1 Corinthians 15:35

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 15:35, the Apostle Paul anticipates and directly addresses the fundamental questions posed by skeptics or the curious within the Corinthian church regarding the resurrection of the dead. This pivotal verse introduces the practical and existential inquiries about the mechanics and nature of the resurrected body, setting the stage for Paul's comprehensive theological defense and explanation of this core Christian doctrine in the remainder of the chapter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Paul has meticulously laid the groundwork for the resurrection's certainty in the preceding verses of [1 Corinthians 15](/1-corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"). He begins by reiterating the gospel's core message, emphasizing Christ's resurrection as a historical fact attested by many witnesses ([1 Corinthians 15:3-8](/1-corinthians/15-3-8 "The Resurrection of Christ")). From this foundational truth, he logically argues that if Christ was raised, then believers must also be raised, challenging those who deny a future resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:12-19](/1-corinthians/15-12-19 "The Necessity of Resurrection")). He presents Christ as the "firstfruits" of those who have fallen asleep ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1-corinthians/15-20 "Christ as the Firstfruits")), establishing a pattern for the resurrection of all believers. Verse 35 marks a shift from defending the *fact* of resurrection to addressing the *manner* and *nature* of it, signaling Paul's transition to a more detailed explanation of the resurrected body.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church existed in a Greco-Roman cultural milieu where Greek philosophical thought, particularly Platonism, often held a dualistic view that denigrated the physical body as inferior or even a prison for the soul. The idea of a bodily resurrection was largely foreign and often ridiculed by many Greeks, as evidenced by the reaction to Paul's sermon in [Acts 17:32](/acts/17-32 "The Athenians' Reaction to Resurrection"). This cultural backdrop likely contributed to the skepticism or confusion among some Corinthians regarding how a decaying physical body could be raised, or what form it would take. Jewish tradition, in contrast, generally affirmed a bodily resurrection (e.g., [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Resurrection in Daniel")), but the specific nature of the resurrected body was still a matter of discussion. Paul's detailed exposition serves to bridge this gap, affirming the biblical truth while addressing the practical questions of his audience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the subsequent discussion it introduces, contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Corinthians](/1-corinthians/1 "The First Letter to the Corinthians") and broader Christian theology. It underscores the **certainty of the resurrection**, moving beyond mere assertion to address the practical implications. It initiates a profound exploration of the **nature of the resurrected body**, distinguishing between the perishable earthly body and the imperishable, spiritual body that will be raised ([1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1-corinthians/15-42-44 "The Transformation of the Body")). Implicit in the possibility of resurrection is the theme of **God's omnipotent power**, capable of accomplishing what is humanly impossible or inconceivable. Finally, it highlights Paul's pastoral approach of **addressing skepticism and genuine inquiry**, not dismissing difficult questions but providing reasoned, biblically grounded answers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _allá'_):** This conjunction (G235) serves as a strong adversative, introducing a direct counter-argument or objection. It signals Paul's anticipation of a challenge to his preceding arguments about the resurrection, indicating a shift from declarative statements to addressing specific questions. It sets a confrontational yet pedagogical tone, as Paul prepares to dismantle the objections.
* **dead (Greek, _nekrós'_):** This adjective (G3498) refers to those who are physically deceased, a corpse. In the context of resurrection, it specifically denotes those who have experienced biological death, emphasizing the miraculous nature of their being "raised up" from a state of lifelessness. The question revolves around the transformation of these very bodies.
* **raised up (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb (G1453) means to waken, rouse, or lift up, often used in the context of rising from sleep, a seat, or illness. Crucially, it is frequently used in the New Testament to describe resurrection from death. Here, it highlights the act of being brought back to life, prompting the question of *how* such a profound transformation occurs.
* **body (Greek, _sōma'_):** This noun (G4983) refers to the physical body, but in a broader sense, it can also encompass the entire person or a sound whole. In this verse, it is central to the second question, probing the *kind* or *quality* of the physical form that resurrected individuals will possess, implying a concern about continuity and discontinuity with the earthly body.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ But some [man] will say,"**: Paul anticipates an objection, using a rhetorical device to introduce the common queries he knows are on the minds of his audience, or perhaps from specific individuals who are challenging the doctrine. The "some man" (G5100, _tìs_) is a generic placeholder for a skeptic or questioner, making the argument relatable and direct.
* **"How are the dead raised up?"**: This is the first of two critical questions. The Greek adverb "How" (G4459, _pōs_) seeks to understand the *manner* or *method* of resurrection. It reflects a natural human curiosity about the mechanics of such an extraordinary event, particularly concerning the transformation of decaying flesh into a new, living form.
* **"and with what body do they come?"**: This is the second question, introduced by "and" (G1161, _dé_), which functions here as a continuative particle. The interrogative "with what" (G4169, _poîos_) specifically asks about the *quality* or *kind* of body. This query goes beyond the *how* to the *what*, focusing on the nature, characteristics, and continuity of the resurrected physical form, setting the stage for Paul's detailed explanation of the spiritual body.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, where he anticipates and voices the objections of his audience rather than waiting for them to be asked. This technique allows him to control the narrative, directly address potential doubts, and demonstrate his understanding of their concerns. By posing these questions himself, he creates a sense of **Anticipation**, building suspense for the detailed answers he is about to provide. The verse also functions as a form of **Implied Dialogue**, where Paul is responding to unstated or anticipated challenges, making his discourse more dynamic and engaging for the Corinthian readers. This strategic opening allows him to transition smoothly from affirming the fact of resurrection to elaborating on its profound implications for the believer's future body.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The questions in 1 Corinthians 15:35, though seemingly practical, delve into profound theological territory concerning the nature of human existence, the power of God, and the ultimate hope of the believer. Paul's subsequent answers affirm that the resurrected body, while retaining a continuity with the earthly person, will be fundamentally transformed, reflecting an imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual nature. This transformation highlights God's creative and redemptive power, capable of bringing life out of death and perfecting what was perishable. The questions also underscore the mystery inherent in divine operations; while God reveals the *what* and *why* of resurrection, the *how* often remains beyond full human comprehension, demanding faith in His omnipotence. The promise of a resurrected body provides immense comfort and hope, assuring believers of a future existence fully suited for eternal life with God, free from the limitations and decay of the present age.

* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Our Citizenship and Glorified Body")
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "The Spirit's Role in Resurrection")
* [Job 19:26](/job/19-26 "Job's Hope in Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 1 Corinthians 15:35 serves as a powerful reminder that it is natural and even healthy to ponder the mysteries of our future existence. Paul does not rebuke the questions but addresses them head-on, inviting us to trust in God's power even when the mechanics are beyond our full grasp. This verse encourages us to look beyond our current physical limitations and the inevitability of death, embracing the profound hope of a transformed, imperishable body perfectly suited for eternity. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our earthly struggles and physical frailties are temporary, and a glorious future awaits those who are in Christ. This hope should comfort us in times of grief, strengthen our faith in the face of doubt, and motivate us to live lives that reflect the certainty of our future resurrection and the glory of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of the resurrection of the dead do you find most challenging to understand or believe?**
* **How does the promise of a transformed, imperishable body influence your perspective on your current physical body and its limitations?**
* **In what ways can focusing on the "how" and "what" of resurrection distract us from the "who" (God's power) and "why" (God's redemptive plan)?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "some man" Paul refers to in this verse?**

Answer: The "some man" (Greek: _tìs_) is not a specific individual but rather a rhetorical device Paul uses to represent a generic objector or questioner. It signifies the common, anticipated questions or skeptical attitudes prevalent among some members of the Corinthian church, or perhaps even broader Greek society, who struggled with the concept of bodily resurrection. By voicing these questions himself, Paul demonstrates his awareness of their concerns and prepares to offer a comprehensive, pastoral response.

**Why are these questions about "how" and "with what body" so important to address?**

Answer: These questions are crucial because they touch upon the very nature of human identity and the reality of eternal life. If the resurrection were merely a spiritual event without a bodily component, it would contradict the biblical understanding of humanity as embodied beings and diminish the significance of Christ's physical resurrection. Addressing these questions allows Paul to clarify that the resurrection involves a real, physical body, albeit one transformed and glorified, thereby affirming the continuity of identity and the completeness of God's redemptive work. It also counters philosophical views that devalued the body, ensuring a robust and holistic Christian understanding of eschatology, as seen in his detailed explanation in [1 Corinthians 15:42-50](/1-corinthians/15-42-50 "The Nature of the Resurrected Body").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 15:35, with its probing questions about the resurrection body, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His resurrection is not merely an isolated historical event, but the definitive answer to "How are the dead raised up?" and "With what body do they come?" Christ's physical, yet transformed, resurrected body—one that could be touched, eat, and yet also appear and disappear—serves as the prototype and guarantee for our own future resurrection. He is the "firstfruits" of those who have fallen asleep ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1-corinthians/15-20 "Christ as the Firstfruits")), meaning His resurrection is the initial harvest, ensuring that a full harvest of believers will follow. Our hope for a resurrected body, one that is imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual ([1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1-corinthians/15-42-44 "The Transformation from Perishable to Imperishable")), is entirely dependent on and patterned after Christ's own victory over death. Through His resurrection, Jesus has conquered the power of the grave, making it possible for us to share in His glorified humanity, ultimately fulfilling the promise that "death has been swallowed up in victory" ([1 Corinthians 15:54](/1-corinthians/15-54 "Victory Over Death")). Thus, the questions posed in verse 35 are answered not by human ingenuity, but by the divine power and perfect example of our resurrected Lord.

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

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.