1 Corinthians 15:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

I protest by {G3513} your {G5212} rejoicing {G2251}{G2746} which {G3739} I have {G2192} in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424} our {G2257} Lord {G2962}, I die {G599} daily {G2596}{G2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Brothers, by the right to be proud which the Messiah Yeshua our Lord gives me, I solemnly tell you that I die every day.

Berean Standard Bible

I face death every day, brothers, as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord.

American Standard Version

I protest by that glorying in you, brethren, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul's emphatic declaration in 1 Corinthians 15:31 serves as a powerful testament to his unwavering conviction in the resurrection of the dead, asserting that his life of continuous peril and self-sacrifice is a daily experience of "dying" for the sake of the Gospel, validated by the spiritual transformation he witnessed in the Corinthian believers through Christ Jesus their Lord. This statement is a cornerstone in his broader argument for the reality and necessity of the resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Paul's comprehensive defense of the bodily resurrection in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"). Having established the historical fact of Christ's resurrection as the cornerstone of the Christian faith and the firstfruits of a future resurrection for believers ([1 Corinthians 15:3-8](/1_corinthians/15-3-8 "1 Corinthians 15:3-8 - The Resurrection of Christ"); [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), Paul proceeds to demonstrate the logical absurdity and practical futility of denying the resurrection. He argues that if the dead are not raised, then Christ was not raised, preaching is in vain, faith is futile, and believers are still in their sins ([1 Corinthians 15:13-19](/1_corinthians/15-13-19 "1 Corinthians 15:13-19 - Consequences of Denying the Resurrection")). In [1 Corinthians 15:29-34](/1_corinthians/15-29-34 "1 Corinthians 15:29-34 - Paul's Argument from Suffering"), Paul shifts to an *argumentum ad hominem*, using his own life of suffering and constant exposure to death as proof of his conviction. His willingness to face such dangers daily would be utterly irrational and meaningless if there were no future resurrection and eternal hope. This verse, therefore, directly underpins his argument that the resurrection is not merely a theological concept but a lived reality that motivates extreme sacrifice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, a hub of trade and diverse philosophies, including Epicureanism, which often denied an afterlife, and various forms of Gnosticism, which sometimes devalued the physical body. The Corinthian church, while gifted, struggled with divisions, immorality, and doctrinal confusion, including doubts about the resurrection. Paul's ministry in such an environment was fraught with peril, as documented in Acts and his own letters. He faced opposition from Jewish leaders, pagan authorities, and even false teachers within the Christian community. His "daily dying" was not a hyperbole but a reflection of the constant threats of imprisonment, beatings, stoning, shipwreck, and betrayal ([2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings")). The ancient world did not offer the same legal protections or medical advancements we enjoy today, making travel and missionary work inherently dangerous. Paul's oath, "I protest by your rejoicing," also reflects a common ancient practice of swearing by something highly valued or sacred to affirm truth, in this case, the spiritual fruit of his ministry in Corinth.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 15:31](/1_corinthians/15-31 "1 Corinthians 15:31 - I die daily") powerfully articulates several core themes central to Paul's theology and the broader Christian message. Foremost is the **centrality of the resurrection**, which serves as the ultimate motivation for Paul's sacrificial life. Without the hope of resurrection, his "dying daily" would be pointless, leading to the Epicurean philosophy of "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die" ([1 Corinthians 15:32](/1_corinthians/15-32 "1 Corinthians 15:32 - Eat, Drink, and Be Merry")). This verse also highlights the theme of **apostolic suffering and authenticity**, demonstrating that Paul's immense hardships were not accidental but an integral part of his faithful witness to the Gospel, validating his message and ministry. Furthermore, it underscores the concept of **dying to self**, a continuous process of crucifying one's own desires, ambitions, and comfort for the sake of Christ and His kingdom, a theme echoed in Jesus' call to take up one's cross daily ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross Daily")). Finally, the verse subtly touches on **spiritual fruit as validation**, where the "rejoicing" of the Corinthian believers serves as tangible evidence of the Holy Spirit's work through Paul's ministry, making his suffering meaningful and purposeful.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis

* **protest by (Greek, _nḗ'_):** G3513, a primary particle, probably an intensive form of ναί (nai, "yes"); a particle of attestation (accompanied by the object invoked or appealed to in confirmation); "as sure as." Paul uses this emphatic particle to introduce a solemn affirmation, akin to an oath. It underscores the absolute certainty and conviction with which he makes his declaration, appealing to something undeniably true and valuable – the spiritual joy and transformation of the Corinthian believers. This is not merely a statement but a deeply felt, sworn testimony.

* **rejoicing (Greek, _kaúchēsis'_):** G2746, from καυχάομαι (kauchaomai, "to boast"); boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense. Here, it refers to the spiritual glory or boast Paul has in the Corinthian believers. This "rejoicing" is not a worldly pride but a profound spiritual satisfaction and joy derived from seeing their faith and transformation, which he attributes to Christ Jesus. It is the fruit of his ministry and a powerful affirmation of the Gospel's reality.

* **I die (Greek, _apothnḗskō'_):** G599, from ἀπό (apo, "from") and θνήσκω (thnēskō, "to die"); to die off (literally or figuratively). In this context, combined with "daily," it signifies a continuous, ongoing process of facing death-like situations and experiencing a spiritual death to self. It encompasses both the constant physical peril Paul endured and the deliberate, daily surrender of his own will, desires, and life to Christ's purposes, embodying a profound self-denial.

* **daily (Greek, _katá hēméran'_):** G2596 (katá, "down, according to") + G2250 (hēméra, "day"). Literally "according to day" or "day by day." This phrase emphasizes the continuous, relentless nature of Paul's experience. It is not an occasional event but a perpetual state of living on the brink of death, both physically and spiritually, as he consistently chooses Christ's will over his own comfort or safety. The present tense of "I die" combined with "daily" paints a vivid picture of ongoing, moment-by-moment sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown

* **"I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord":** Paul begins with a powerful affirmation, almost an oath, using the spiritual joy and transformation of the Corinthian believers as his witness. This "rejoicing" is not a human achievement but a divine work "in Christ Jesus our Lord," signifying that the spiritual fruit in their lives is a direct result of their union with Christ and Paul's ministry empowered by Him. This connection validates Paul's apostleship and the truth of the Gospel he preaches, making his subsequent declaration even more credible.

* **"I die daily":** This is the stark and profound declaration. It is a present tense verb, emphasizing a continuous, ongoing reality. "Dying daily" encompasses several layers of meaning for Paul: it refers to the constant physical dangers and persecutions he faced for the sake of the Gospel (e.g., beatings, shipwrecks, riots, imprisonment). Beyond physical peril, it also signifies a spiritual mortification of the flesh – a continuous surrender of his own will, desires, and ambitions to the will of Christ. It is a life of radical self-denial, where his personal agenda is constantly laid down for the sake of God's kingdom. This daily dying is directly linked to his belief in the resurrection; without it, such a life of suffering would be utterly irrational.

#### Literary Devices

Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [1 Corinthians 15:31](/1_corinthians/15-31 "1 Corinthians 15:31 - I die daily") to underscore his point. The most prominent is **Hyperbole** or **Metaphor** in the phrase "I die daily." While Paul literally faced life-threatening situations frequently, the phrase extends beyond mere physical danger to encompass a continuous, conscious act of self-denial and surrender to Christ's will, akin to a daily crucifixion of the self. This vivid imagery is designed to shock and impress upon the Corinthians the extreme commitment required by the Christian life and the profound reality of the resurrection that motivates such a life. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Pathos**, as Paul appeals to the Corinthian's "rejoicing" – the very fruit of his arduous ministry among them – as the basis for his solemn oath. This emotional appeal connects his personal suffering directly to their spiritual benefit, making his argument for the resurrection deeply personal and relatable. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful **Testimony**, offering Paul's own life as living proof of the truth of the resurrection. His willingness to endure perpetual hardship and face death daily serves as an undeniable witness to his conviction that there is a future hope far greater than any earthly suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Paul's declaration of "dying daily" in [1 Corinthians 15:31](/1_corinthians/15-31 "1 Corinthians 15:31 - I die daily") is a profound theological statement rooted in the reality of Christ's resurrection and its implications for Christian living. It encapsulates the paradox of the Christian life: that true life is found through a continuous process of dying to self, a concept deeply intertwined with the **cruciform pattern of discipleship**. Just as Christ died and was raised, believers are called to participate in His death through self-denial and then experience newness of life in Him. This daily dying is not a morbid obsession but a vibrant expression of faith, fueled by the certain hope of future resurrection and eternal glory. It asserts that genuine faith in the resurrection transforms one's present priorities, making the pursuit of God's kingdom and the spread of the Gospel paramount, even at the cost of personal comfort, safety, or ambition. The "rejoicing" of the Corinthians, which Paul appeals to, serves as a tangible manifestation of the Gospel's power, providing the ultimate validation for his sacrificial lifestyle.

* [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")
* [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ")
* [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross Daily")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Paul's declaration, "I die daily," challenges every believer to examine the depth of their commitment and the authenticity of their faith. In a world that often prioritizes comfort, self-preservation, and immediate gratification, the call to "die daily" seems counter-cultural. Yet, it is precisely in this daily surrender of our own desires, ambitions, and even our very lives to Christ that we find true freedom and purpose. This doesn't necessarily mean facing physical persecution every day, though for many believers globally, it still does. Rather, it means a continuous, conscious choice to crucify the "old self" with its sinful inclinations, to prioritize God's will over our own, and to willingly embrace hardship or discomfort for the sake of the Gospel and the advancement of God's kingdom. It is a life lived in constant awareness of our identity in Christ and the glorious hope of resurrection, allowing that future reality to shape our present decisions and sacrifices. Our willingness to "die daily" becomes a powerful testimony to a watching world, demonstrating that our hope is not in fleeting earthly pleasures but in the eternal life promised through Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection

* **What does "dying daily" practically look like in my life today, beyond physical suffering?**
* **How does my belief in the resurrection of the dead motivate my daily choices and sacrifices?**
* **In what areas of my life am I most resistant to "dying to self" for Christ's sake?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater willingness to prioritize God's will and kingdom over my personal comfort or desires?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "I protest by your rejoicing"?**

Answer: In this context, "I protest by" (Greek: _nḗ_) is an emphatic particle used to introduce a solemn affirmation or oath, similar to saying "I swear by" or "as surely as." Paul is appealing to the spiritual joy, transformation, and flourishing of the Corinthian believers as undeniable evidence of the reality and power of the Gospel he preached. Their spiritual fruit is his "rejoicing" or "boast" (Greek: _kaúchēsis_), and he uses this tangible proof of God's work through him as the basis for the absolute truthfulness of his subsequent statement: that he "dies daily." It's a powerful rhetorical device to underscore the veracity of his claim, connecting his suffering directly to their salvation and joy "in Christ Jesus our Lord."

**Is "I die daily" a literal statement of physical death?**

Answer: While Paul certainly faced numerous life-threatening situations and persecutions, as documented in passages like [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Extensive Sufferings"), the phrase "I die daily" (Greek: _kath' hēméran apothnḗskō_) is primarily a **metaphor** for a continuous, ongoing experience of profound self-denial, spiritual mortification, and constant exposure to peril for the sake of the Gospel. It signifies a daily surrender of his own will, desires, and comfort to the will of Christ. It implies a lifestyle where he continually puts to death his earthly desires and embraces the suffering and sacrifice inherent in following Jesus, much like Jesus' call to [take up one's cross daily](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross Daily"). It's a living death to self, motivated by the certain hope of resurrection.

**How does Paul's "dying daily" relate to his argument for the resurrection?**

Answer: Paul's "dying daily" is a crucial part of his argument for the resurrection in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"). He argues that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then his life of constant suffering, peril, and self-sacrifice would be utterly meaningless and irrational. Why would he endure such hardships, face death at every turn, and deny himself if there were no future hope, no eternal reward, and no resurrection life? His willingness to "die daily" serves as powerful, personal evidence of his unwavering conviction in the resurrection. It demonstrates that the hope of resurrection is not just a theological concept for him, but a profound reality that shapes his entire existence and motivates his extreme dedication to the Gospel. Without the resurrection, his suffering would be pointless, leading to the despairing conclusion, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die" ([1 Corinthians 15:32](/1_corinthians/15-32 "1 Corinthians 15:32 - Eat, Drink, and Be Merry")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

[1 Corinthians 15:31](/1_corinthians/15-31 "1 Corinthians 15:31 - I die daily") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Himself. Paul's "dying daily" is a direct participation in the pattern of Christ's own life. Jesus, the Lord of glory, willingly "emptied Himself" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")) and submitted to the ultimate "daily dying" that culminated in His crucifixion. His entire earthly ministry was characterized by self-denial, suffering, and a relentless pursuit of His Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Paul's willingness to embrace constant peril and spiritual mortification is therefore an imitation of Christ, a living out of the call to [take up one's cross daily and follow Him](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross Daily"). The "rejoicing" of the Corinthians, which validates Paul's ministry, is itself a fruit of Christ's redemptive work, demonstrating the power of the Gospel to transform lives. Thus, Paul's "dying daily" is not merely a personal asceticism but a profound theological statement: it is the life of a believer united with Christ in His death so that they might also be united with Him in His resurrection life ([Romans 6:5](/romans/6-5 "Romans 6:5 - United in His Resurrection")). It is a testament to the fact that the Christian life is fundamentally a participation in the suffering and glory of the resurrected Christ, finding meaning and power only through Him.

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 4:10

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

2 Corinthians 4:11

For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

Romans 8:36

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

1 Corinthians 4:9

For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

1 Corinthians 4:13

Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, [and are] the offscouring of all things unto this day.

Philippians 3:3

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

1 Thessalonians 3:9

For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;