1 Corinthians 15:46

KJV

Howbeit that [was] not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

KJV (with Strong's)

Howbeit {G235} that was not {G3756} first {G4412} which is spiritual {G4152}, but {G235} that which is natural {G5591}; and afterward {G1899} that which is spiritual {G4152}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Note, however, that the body from the Spirit did not come first, but the ordinary human one; the one from the Spirit comes afterwards.

Berean Standard Bible

The spiritual, however, was not first, but the natural, and then the spiritual.

American Standard Version

Howbeit that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; then that which is spiritual.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 15:46 encapsulates a fundamental principle of divine progression within Paul's comprehensive argument for the resurrection: the natural precedes the spiritual. This verse asserts that humanity's initial state is one of earthly, perishable existence, which serves as a necessary precursor to the ultimate, glorious, and imperishable spiritual body granted through resurrection. It establishes a divinely ordained sequence, not a judgment of value, laying the groundwork for understanding the transformation awaiting believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"), often hailed as the New Testament's most extensive treatise on the resurrection. Paul dedicates this entire chapter to addressing skepticism and misunderstanding among the Corinthian believers regarding the resurrection of the dead, as indicated in [1 Corinthians 15:12](/1_corinthians/15-12 "1 Corinthians 15:12 - Doubts about Resurrection"). Prior to verse 46, Paul has established the historical reality of Christ's resurrection as the foundation for the believer's future resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:3-8](/1_corinthians/15-3-8 "1 Corinthians 15:3-8 - Christ's Resurrection as Foundation")). He then employs various analogies, such as the sowing of a seed ([1 Corinthians 15:37](/1_corinthians/15-37 "1 Corinthians 15:37 - The Seed Analogy")) and the differing glories of celestial bodies ([1 Corinthians 15:40-41](/1_corinthians/15-40-41 "1 Corinthians 15:40-41 - Glories of Celestial Bodies")), to illustrate the nature of the resurrected body. Verse 46 serves as a crucial bridge, setting up the profound distinction between the 'first Adam' and the 'last Adam' in [1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The First and Last Adam"), explaining the *order* of their respective contributions to humanity's physical and spiritual states.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a diverse community, grappling with various philosophical and cultural influences, including Greek thought. Many Greeks held a dualistic view, often despising the physical body and viewing resurrection as an undesirable concept, preferring the liberation of the soul from the body. This philosophical bias likely contributed to their skepticism about a bodily resurrection. Paul's detailed explanation in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") directly counters these prevailing views, asserting a distinctly Jewish and Christian understanding of the holistic person and the ultimate redemption of both body and soul. His emphasis on the 'natural' and 'spiritual' bodies was not merely a theological point but a direct challenge to the Hellenistic disdain for the material, affirming God's good creation and His plan for its ultimate restoration, including the physical body.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") and Paul's broader theology. First, it underscores the **Divine Order of Progression**, revealing God's established sequence for creation and redemption—a pattern where the initial, earthly state serves as a necessary precursor to a transformed, heavenly reality. Second, it highlights the **Contrast Between the Natural and the Spiritual**, a fundamental distinction Paul employs to explain the nature of our present perishable bodies versus our future imperishable ones. This contrast is not one of good versus evil, but of temporal versus eternal, earthly versus heavenly, and weak versus powerful, as elaborated in [1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1_corinthians/15-42-44 "1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - Qualities of the Resurrected Body"). Finally, the verse reinforces the profound **Hope in Transformation**, assuring believers that their current limitations are not their ultimate destiny. The promise of a spiritual body, glorious and eternal, is the culmination of God's redemptive work, moving humanity from corruption to incorruption, from dishonor to glory, and from weakness to power through Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **first (Greek, _prōton'_):** From G4412, this adverb signifies priority in time, place, order, or importance. In this context, it emphatically denotes temporal precedence, indicating that the 'natural' state of existence is the initial phase in God's ordered progression, preceding the 'spiritual' state. It's not about superiority, but sequence.
* **natural (Greek, _psychikós'_):** From G5591, this term describes that which pertains to the _psychē_ (soul), referring to the animate, earthly life. It denotes the unregenerate or unspiritual man, governed by human reason and physical senses rather than by the Spirit of God. It signifies our present, mortal existence, derived from the first Adam, characterized by its susceptibility to decay and death.
* **spiritual (Greek, _pneumatikós'_):** From G4152, this term relates to _pneuma_ (spirit), specifically the Holy Spirit. It describes the non-carnal, ethereal, or supernatural state. In this context, it refers to the heavenly, resurrected, and glorified state, empowered and characterized by God's Spirit. This is the state of the resurrected body, made alive and transformed by Christ, the "last Adam," marked by incorruption and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes a counter-intuitive truth for some, correcting a potential misconception. Paul asserts that the spiritual state, though superior in its ultimate form, is not the initial or primary stage in God's design for human existence. It challenges any notion that humanity began in a fully spiritual, glorified state, or that the spiritual body is a pre-existing condition.
* **"but that which is natural;"**: This clause presents the divinely ordained reality: the natural body is the first. Humanity begins in a physical, earthly, and mortal state, characterized by the _psychē_ (soul) as its animating principle. This 'natural' existence is a necessary, foundational stage, providing the context for growth, experience, and ultimately, the transformation into the spiritual.
* **"and afterward that which is spiritual."**: This concluding phrase reveals the teleological end of God's plan for humanity. Following the natural state, the spiritual state emerges. This "afterward" (Greek, _épeita_) signifies a subsequent, divinely appointed development, culminating in the resurrection body that is imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual, perfectly suited for eternal life in God's presence.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Antithesis** and **Progression** in 1 Corinthians 15:46 to articulate a profound theological truth. The verse is structured around a clear **Juxtaposition** of "natural" (_psychikós_) and "spiritual" (_pneumatikós_), highlighting their distinct natures and sequential relationship. The use of "not first... but... and afterward" creates a powerful **Chiasm** (A-B-A' pattern of spiritual-natural-spiritual) that emphasizes the divine order. This isn't merely a contrast of qualities but a depiction of an **Organic Development** or **Divine Process**, akin to a seed growing into a plant, where the initial, earthly form gives way to a transformed, heavenly reality. The simplicity of the language belies the profound **Theological Significance** of this established sequence, underpinning the entire argument for the resurrection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 15:46 is a foundational statement for understanding the teleology of God's redemptive plan for humanity. It posits that our current natural, perishable existence is not an end in itself, but a divinely ordained prerequisite for a future, imperishable spiritual existence. This principle underscores the transformative power of the resurrection, demonstrating that God's work in Christ culminates in the glorification of believers, not by abolishing the body, but by transforming it. It reinforces the theme of God's sovereign order in creation and new creation, where the initial, earthly Adam provides the pattern for the natural body, and the "last Adam," Christ, provides the pattern and power for the spiritual body. This progression from natural to spiritual is a testament to God's faithfulness to complete His work, bringing humanity to its ultimate, intended state of glory.

* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - Resurrection by the Spirit")
* [Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Transformation of Our Lowly Body")
* [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound implications for how believers view their present lives and future hope. It calls us to embrace the reality of our current natural existence, with its inherent limitations and mortality, not as a final state but as a temporary, preparatory phase. Understanding that the natural precedes the spiritual encourages patience and steadfastness in our journey of faith, recognizing that spiritual maturity and ultimate glorification are part of God's unfolding process. It reminds us that our true and lasting identity is not defined by our perishable bodies but by the spiritual transformation awaiting us. This perspective should inspire us to live with an eternal mindset, prioritizing spiritual growth and heavenly realities while faithfully stewarding our earthly lives. The promise of a spiritual body should fill us with unwavering hope, knowing that death is not the end, but a gateway to a glorious, incorruptible existence with Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "natural precedes the spiritual" principle impact your view of present suffering or physical limitations?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to prioritize the "natural" over the "spiritual" in your daily life, and how can this verse reorient your focus?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more in light of your future "spiritual" body and less in fear of the limitations of your "natural" body?**

### FAQ

**What does "natural" (psychikós) mean in the context of 1 Corinthians 15:46, and does it imply something negative?**

Answer: In 1 Corinthians 15:46, "natural" (Greek: _psychikós_) refers to the earthly, animate body that is animated by the _psychē_ (soul or life principle). It describes our present, mortal existence, which is susceptible to decay and death, inherited from the "first Adam" ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The First and Last Adam")). This term does not inherently carry a negative moral connotation, as if the natural body is sinful or bad. Rather, it denotes its temporal, perishable nature in contrast to the eternal, imperishable "spiritual" body. It's about sequence and quality, not moral standing. Paul is explaining the *order* of God's creation and redemption, where the natural body is a necessary, albeit temporary, stage before the spiritual transformation.

**Does this verse suggest that the natural body is inferior or something to be discarded?**

Answer: While the verse highlights a progression from the natural to the spiritual, implying the spiritual body's superior qualities (incorruption, glory, power, spirituality as described in [1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1_corinthians/15-42-44 "1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - Qualities of the Resurrected Body")), it does not suggest that the natural body is inherently bad or to be discarded in a negative sense. Instead, it teaches that the natural body is a necessary, foundational stage. God created the natural body, and it is "good" ([Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "Genesis 1:31 - God Saw That It Was Good")). The transformation at resurrection is not an annihilation of the body but a glorification and perfection of it, making it suitable for eternal life in God's presence. It's a continuity with transformation, not a complete replacement.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of the "first Adam" and the "last Adam" mentioned in the preceding verse?**

Answer: 1 Corinthians 15:46 directly builds upon the distinction between the "first Adam" and the "last Adam" introduced in [1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The First and Last Adam"). The first Adam, who became a "living soul" (a natural, _psychikós_ being), inaugurated humanity's natural, mortal existence. This verse explains that this natural state came "first." The "last Adam," Jesus Christ, became a "life-giving spirit" (a _pneumatikós_ being), inaugurating the spiritual, resurrected existence for those who are in Him. Thus, the verse clarifies the *order* of these two Adams' impact: the natural (from the first Adam) precedes the spiritual (from the last Adam). It underscores Christ's role as the one who brings about the ultimate spiritual transformation, fulfilling God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 15:46 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who embodies the transition from the natural to the spiritual and makes this transformation possible for humanity. As the "last Adam" ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The Last Adam")), Christ lived a fully human, natural life, experiencing death just as all descendants of the first Adam do. However, His resurrection was the pivotal moment when the natural was superseded by the spiritual in a glorified body, becoming the "firstfruits of those who are asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). His resurrected body, though recognizable, was no longer bound by earthly limitations, demonstrating the pattern for the spiritual body promised to believers. Through His atoning death and victorious resurrection, Christ conquered the power of sin and death, which characterize the natural, fallen state, and inaugurated the new creation. Believers, united with Him by faith, are promised a future resurrection where their natural bodies will be transformed into spiritual, imperishable bodies "like his glorious body" ([Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Transformation into His Glorious Body")). Thus, Christ is not merely the example but the very source and power by which the "afterward that which is spiritual" becomes a reality for all who are in Him, fulfilling God's grand design for humanity's ultimate glorification.

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

Romans 6:6

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Colossians 3:9

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Colossians 3:10

And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Ephesians 4:22

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Ephesians 4:24

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.