1 Corinthians 15:43

KJV

It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

KJV (with Strong's)

It is sown {G4687} in {G1722} dishonour {G819}; it is raised {G1453} in {G1722} glory {G1391}: it is sown {G4687} in {G1722} weakness {G769}; it is raised {G1453} in {G1722} power {G1411}:

Complete Jewish Bible

When sown, it is without dignity; when raised, it will be beautiful. When sown, it is weak; when raised, it will be strong.

Berean Standard Bible

It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.

American Standard Version

it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:43, presents a profound theological contrast concerning the nature of the resurrected body. This verse highlights the radical transformation from the perishable, earthly body, characterized by "dishonour" and "weakness" in its state of death and burial, to a glorious, powerful, and spiritual body in the resurrection. It serves as a powerful assurance of God's redemptive work, not only for the soul but also for the physical body, promising a future state of perfection and divine enablement for believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Corinthians chapter 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection of Christ and Believers") stands as the New Testament's most comprehensive exposition on the resurrection. Paul addresses a critical theological error within the Corinthian church, where some members denied the resurrection of the dead (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:12](/1_corinthians/15-12 "1 Corinthians 15:12 - If Christ is Preached, How Can Some Say There is No Resurrection?")). He begins by establishing the historical reality of Christ's resurrection as the foundational truth upon which Christian faith rests ([1 Corinthians 15:1-11](/1_corinthians/15-1-11 "1 Corinthians 15:1-11 - The Resurrection of Christ")). From [1 Corinthians 15:35](/1_corinthians/15-35 "1 Corinthians 15:35 - How Are the Dead Raised?") onward, Paul shifts his focus to the *nature* of the resurrected body, employing the analogy of a seed planted in the ground to illustrate the continuity and discontinuity between the present mortal body and the future immortal one. Verse [1 Corinthians 15:43](/1_corinthians/15-43 "1 Corinthians 15:43 - The Resurrection Body") is part of a series of striking antitheses in [1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1_corinthians/15-42-44 "1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - Contrasts of the Resurrected Body"), where Paul systematically contrasts the qualities of the "sown" (mortal, earthly) body with those of the "raised" (resurrected, heavenly) body.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church, situated in a prominent Roman provincial capital, was exposed to diverse philosophical and religious currents. Greek thought, particularly Platonism, often held a disdain for the physical body, viewing it as a prison for the soul. This dualistic worldview, which emphasized the superiority of the spiritual over the material, likely contributed to the Corinthians' skepticism regarding a bodily resurrection. For many Greeks, the idea of a physical body being raised from the dead was considered absurd (cf. [Acts 17:32](/acts/17-32 "Acts 17:32 - When They Heard of the Resurrection of the Dead")). Paul's emphatic defense of the bodily resurrection directly challenged these prevailing cultural assumptions, affirming the holistic nature of God's redemption that includes both spirit and body. His use of agricultural metaphors, like sowing and reaping, would have been readily understood in an agrarian society, providing a relatable framework for a profound theological truth.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians") and Pauline theology. Foremost is the **doctrine of the resurrection**, which is presented not merely as a resuscitation but as a radical, God-ordained transformation. It underscores the **sovereignty of God** in bringing life out of death and weakness. The contrast between "dishonour" and "glory," and "weakness" and "power," highlights the **eschatological hope** of believers, promising a future state free from the limitations and decay of the present fallen world. This transformation is intrinsically linked to the **glorious nature of Christ's resurrected body** (cf. [Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Christ Will Transform Our Lowly Body")), serving as the prototype and guarantee for believers. Ultimately, the verse affirms the **ultimate victory over death** (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")), a central tenet of Christian faith and hope.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sown (Greek, _speírō'_):** From G4687, meaning "to scatter, i.e., sow (literally or figuratively)." In this context, "sown" serves as a powerful metaphor for the burial of the physical body. Just as a seed is placed in the ground to decay before new life emerges, so too is the human body laid in the earth, not as a final end, but as a necessary step towards a future, transformed existence. This implies a natural process of death and decomposition, but one that is part of God's design for resurrection.
* **dishonour (Greek, _atimía'_):** From G819, meaning "infamy, i.e., (subjectively) comparative indignity, (objectively) disgrace." Here, "dishonour" refers not to moral shame but to the inherent vulnerability, decay, and eventual corruption that characterizes the mortal body. It speaks to the body's susceptibility to sickness, aging, and death, which strips it of its vitality and beauty, reducing it to dust. In contrast to the glorious, incorruptible state of the resurrected body, the mortal body in its fallen state is indeed "dishonorable."
* **raised (Greek, _egeírō'_):** From G1453, meaning "to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence)." This verb emphasizes the divine act of resurrection. It is God who "raises" the body, indicating a supernatural intervention that overcomes death and decay. The term implies a new awakening, a lifting up from the state of death into a new, vibrant existence.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From G1391, meaning "glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):--dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship." This term signifies divine splendor, majesty, and honor. The resurrected body will be imbued with God's own radiant presence and perfection, reflecting His character and power. It will be free from any blemish of decay, radiating with an inherent dignity and brilliance that surpasses any earthly form.
* **weakness (Greek, _asthéneia'_):** From G769, meaning "feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty." This describes the inherent limitations, physical frailty, and susceptibility to sickness, pain, and death that define our current mortal bodies. It encompasses all the vulnerabilities that make human life temporary and fragile.
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** From G1411, meaning "force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):--ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work." In contrast to weakness, the resurrected body will be infused with divine strength and vigor. It will be free from all earthly limitations, capable of existing in God's presence and performing His will without fatigue or decay. This power is a manifestation of God's own miraculous ability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It is sown in dishonour;"**: This clause metaphorically describes the burial of the physical body. The act of "sowing" likens death to planting a seed, implying that the body is laid in the earth in a state of decay and vulnerability. "Dishonour" here refers to the body's perishable nature, its susceptibility to corruption, disease, and the inevitable process of decomposition that strips it of its earthly vitality and beauty. It is the body in its fallen, mortal state, subject to the curse of sin and death.
* **"it is raised in glory:"**: In stark contrast, this clause describes the resurrected body. The passive voice "it is raised" underscores that the resurrection is a divine act, not a human achievement. "Glory" signifies a transformation into a state of divine splendor, majesty, and honor. The resurrected body will be incorruptible, radiant, and perfectly suited for eternal life in God's presence, reflecting His own inherent beauty and perfection. It will be free from all the limitations and decay of its previous state.
* **"it is sown in weakness;"**: This reiterates the condition of the mortal body at death. "Weakness" refers to its physical frailty, its susceptibility to illness, pain, and the ultimate inability to resist death. Our current bodies are limited, prone to fatigue, and ultimately succumb to the grave, demonstrating their inherent feebleness in the face of sin and mortality.
* **"it is raised in power:"**: This final clause completes the antithetical parallel, describing the resurrected body's new nature. "Power" signifies divine strength, vigor, and freedom from all earthly limitations. The resurrected body will be supernaturally enabled, capable of enduring eternity without weariness, sickness, or decay. It will be infused with God's own dynamic ability, perfectly equipped for its eternal purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's masterful use of **Antithesis** is the dominant literary device in [1 Corinthians 15:43](/1_corinthians/15-43 "1 Corinthians 15:43 - The Resurrection Body"). He employs direct, contrasting pairs ("dishonour" vs. "glory"; "weakness" vs. "power") to highlight the radical transformation that occurs at resurrection. This creates a powerful rhetorical effect, emphasizing the qualitative difference between the mortal and immortal body. Furthermore, the **Metaphor** of "sowing" and "raising" (or "being raised") is central to his argument. The body is likened to a seed, which must be "sown" (buried) in its humble, perishable form to be "raised" (germinated) into a new, glorious, and powerful plant. This agricultural imagery makes a complex theological concept relatable, illustrating both the continuity (it's still a body, like a seed becomes *that* plant) and the discontinuity (the raised body is fundamentally different and superior to the sown one). The verse also exhibits strong **Parallelism**, with the structure "It is sown in X; it is raised in Y" repeated twice, reinforcing the symmetrical nature of the contrasts and making the theological point memorable and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 15:43](/1_corinthians/15-43 "1 Corinthians 15:43 - The Resurrection Body") is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, offering profound insight into the nature of the resurrection body and God's ultimate redemptive plan. It assures believers that the physical body, though subject to decay and death in its fallen state, is not abandoned but will be gloriously transformed by divine power. This transformation is not merely a resuscitation of the old but a qualitative change, making the body fit for eternity in God's presence. It underscores the comprehensive nature of salvation, which encompasses not only the spirit but also the physical self, demonstrating God's commitment to fully restore His creation. The contrasts presented—dishonour to glory, weakness to power—speak to the triumph over the effects of sin and the promise of a perfected existence.

* [Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Christ Will Transform Our Lowly Body")
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Will Give Life to Your Mortal Bodies")
* [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The truths presented in [1 Corinthians 15:43](/1_corinthians/15-43 "1 Corinthians 15:43 - The Resurrection Body") offer immense comfort and profound implications for daily Christian living. In a world where physical limitations, illness, aging, and death are undeniable realities, this verse provides a beacon of hope. It reminds us that our present struggles and the decay of our mortal bodies are temporary. The "dishonour" and "weakness" we experience are not our final destiny. Instead, a glorious and powerful transformation awaits those who are in Christ, a future where our bodies will be perfected and immortal, free from pain, sickness, and the limitations of sin. This hope should shape our perspective, encouraging us to endure present sufferings with resilience, to value our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit even in their present state, and to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly lasts rather than on fleeting earthly comforts or appearances. It calls us to anticipate with joy the day when we will fully embody the glory and power of God's redemptive work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the contrast between "sown in dishonour, raised in glory" challenge your current understanding or feelings about death and the human body?**
* **In what ways does the promise of being "raised in power" encourage you in moments of physical weakness, illness, or limitation?**
* **How should the hope of a glorious, resurrected body influence the way you care for your current body and the choices you make today?**
* **How can this verse provide comfort to those grieving the loss of a loved one, knowing their physical body will be raised in glory and power?**

### FAQ
**What does "sown in dishonour" mean in the context of the body?**

Answer: "Sown in dishonour" refers to the state of the physical, mortal body at the time of death and burial. It does not imply moral shame or disgrace, but rather the inherent vulnerability, decay, and corruption that characterize the human body due to the fall. Our bodies are subject to sickness, aging, and ultimately, death, which strips them of their vitality and beauty, reducing them to dust. This "dishonour" is contrasted with the "glory" of the resurrected body, which will be incorruptible and radiant, perfectly suited for eternal life. Paul uses this vivid imagery to highlight the stark difference between our present, perishable bodies and our future, imperishable ones, as he explains in [1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1_corinthians/15-42-44 "1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - Contrasts of the Resurrected Body").

**How can a body be "raised in power" when it was "sown in weakness"?**

Answer: The transformation from "weakness" to "power" at resurrection is a miraculous act of God, demonstrating His divine ability to bring life and strength out of decay and frailty. "Weakness" refers to the physical limitations, susceptibility to illness, fatigue, and the ultimate inability to resist death that characterizes our current mortal bodies. "Power" (Greek: *dynamis*) signifies divine strength, vigor, and freedom from all earthly limitations. The resurrected body will be infused with God's own dynamic energy, making it immortal, incorruptible, and perfectly equipped for its eternal purpose. This divine power is the same power that raised Christ from the dead, as affirmed in [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Will Give Life to Your Mortal Bodies"), and it guarantees that believers' bodies will also be raised with supernatural ability and endurance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 15:43](/1_corinthians/15-43 "1 Corinthians 15:43 - The Resurrection Body") finds its ultimate fulfillment and guarantee in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His resurrection from the dead is the prototype and firstfruits of the resurrection of all believers (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). Just as Christ's body was "sown" in the dishonor of death and the weakness of the grave, yet "raised in glory" and "power" by the Spirit (cf. [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God in Power")), so too will the bodies of His followers be transformed. Our future glorious and powerful bodies will be conformed to His own glorious body (cf. [Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Christ Will Transform Our Lowly Body")), signifying our complete identification with Him in His victory over sin and death. Christ's resurrection is not merely a historical event but the very source of the power that will raise us, ensuring that our "dishonour" will be swallowed up by His "glory" and our "weakness" by His "power," culminating in the full redemption of both soul and body for eternity with Him (cf. [Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - When Christ, Who Is Your Life, Appears")).

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

Colossians 3:4

When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Daniel 12:1

¶ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Philippians 3:10

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Matthew 22:29

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

Matthew 22:30

For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

2 Corinthians 13:4

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

Mark 12:24

And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?