concept underscores God's faithfulness and the ultimate **Victory Over Death** that Christ secured, transforming death from a finality into a temporary "sleep" for those in Him, as further elaborated in passages like [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18](/1-thessalonians/4-13-18 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - The Comfort of the Lord's Coming").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós'_):** This term, meaning "anointed," is an epithet of Jesus, identifying Him as the Messiah, the long-awaited deliverer prophesied in the Old Testament. Paul's use of "Christ" here emphasizes His unique divine appointment and role as the central figure in God's redemptive plan, whose resurrection is not merely a human event but a messianic triumph.
* **risen (Greek, _egeírō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to waken" or "to rouse," this verb signifies a literal awakening or raising from a state of sleep, lying, or death. Its application to Christ's resurrection underscores the bodily, physical nature of His rising, not merely a spiritual or metaphorical revival. It implies a powerful, divine act of restoration to life.
* **become (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb means "to come into being," "to become," or "to happen." In this context, it indicates that Christ's resurrection has *resulted in* Him taking on the new status or role of "firstfruits." It's not just that He rose, but that His rising established a new reality and order, making Him the inaugural event of a greater process.
* **firstfruits (Greek, _aparchḗ'_):** This term refers to the initial, best portion of a harvest offered to God, serving as a pledge and promise of the entire harvest to come. Figuratively, as used here, it highlights Christ's resurrection as the inaugural event that guarantees the future bodily resurrection of all believers. His resurrection is the prototype and the down payment for the resurrection of all who are "in Him."
* **slept (Greek, _koimáō'_):** From a root meaning "to put to sleep," this verb is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly the death of believers. It suggests a temporary state, a resting, rather than a final cessation of existence. This imagery conveys comfort and hope, implying an awakening to come, mirroring Christ's own awakening from the sleep of death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But now is Christ risen from the dead,"**: This opening clause serves as a powerful antithesis to the preceding hypothetical arguments about the futility of faith if there is no resurrection. "But now" (Greek: _dé nyní_) forcefully introduces a definitive, historical reality. The phrase "is Christ risen" asserts the accomplished fact of Jesus' bodily resurrection. This is not a matter of speculation or wishful thinking, but a historical event that fundamentally alters the spiritual landscape. His rising "from the dead" emphasizes His victory over the ultimate enemy, death itself, and validates His claims and the entire Gospel message.
* **"[and] become the firstfruits of them that slept."**: This second clause explains the profound significance and implications of Christ's resurrection. By rising, Christ has "become" (Greek: _ginomai_) something new and pivotal: the "firstfruits." This agricultural metaphor, deeply rooted in Old Testament sacrificial practices (e.g., the Feast of Firstfruits), signifies that Christ's resurrection is not an isolated event but the initial, guaranteed portion of a much larger harvest. The "them that slept" is a tender euphemism for believers who have died, framing death not as a final end but as a temporary rest. Just as the firstfruits guarantee the coming harvest, Christ's resurrection guarantees the future bodily resurrection of all who have died in faith, transforming their "sleep" into a promised awakening.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise declaration. The phrase "But now" functions as a striking **Antithesis**, sharply contrasting the dire hypothetical scenarios of [1 Corinthians 15:12-19](/1-corinthians/15-12-19 "1 Corinthians 15:12-19 - The Folly of Denying Resurrection") with the triumphant reality of Christ's resurrection. This rhetorical shift creates a powerful sense of relief and certainty. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, specifically in the use of "firstfruits" (ἀπαρχή). This agricultural image vividly conveys that Christ's resurrection is the initial, perfect portion of a larger spiritual harvest – the resurrection of all believers. It acts as a **Type**, where Christ's resurrection is the prototype and guarantee of our own future resurrection. Furthermore, the phrase "them that slept" is a gentle **Euphemism** for the dead. This softens the harsh reality of death, transforming it into a temporary state of rest from which believers will awaken, mirroring Christ's own awakening. This imagery provides immense comfort and hope, reframing death as a transient condition rather than an eternal cessation of being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration that Christ is the "firstfruits of them that slept" is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, profoundly shaping our understanding of death, resurrection, and eternal life. It establishes a direct, organic link between Christ's historical resurrection and the future resurrection of all believers. His rising is not merely an isolated miracle but the inaugural event of a new creation, guaranteeing that just as He conquered death, so too will all who are united with Him. This truth provides the ultimate hope in the face of mortality, assuring believers that death is not the end, but a temporary sleep from which they will awaken to a glorified, eternal existence with Christ. It underscores the power of God to bring life out of death and validates the entire redemptive work of Jesus.

* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Will Give Life to Your Mortal Bodies")
* [1 Thessalonians 4:14](/1-thessalonians/4-14 "God Will Bring with Him Those Who Sleep in Jesus")
* [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 15:20 offers profound comfort and an unshakeable foundation for Christian hope. In a world constantly confronted by loss, suffering, and the inevitability of death, this verse declares that death does not have the final word for those who belong to Christ. Our faith is not built on a myth or a philosophical ideal, but on the historical, verifiable fact of Christ's resurrection. This reality transforms our perspective on life and death. It empowers us to grieve with hope, knowing that our loved ones who have died in Christ are merely "sleeping" and will awaken to eternal life. It also motivates us to live with purpose and courage, knowing that our labor for the Lord is not in vain, for the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us, guaranteeing our future and empowering our present. This truth calls us to live lives that reflect the resurrection power, offering hope to a dying world and confidently anticipating the glorious day when death is swallowed up in victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical reality of Christ's resurrection impact your daily walk of faith and your understanding of God's power?**
* **In what ways does the "firstfruits" imagery of Christ's resurrection provide comfort and assurance regarding your own future or the future of loved ones who have died in faith?**
* **How might believing in the certainty of resurrection influence your priorities, your response to suffering, or your evangelistic efforts?**

### FAQ

**What does "firstfruits" mean in the context of Christ's resurrection?**

Answer: In the context of 1 Corinthians 15:20, "firstfruits" (Greek: _aparchḗ_) is a powerful agricultural metaphor. In ancient Israel, the first portion of the harvest was offered to God as a sacred gift, signifying both gratitude and a pledge of the entire harvest to come. Applied to Christ, it means His resurrection is not an isolated event but the initial, guaranteed installment of a much larger spiritual harvest – the resurrection of all who believe in Him. Just as the first sheaf of grain guaranteed the rest of the crop, Christ's bodily resurrection guarantees the future bodily resurrection of all believers. It signifies He is the prototype, the pioneer, and the assurance that we too will rise. This concept is further elaborated in [1 Corinthians 15:23](/1-corinthians/15-23 "1 Corinthians 15:23 - Each in His Own Order").

**Why is it important that Christ was "risen from the dead" and not just spiritually revived?**

Answer: The emphasis on Christ being "risen from the dead" (Greek: _egeírō ek nekrón_) is crucial because it highlights a physical, bodily resurrection, not merely a spiritual or metaphorical one. Paul's argument in [1 Corinthians 15](/1-corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") hinges on the historical, tangible reality of Christ's physical body being raised. If Christ's resurrection were only spiritual, then the Christian faith would be futile, and the promise of our own future bodily resurrection would be baseless, as Paul argues in [1 Corinthians 15:13-19](/1-corinthians/15-13-19 "1 Corinthians 15:13-19 - The Consequences of No Resurrection"). It signifies a complete victory over death, affecting the whole person – body and soul – and provides the concrete hope for our own future glorified bodies, as described in [1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1-corinthians/15-42-44 "1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - The Nature of the Resurrected Body").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 15:20 stands as a glorious declaration of Christ's supremacy and His central role in God's redemptive plan. By proclaiming that "Christ is risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept," Paul unequivocally establishes Jesus as the ultimate victor over sin and death, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and inaugurating a new age. His resurrection is the climactic event that validates His divine identity as the Son of God, as powerfully affirmed in [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection"). As the "firstfruits," Jesus is not merely a historical figure who rose, but the very source and guarantee of resurrection life for all who believe. He is the "resurrection and the life," as He Himself declared in [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"), promising that whoever believes in Him, though he die, yet shall he live. His triumph over the grave foreshadows and secures the future bodily resurrection of all believers, transforming death from a final enemy into a temporary sleep, a concept reinforced in [1 Thessalonians 4:14](/1-thessalonians/4-14 "God Will Bring with Him Those Who Sleep in Jesus"). Thus, Christ's resurrection is the powerful demonstration of God's new creation, ensuring that all who are "in Christ" will ultimately share in His glorious, resurrected life, reigning with Him eternally, as envisioned in [Revelation 20:6](/revelation/20-6 "Revelation 20:6 - Blessed and Holy Are Those Who Have Part in the First Resurrection").

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.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 15:23

But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

Acts 26:23

That Christ should suffer, [and] that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Revelation 1:5

And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

1 Peter 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Colossians 1:18

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.

Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

1 Corinthians 15:6

After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.