1 Corinthians 15:42

KJV

So also [is] the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G3779} also {G2532} is the resurrection {G386} of the dead {G3498}. It is sown {G4687} in {G1722} corruption {G5356}; it is raised {G1453} in {G1722} incorruption {G861}:

Complete Jewish Bible

So it is with the resurrection of the dead. When the body is “sown,” it decays; when it is raised, it cannot decay.

Berean Standard Bible

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable.

American Standard Version

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 15:42 serves as a pivotal statement in Paul's comprehensive defense and explanation of the resurrection of the dead, initiating a series of profound contrasts that illuminate the nature of the resurrected body. This verse succinctly captures the transformative journey from our present, perishable physical existence to a future, imperishable spiritual reality, emphasizing that while the earthly body is "sown in corruption," it will be "raised in incorruption." It lays the groundwork for understanding the continuity and radical discontinuity between the mortal and immortal forms, asserting the foundational Christian hope in a glorified bodily resurrection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") is Paul's most extensive and systematic treatment of the resurrection. The preceding verses (e.g., [1 Corinthians 15:1-11](/1_corinthians/15-1-11 "1 Corinthians 15:1-11 - The Gospel and Resurrection Witnesses")) establish the historical reality of Christ's resurrection as the cornerstone of the Christian faith, without which faith is futile. Paul then addresses the Corinthian believers' specific doubts and questions, particularly those who denied the resurrection of the dead (e.g., [1 Corinthians 15:12](/1_corinthians/15-12 "1 Corinthians 15:12 - If Christ is Preached, How Can Some Say There Is No Resurrection?")). [1 Corinthians 15:35](/1_corinthians/15-35 "1 Corinthians 15:35 - The Question of the Resurrection Body") directly poses the questions Paul answers in the subsequent verses: "But someone will ask, 'How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?'" Verse 42 marks the beginning of Paul's detailed answer, using an analogy of a seed to explain the transformation from the earthly to the heavenly body, setting the stage for the series of contrasts that follow in [1 Corinthians 15:43-44](/1_corinthians/15-43-44 "1 Corinthians 15:43-44 - Sown in Dishonor, Raised in Glory").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church, situated in a bustling, cosmopolitan Greek city, was heavily influenced by Hellenistic thought. Greek philosophy, particularly Platonism, often held a dualistic view that elevated the soul while disparaging the physical body as a prison or something inherently corrupt. This worldview made the concept of a bodily resurrection, especially of a physical body, challenging and even repugnant to some. Furthermore, the mystery religions and philosophical schools of the day offered various ideas about the afterlife, but none fully embraced the Jewish-Christian concept of a future bodily resurrection. Paul's discourse directly confronts these prevailing cultural assumptions, asserting a distinctly Christian understanding rooted in the Old Testament hope and the historical event of Christ's resurrection. His use of agricultural metaphors, like sowing a seed, would have been readily understood by an agrarian society, making complex theological truths accessible.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") is rich with theological themes that [1 Corinthians 15:42](/1_corinthians/15-42 "1 Corinthians 15:42 - The Resurrection of the Dead") profoundly contributes to. Firstly, it underscores **The Certainty and Necessity of Resurrection**, affirming that the resurrection of believers is as sure as Christ's own resurrection, which Paul argues is indispensable for Christian faith (e.g., [1 Corinthians 15:17](/1_corinthians/15-17 "1 Corinthians 15:17 - If Christ Has Not Been Raised, Your Faith Is Futile")). Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **Radical Transformation**, highlighting that the resurrected body will not merely be a resuscitation of the old but a glorious, qualitative change from perishable to imperishable, from weak to powerful, from natural to spiritual, as further elaborated in [1 Corinthians 15:43-44](/1_corinthians/15-43-44 "1 Corinthians 15:43-44 - Sown in Dishonor, Raised in Glory"). This transformation is a divine act, demonstrating God's power to conquer death and decay. Thirdly, it touches upon the **Continuity and Discontinuity of the Body**, using the seed analogy to explain that while there is a continuity of identity, the form and properties of the resurrected body will be profoundly different and superior, fit for eternity. This concept is vital for understanding the Christian hope in a future that redeems the whole person, body and soul, as seen in the ultimate [redemption of our bodies](/romans/8-23 "Romans 8:23 - The Redemption of Our Bodies").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sown (Greek, _speírō'_):** This word, derived from the idea of extending or scattering, refers to the act of planting seed. In the context of [1 Corinthians 15:42](/1_corinthians/15-42 "1 Corinthians 15:42 - The Resurrection of the Dead"), Paul uses it metaphorically to describe the burial of the human body. Just as a farmer plants a seed in the ground, so too is the human body laid into the earth at death. This metaphor highlights that death is not an end but a preparatory stage for new life, much like a seed must "die" to produce a plant.
* **corruption (Greek, _phthorá'_):** This term signifies decay, ruin, perishing, or decomposition. It describes the natural state of the physical body after death, which is subject to deterioration, disease, and the processes of mortality. Paul uses this word to emphasize the transient, fragile, and perishable nature of our present earthly existence, highlighting the effects of sin and the fall on the physical creation.
* **incorruption (Greek, _aphtharsía'_):** Formed by negating the root of "corruption" (with the 'a-' prefix), this word means "without decay," "imperishability," or "immortality." It describes the eternal, immortal, and glorified nature of the resurrected body. This body will be free from disease, aging, death, and any form of deterioration, perfectly reflecting God's eternal design and the triumph over the effects of sin and death. It speaks to a state of unending existence and genuineness, a quality of the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So also is the resurrection of the dead."**: This opening clause serves as a direct affirmation and a transition from Paul's preceding arguments about the certainty of Christ's resurrection to the nature of the general resurrection of believers. The "So also" (Greek, _hoútō kaí'_) connects the manner of Christ's resurrection, which involved a transformation, to the future resurrection of all believers. It declares that just as Christ was raised, so too will all who are in Him be raised, establishing the theological certainty of this future event.
* **"It is sown in corruption;"**: This phrase uses the metaphor of sowing a seed to describe the act of burial. The "it" refers to the human body at the point of death and interment. The body is "sown" (buried) in a state of "corruption," meaning it is subject to decay, mortality, and the natural processes of deterioration that follow death. This acknowledges the grim reality of physical death and the perishable nature of our earthly bodies, highlighting their vulnerability and transient existence.
* **"it is raised in incorruption:"**: This contrasting clause reveals the glorious outcome of the resurrection. The same body, though transformed, is "raised" (awakened, lifted up) not in its former state of decay but "in incorruption." This signifies a radical transformation to an imperishable, immortal, and glorified state. The resurrected body will be free from all forms of decay, disease, and death, reflecting the eternal and perfect nature of God's new creation. This is the divine reversal of the effects of the fall, promising an eternal existence in a body fit for eternity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [1 Corinthians 15:42](/1_corinthians/15-42 "1 Corinthians 15:42 - The Resurrection of the Dead") to convey profound theological truths. The most prominent is **Antithesis** (or contrast), where "corruption" is starkly set against "incorruption." This direct opposition highlights the dramatic and qualitative transformation that occurs at resurrection, emphasizing the radical difference between the perishable earthly body and the imperishable heavenly body. Complementing this is the **Metaphor** of "sowing." The act of burying the body is likened to planting a seed, which must decay before new life emerges. This powerful agricultural image demystifies the resurrection, making it relatable and illustrating that death is not an end but a necessary precursor to a new, superior form of life. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Parallelism** in the structure of the two clauses, "It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption," which creates a rhythmic and memorable statement, reinforcing the cause-and-effect relationship between death and resurrection, and the profound change in state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 15:42](/1_corinthians/15-42 "1 Corinthians 15:42 - The Resurrection of the Dead") is a foundational stone in the broader biblical doctrine of eschatology, particularly concerning the nature of the resurrected body. It affirms the ultimate triumph of God over sin and death, not just spiritually but physically. This verse assures believers that the future state involves a tangible, albeit transformed, body, which contrasts sharply with Gnostic or purely spiritualized views of the afterlife. It underscores the goodness of creation and God's intention to redeem not just souls but also the physical realm, culminating in a new heavens and new earth. The promise of incorruption speaks to the eternal security and glory awaiting those who belong to Christ, a hope that transcends earthly suffering and mortality.

* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Will Give Life to Your Mortal Bodies")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven, From Which We Await a Savior")
* [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 15:42](/1_corinthians/15-42 "1 Corinthians 15:42 - The Resurrection of the Dead") offers profound comfort and shapes our perspective on life, death, and eternity. For those grappling with the reality of mortality, the decay of the body, or the loss of loved ones, this verse provides a powerful antidote to despair. It transforms our understanding of death from a finality into a transition, a sowing that anticipates a glorious harvest. This hope encourages believers to live with an eternal mindset, prioritizing spiritual realities and investing in what will last. While our earthly bodies are temporary and subject to the ravages of time and sin, their future transformation affirms God's original good design and the ultimate redemption of our whole being—spirit, soul, and body. It reminds us that our present sufferings are temporary, and a future glory awaits that far outweighs them. This hope empowers us to face present challenges with resilience, knowing that our ultimate destiny is one of incorruptible glory with Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the metaphor of "sowing" in this verse change your perspective on death and burial?**
* **In what ways does the promise of "incorruption" offer you comfort or hope in the face of physical decline or loss?**
* **How does understanding the nature of the resurrected body influence your priorities and how you live your life today?**

### FAQ
**Does 1 Corinthians 15:42 mean our resurrected bodies will be entirely different, or will they retain any continuity with our earthly bodies?**

Answer: [1 Corinthians 15:42](/1_corinthians/15-42 "1 Corinthians 15:42 - The Resurrection of the Dead") and the surrounding verses in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") teach both continuity and discontinuity. The metaphor of the seed is key: when you plant a seed, it decays, but what grows from it is recognizably the same *kind* of plant, yet vastly different and more glorious than the mere seed. Similarly, Paul emphasizes that "it is sown... it is raised," implying that the "it" (the individual person, the body) retains its identity. However, the *nature* of that body is radically transformed. It moves from "corruption" (perishable, mortal) to "incorruption" (imperishable, immortal). Paul further explains this transformation in [1 Corinthians 15:43-44](/1_corinthians/15-43-44 "1 Corinthians 15:43-44 - Sown in Dishonor, Raised in Glory"), stating it is sown in dishonor but raised in glory, sown in weakness but raised in power, sown a natural body but raised a spiritual body. So, while it will be *our* body, it will be fundamentally changed, glorified, and perfectly suited for eternal life in God's presence, much like Christ's own resurrected body (cf. [Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Transformation of Our Lowly Body")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 15:42](/1_corinthians/15-42 "1 Corinthians 15:42 - The Resurrection of the Dead") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). His resurrection from the dead, in a transformed yet recognizable body, is the prototype and guarantee of our own future resurrection. Jesus was "sown in corruption" through His death and burial, experiencing the full reality of human mortality and the grave. Yet, He was "raised in incorruption," demonstrating His victory over sin and death, and inaugurating a new creation. His incorruptible body, which appeared to His disciples and ascended into heaven, is the pattern for the glorified bodies believers will receive. Because Christ, the "last Adam," became a life-giving spirit ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The First Man Adam Became a Living Being, the Last Adam a Life-Giving Spirit")), those who are united with Him by faith will also partake in His resurrection life. Our hope of an incorruptible body is not merely an abstract theological concept but a concrete promise secured by the historical reality of Christ's triumph, ensuring that just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven ([1 Corinthians 15:49](/1_corinthians/15-49 "1 Corinthians 15:49 - Bearing the Image of the Man of Heaven")). This future glory is a direct result of His finished work on the cross and His powerful resurrection, making Him the source and guarantee of our own eternal, incorruptible existence.

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

Matthew 13:43

Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Daniel 12:3

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Romans 8:21

Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

1 Peter 1:4

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

Philippians 3:20

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

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.

1 Corinthians 15:50

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.