1 Corinthians 15:35

¶ But some [man] will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

But {G235} some {G5100} man will say {G2046}, How {G4459} are {G1453} the dead {G3498} raised up {G1453}? and {G1161} with what {G4169} body {G4983} do they come {G2064}?

But someone will ask, “In what manner are the dead raised? What sort of body do they have?”

But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?”

But some one will say, How are the dead raised? and with what manner of body do they come?

In 1 Corinthians 15:35, the Apostle Paul anticipates and directly addresses common questions and objections regarding the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead. This verse serves as a pivotal point in his extensive argument in 1 Corinthians chapter 15, where he systematically defends this foundational Christian belief.

Context

Paul has spent the preceding verses establishing the undeniable reality of Christ's resurrection as the firstfruits and the necessary implication that believers will also be raised. He refutes those in the Corinthian church who denied a future resurrection, possibly influenced by Greek philosophical thought that disdained the body. Verse 35 introduces the practical, inquisitive side of the objection: "How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?" These are not necessarily questions of outright denial, but rather of genuine curiosity or skepticism about the mechanics and nature of such an event.

Key Themes

  • Addressing Skepticism: Paul acknowledges and directly confronts the natural human tendency to question what seems impossible or beyond understanding. He doesn't dismiss the questions but prepares to answer them.
  • The Certainty of Resurrection: Despite the "how" and "what," the underlying truth Paul upholds is that resurrection will happen. The questions are about the form, not the fact.
  • Nature of the Resurrected Body: This verse sets the stage for Paul's subsequent explanation of the distinction between the earthly, perishable body and the future, spiritual, imperishable body. It highlights that the resurrected body will be transformed, not merely a reanimation of decaying flesh.
  • Divine Power: Implicit in the idea of resurrection is the omnipotent power of God, who can accomplish what is humanly impossible.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrases reflect the two core questions: "Pōs egeirontai hoi nekroi?" (How are the dead raised?) and "Poiō de sōmati erchontai?" (And with what kind of body do they come?). The first asks about the method or manner, while the second specifically queries the quality or nature of the resurrected body. Paul's detailed response in the following verses (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:42-44) directly addresses these points, using analogies from nature like seeds and different kinds of flesh to illustrate the concept of transformation.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 15:35 reminds us that it's natural to have questions about the afterlife, but our faith rests on God's power and promises, not our full comprehension of the mechanics. It offers profound hope, assuring us that our future existence will be glorious and perfectly suited for eternity, rather than being bound by the limitations of our current physical bodies. This understanding can comfort those grieving and strengthen our conviction in the ultimate victory over death and decay promised through Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 37:3

    And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:38

    But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:53

    For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality.

  • Romans 9:19

    Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?

  • Philippians 3:21

    Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

  • Job 11:12

    For vain man would be wise, though man be born [like] a wild ass's colt.

  • Matthew 22:29

    Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

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