1 Corinthians 15:21

KJV

For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} since {G1894} by {G1223} man {G444} came death {G2288}, by {G1223} man {G444} came also {G2532} the resurrection {G386} of the dead {G3498}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For since death came through a man, also the resurrection of the dead has come through a man.

Berean Standard Bible

For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.

American Standard Version

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 15:21 serves as a foundational theological statement within Paul's comprehensive defense of the resurrection, succinctly encapsulating the profound contrast between humanity's fall and its redemption. It articulates the pivotal truth that just as death entered the human experience through the actions of one man, Adam, so too does the promise and reality of resurrection come through the redemptive work of another man, Jesus Christ, establishing a critical parallel that underpins the Christian hope of eternal life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** First Corinthians Chapter 15 stands as the New Testament's most extensive and systematic exposition on the doctrine of the resurrection. Paul dedicates this entire chapter to addressing specific denials or misunderstandings within the Corinthian church regarding the bodily resurrection of believers. He begins by establishing the historical reality and centrality of Christ's resurrection as the "firstfruits" of those who have fallen asleep ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits")). Verse 21 then introduces a crucial theological parallel, setting the stage for his subsequent arguments about the order of resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:23](/1_corinthians/15-23 "1 Corinthians 15:23 - Order of Resurrection")) and the nature of the resurrected body ([1 Corinthians 15:35-49](/1_corinthians/15-35-49 "1 Corinthians 15:35-49 - The Resurrected Body")). This verse is pivotal, functioning as a concise summary of the problem (death through Adam) and the solution (resurrection through Christ) that the rest of the chapter unpacks.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church, situated in a bustling, diverse Roman city, was significantly influenced by prevailing Greek philosophical currents. Many Greek philosophies, particularly Platonism, held a dualistic view of humanity, elevating the soul or spirit while often despising the physical body as a prison or an inferior vessel. This philosophical predisposition likely contributed to some Corinthian believers' skepticism or outright denial of a future bodily resurrection, viewing it as undesirable or illogical. Paul's robust defense of the physical resurrection of Christ and believers directly confronts these cultural biases, asserting a distinctly Jewish-Christian understanding of holistic human redemption that includes the body, not just the spirit. The concept of a "first man" (Adam) bringing sin and death was rooted in Jewish tradition and understood by early Christians, providing a common ground for Paul's argument.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several major theological themes prevalent in 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **Adam-Christ Typology**, where Adam serves as a type or foreshadowing of Christ, but in antithetical ways—Adam bringing sin and death, Christ bringing righteousness and life. This theme is further developed in Paul's writings, notably in [Romans 5:12-21](/romans/5-12-21 "Romans 5:12-21 - Adam and Christ: Death and Life"). Another key theme is the **Sovereignty of God over Life and Death**, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan encompasses the reversal of death's dominion. The verse also underscores the **Centrality of Christ's Humanity** in the plan of salvation; it was "by man" that both the problem and the solution came, emphasizing Christ's full identification with humanity in His redemptive work. Finally, it reinforces the **Certainty of the Believer's Resurrection**, grounding this hope not in abstract philosophy but in the historical, tangible reality of Christ's own resurrection, which is the "firstfruits" and guarantee of what is to come for all who are "in Christ" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** This term, appearing twice in the verse, refers to a human being. In its first instance, it unequivocally denotes Adam, the progenitor of humanity, through whom sin and death entered the world. In its second instance, it refers to Jesus Christ, who, though fully divine, took on full humanity to accomplish redemption. The repetition emphasizes that both the origin of humanity's fallen state and the means of its restoration occurred within the human sphere, by a true man.
* **death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** This word signifies both physical death (the cessation of life) and spiritual death (separation from God). In the context of Adam, it refers to the comprehensive consequence of sin that brought mortality and spiritual alienation upon all humanity. Paul consistently portrays death as an enemy, ultimately conquered by Christ.
* **resurrection (Greek, _anástasis'_):** Meaning "a standing up again," this term denotes a rising from death. In this verse, it specifically refers to the bodily resurrection of the dead, both Christ's and, by extension, the future resurrection of believers. It signifies a restoration to life, overcoming the power of death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For since by man came death":** This clause establishes the historical and theological foundation for Paul's argument. It points directly to Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden, which resulted in sin entering the world, and with sin, death. This "death" is not merely physical cessation but encompasses the spiritual alienation from God and the corrupting power that affects all of creation. Adam, as the representative head of humanity, brought about the universal reign of death over all his descendants.
* **"by man came also the resurrection of the dead":** This second clause presents the divine solution and reversal. It introduces Jesus Christ as the "second man" or "last Adam" who, through His perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, conquered death's power. Just as Adam's act had universal implications for death, Christ's act has universal implications for life and resurrection for all who are united with Him by faith. The parallelism is stark: death's entry point is mirrored by resurrection's entry point, both through a human agent.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Antithesis** and **Parallelism** in 1 Corinthians 15:21. The verse is structured around a direct contrast between two opposing realities: death and resurrection. This is underscored by the repeated phrase "by man," which serves as a point of **Anaphora** (repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses) and highlights the two distinct figures responsible for these outcomes. The **Parallelism** is evident in the symmetrical structure: "by man [came] death" is directly balanced by "by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead." This rhetorical device not only makes the argument memorable but also emphasizes the direct causal link between Adam's action and death, and Christ's action and resurrection, presenting them as two sides of a divine economy. The use of "also" (G2532, _kai_) further reinforces this direct correspondence and consequence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the profound theological connection between the Fall and redemption. It establishes the "federal headship" of Adam, whose sin plunged all humanity into death, and the "federal headship" of Christ, whose righteousness and resurrection offer new life to all who believe. It underscores the necessity of Christ's full humanity for His redemptive work, as the curse brought by a man had to be reversed by a man. The resurrection of Christ is not merely an event but the very power that undoes the dominion of death, offering a future hope that is both spiritual and bodily. This truth is foundational to Christian eschatology, assuring believers of their ultimate victory over the grave through Christ.

* [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")
* [1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The Last Adam")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 15:21 offers immense comfort and profound theological grounding for believers today. In a world constantly confronted by death, whether through loss, illness, or the inevitable march of time, this verse provides a steadfast anchor for our hope. It reminds us that death, while a painful reality, is not the ultimate victor. Because one man, Jesus Christ, conquered death, we who are "in Him" can face mortality not with despair, but with the sure and certain hope of resurrection. This truth transforms our perspective on suffering and loss, enabling us to grieve with hope, knowing that physical death is but a temporary separation, not a final end. It calls us to live lives that reflect this resurrection hope, empowered by Christ's victory, and to share this life-giving truth with a world still held captive by the fear of death. Our present lives are infused with eternal significance because our future is secured by the One who has overcome the grave.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the parallel between Adam and Christ deepen your appreciation for Christ's redemptive work?**
* **In what ways does the certainty of resurrection impact your daily living and your perspective on death?**
* **How can the truth of 1 Corinthians 15:21 empower you to face challenges or grief with greater hope and faith?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important that both death and resurrection came "by man"?**

Answer: It is crucial because it highlights God's redemptive plan operating within the very sphere where humanity fell. Since sin and death entered the world through the disobedience of the first man, Adam, it was fitting and necessary that redemption and the reversal of death's curse would come through another man, Jesus Christ. This emphasizes Christ's full identification with humanity, making Him the perfect representative and substitute. He entered into the human condition, experienced death, and conquered it as a true man, thereby securing victory for all humanity who believe in Him. This concept is further elaborated in Paul's teaching on Christ as the "last Adam" in [1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The Last Adam").

**Does this verse imply that everyone will be resurrected, regardless of their faith?**

Answer: While the verse establishes the universal principle that resurrection comes "by man" (referring to Christ), the broader context of [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") and other New Testament passages clarifies that the "resurrection of the dead" has different implications for believers and unbelievers. Christ's resurrection is the "firstfruits" for "those who belong to Christ" ([1 Corinthians 15:23](/1_corinthians/15-23 "1 Corinthians 15:23 - Order of Resurrection")), leading to eternal life. While there will be a general resurrection of all humanity ([John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - Resurrection of Life and Condemnation")), only those who are united with Christ by faith will experience the resurrection to eternal life and glory. The resurrection for unbelievers leads to judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 15:21 stands as a powerful testament to Christ's ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, presenting Him as the divine answer to humanity's deepest problem. Adam, the first man, introduced sin and death into creation through his disobedience, establishing a universal reign of mortality over all his descendants, as detailed in [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam"). However, Jesus Christ, the "last Adam" ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The Last Adam")), perfectly reversed this curse. By taking on full humanity, living a sinless life, and offering Himself as a spotless sacrifice on the cross, Christ confronted death head-on, triumphing over its power through His glorious resurrection. His resurrection is not merely an isolated historical event but the very guarantee and "firstfruits" of the resurrection for all who are "in Christ" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits")). Thus, "by man" (Adam) came death, but "by man" (Christ) came the resurrection, demonstrating that Christ is the true source of life, the conqueror of the grave, and the ultimate hope for all humanity, offering victory over death's sting and the promise of eternal life in His presence ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")).

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

John 11:25

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Romans 5:12

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 5:17

For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:22

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.