1 Corinthians 15:30

KJV

And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} why {G5101} stand {G2793} we {G2249} in jeopardy {G2793} every {G3956} hour {G5610}?

Complete Jewish Bible

For that matter, we ourselves — why do we keep facing danger hour by hour?

Berean Standard Bible

And why do we endanger ourselves every hour?

American Standard Version

why do we also stand in jeopardy every hour?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 15:30, Paul poses a rhetorical question, "And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?", as a powerful argument for the reality of the resurrection of the dead. This verse encapsulates the profound and continuous perils faced by the apostles and early believers for the sake of the Gospel, implying that such extreme suffering would be utterly irrational and meaningless without the certain hope of a future resurrection and eternal life in Christ. It underscores the foundational importance of the resurrection as the ultimate motivation and validation for their unwavering commitment and sacrificial living.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive and crucial defense of the resurrection in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection of Christ and Believers"). The chapter begins by establishing the Gospel's core message—Christ's death, burial, and resurrection according to the Scriptures ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")). Paul then systematically argues against those in Corinth who denied the resurrection of the dead, asserting that if there is no resurrection, then Christ Himself has not been raised ([1 Corinthians 15:13](/1_corinthians/15-13 "1 Corinthians 15:13 - If Christ is Not Raised")). He highlights the dire consequences of such a denial: faith is futile, preaching is in vain, and believers remain in their sins ([1 Corinthians 15:14-17](/1_corinthians/15-14-17 "1 Corinthians 15:14-17 - Consequences of Denying the Resurrection")). Verses 29-34 present a series of rhetorical questions and logical arguments, including the practice of "baptism for the dead" (whatever its precise meaning), and the verse at hand, to demonstrate the absurdity of enduring immense suffering and danger if there is no future resurrection to look forward to.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church existed in a Greco-Roman world where various philosophical schools often held disdain for the physical body and the idea of bodily resurrection. Greek thought, particularly Platonism and Gnosticism (though nascent), tended to elevate the spiritual and intellectual while disparaging the material. For many, the idea of a physical body being resurrected was either illogical or undesirable. Furthermore, early Christians, especially apostles like Paul, faced constant and severe persecution from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire. Their lives were marked by imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, and constant threats to their lives for proclaiming a crucified and resurrected Messiah. This was not an abstract theological debate for Paul but a lived reality of profound danger, making his question in [1 Corinthians 15:30](/1_corinthians/15-30 "1 Corinthians 15:30 - Why Stand We in Jeopardy Every Hour?") deeply personal and existentially urgent.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians") and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **centrality of the resurrection** to Christian faith and practice. Without it, suffering for Christ is meaningless. Secondly, it highlights the **reality and cost of discipleship**, demonstrating that following Christ often involves significant hardship and peril ([Matthew 10:38-39](/matthew/10-38-39 "Matthew 10:38-39 - Taking Up the Cross")). Thirdly, it speaks to the **eternal perspective** that motivates believers. Paul's willingness to "die daily" ([1 Corinthians 15:31](/1_corinthians/15-31 "1 Corinthians 15:31 - I Die Daily")) and face constant danger is only rational if there is a glorious future beyond this life. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **apostolic suffering and witness**, portraying the apostles not as detached theologians but as frontline soldiers enduring constant spiritual warfare and physical threats for the sake of the Gospel ([2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings for Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **we (Greek, _hēmeîs'_):** From G2249, this is the nominative plural of the first-person pronoun, meaning "we." Paul uses this emphatic form to refer to himself and his fellow apostles, highlighting their personal and direct experience of the perils he describes. It underscores that their suffering is not hypothetical but a lived reality.
* **jeopardy (Greek, _kindyneúō'_):** From G2793, meaning "to undergo peril," "to be in danger," or "to be imperiled." This verb vividly describes the constant state of risk and life-threatening situations that Paul and his companions faced. It's not merely inconvenience but a profound and ever-present threat to their lives, encompassing physical harm, imprisonment, and death.
* **every (Greek, _pâs'_):** From G3956, meaning "all," "any," "every," or "the whole." When combined with "hour," it emphasizes the comprehensiveness and unbroken continuity of the danger. It was not an occasional event but a pervasive, unceasing reality for the apostles.
* **hour (Greek, _hṓra'_):** From G5610, meaning "an 'hour'" literally or figuratively. In this context, combined with "every," it denotes the continuous, moment-by-moment nature of the peril. It signifies that danger was not limited to specific times or circumstances but was an ever-present companion, making their lives a ceaseless walk on the edge of disaster.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And why":** This phrase introduces a powerful rhetorical question, designed not to elicit information but to provoke thought and emphasize the logical conclusion. It challenges the Corinthians to consider the rationale behind the apostles' actions if their premise (no resurrection) were true.
* **"stand we in jeopardy":** This clause describes the apostles' constant state of being. The verb "stand" (though implied in the Greek verb *kindyneúō*) suggests a continuous posture or condition. "In jeopardy" (from *kindyneúō*) signifies being in a state of extreme danger, peril, or risk, often life-threatening.
* **"every hour?":** This emphatic temporal phrase underscores the relentless and unceasing nature of the danger. It was not an occasional threat but a constant, moment-by-moment reality, highlighting the extreme and continuous sacrifices made by Paul and his co-workers for the sake of the Gospel.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this concise question. Primarily, it is a **Rhetorical Question**, designed to make an obvious point rather than elicit an answer. By asking "And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?", Paul forces his audience to confront the illogicality of his (and other apostles') constant suffering if there is no resurrection. The implied answer is that their endurance of peril is only rational *because* the resurrection is real and brings eternal reward. Secondly, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in "every hour," though rooted in the profound reality of apostolic suffering. While not literally every single minute, it conveys the overwhelming and continuous nature of the danger, emphasizing its pervasive presence in their lives. This strong language serves to highlight the extreme cost of their ministry. Finally, there is a subtle **Argument from Absurdity**, where Paul presents the logical conclusion of the Corinthians' denial of the resurrection—that his life of constant peril would be utterly absurd and pointless—thereby demonstrating the falsity of their premise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's question in 1 Corinthians 15:30 profoundly connects the reality of Christian suffering to the certainty of future resurrection. It establishes that the hope of resurrection is not merely an abstract doctrine but the very bedrock that empowers believers to endure immense hardship, persecution, and even death for the sake of the Gospel. Without the promise of eternal life and a resurrected body, the sacrifices made by apostles like Paul would be irrational, foolish, and without ultimate meaning. This verse thus elevates the resurrection from a theological concept to a practical, motivating force that sustains faithfulness in the face of overwhelming adversity, demonstrating that true Christian living is always lived with an eternal perspective, where present suffering is outweighed by future glory.

* [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ, Suffering with Him")
* [2 Corinthians 4:8-10](/2_corinthians/4-8-10 "2 Corinthians 4:8-10 - Afflicted but Not Crushed")
* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in His Sufferings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 15:30 challenges us to deeply consider the motivations behind our own faith and service. If Paul, facing constant, life-threatening danger, found his endurance justified only by the hope of resurrection, how much more should our less extreme trials be viewed through an eternal lens? This verse calls us to evaluate whether our commitment to Christ is superficial or rooted in the profound conviction that He has conquered death and offers us a glorious future. It invites us to embrace a courageous faith, understanding that any sacrifice or difficulty we face for the Gospel is not in vain, but contributes to an eternal weight of glory. Our hope in resurrection transforms our perspective on suffering, enabling us to persevere with joy and purpose, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never wasted.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "jeopardy" or difficulties do I face in my life for the sake of my faith, and how does the hope of resurrection sustain me through them?**
* **If I truly believed there was no resurrection, how would my daily choices, priorities, and willingness to sacrifice for Christ change?**
* **How can reflecting on Paul's constant peril encourage me to live more boldly and courageously for Christ in my own context?**
* **In what ways does my current perspective on suffering align with or diverge from Paul's resurrection-driven endurance?**

### FAQ
**What does "in jeopardy every hour" mean for us today, given that most Christians don't face the same level of physical threat as Paul?**

Answer: While most Christians in many parts of the world may not face the same literal, life-threatening physical "jeopardy" that Paul experienced, the principle remains profoundly relevant. "Jeopardy every hour" signifies a continuous state of vulnerability, risk, and opposition for one's faith. For believers today, this can manifest as social ostracization, professional setbacks, ridicule, emotional distress, or the constant spiritual battle against temptation and the world's values. It means that living faithfully for Christ often puts us at odds with prevailing cultural norms, leading to various forms of "peril" to our comfort, reputation, or worldly success. Paul's point is that enduring *any* significant cost for Christ is only rational if there's an eternal reward, which is guaranteed by the resurrection. Therefore, the verse challenges us to consider what we are willing to risk or endure for the Gospel, knowing that our ultimate hope is not in this life ([2 Corinthians 4:16-18](/2_corinthians/4-16-18 "2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Our Light and Momentary Troubles")).

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of persecution in the Bible?**

Answer: This verse is a direct and powerful testament to the reality of persecution faced by early Christians, particularly apostles like Paul. It underscores that suffering and opposition are not anomalies but often an expected part of the Christian walk ([John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World Will Hate You")). Paul's rhetorical question implies that the only logical reason to endure such constant "jeopardy" is the certain hope of resurrection. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative where faithfulness to God often leads to opposition from a world hostile to His truth. From the prophets of the Old Testament to Jesus Himself ([Matthew 5:10-12](/matthew/5-10-12 "Matthew 5:10-12 - Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted")) and the early church, persecution is presented as a refining fire and a sign of genuine discipleship, with the ultimate reward being eternal life and glory in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 15:30 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Paul's willingness to "stand in jeopardy every hour" is a direct echo and imitation of Christ's own life of constant peril and ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, the Son of God, willingly entered a world hostile to Him, enduring rejection, misunderstanding, and relentless opposition from the very beginning of His ministry ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - He Came to His Own")). He faced the ultimate "jeopardy" in His journey to the cross, where He laid down His life as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His suffering was not in vain, for He conquered death through His glorious resurrection, becoming the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). Therefore, Paul's question, "why stand *we* in jeopardy," implicitly points to Christ as the *reason* and *pattern* for such endurance. Believers face peril not for a mere philosophy, but for a living Lord who Himself overcame death. Our hope of resurrection is entirely dependent on His resurrection, and our willingness to suffer is empowered by His victory and the promise of sharing in His glory ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ, Suffering with Him")). Thus, the "jeopardy" faced by believers is a participation in Christ's sufferings, leading to a participation in His resurrection life and eternal reign ([Philippians 3:10-11](/philippians/3-10-11 "Philippians 3:10-11 - Sharing in His Sufferings and Resurrection Power")).

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

2 Corinthians 6:9

As unknown, and [yet] well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

Galatians 5:11

And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

2 Corinthians 11:23

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

2 Corinthians 11:27

In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

2 Corinthians 4:12

So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

1 Corinthians 15:31

I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.