1 Corinthians 15:46

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

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}.

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 15:46 is a pivotal verse in Paul's extensive discourse on the resurrection, establishing a divine order of development. It succinctly states, "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual." This principle underpins Paul's argument for the future, glorious transformation of believers.

Context

This verse is found within 1 Corinthians chapter 15, often called the "Resurrection Chapter," where the Apostle Paul vigorously defends the reality and nature of the resurrection of the dead to the Corinthian church. Some in Corinth were denying the resurrection (see 1 Corinthians 15:12). Paul addresses their questions about how the dead are raised and with what kind of body. Leading up to verse 46, he has used analogies like seeds growing into plants (1 Corinthians 15:37) and the different glories of celestial and terrestrial bodies to illustrate the variety and transformation that will occur. Verse 46 sets the stage for his explanation of the distinction between the first Adam and the last Adam.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order of Progression: The verse highlights God's established pattern for creation and redemption. Just as a seed first produces a natural plant before its full spiritual potential (like fruit) is realized, so too does humanity begin in a natural, earthly state before ascending to a spiritual, heavenly one through resurrection.
  • Natural Precedes Spiritual: This is a fundamental theological principle presented by Paul. Our existence begins with a natural, perishable body, which is a prerequisite for the spiritual, imperishable body promised at the resurrection. It's not a matter of superiority or inferiority of the natural, but of sequence in God's plan.
  • Hope in Transformation: The verse offers profound hope, emphasizing that our current natural state is not the end. The spiritual body, glorious and eternal, is the ultimate goal of God's redemptive work, a transformation from corruption to incorruption, from weakness to power (as described in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "natural" and "spiritual," which are crucial terms here:

  • Natural (Greek: psychikos): This term refers to that which pertains to the soul (psyche), the life principle of the physical body. It describes the earthly, 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.
  • Spiritual (Greek: pneumatikos): This term refers to that which pertains to the Spirit (pneuma), specifically the Holy Spirit. It describes the heavenly, resurrected, and glorified state, empowered by God's Spirit. This is the state of the resurrected body, made alive and transformed by Christ, the "last Adam."

The contrast between psychikos and pneumatikos underscores the profound difference between our current earthly existence and our future heavenly reality.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 15:46 provides several insights:

  1. Embrace God's Process: Understand that spiritual maturity and ultimate glorification often follow a natural, developmental process. We grow from spiritual infancy to maturity, just as our bodies will transition from natural to spiritual.
  2. Focus on the Eternal: While we live in natural bodies, this verse reminds us that our ultimate destiny is spiritual and eternal. This perspective helps us prioritize heavenly values over temporary earthly concerns, as encouraged in Colossians 3:2.
  3. Hope in Resurrection: It reinforces the Christian hope in the resurrection, assuring us that our present natural limitations are not the end of our story. A glorious, spiritual existence awaits those who are in Christ.

This verse anchors our understanding of the resurrection in a logical, divinely ordained sequence, offering comfort and assurance regarding our future with God.

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.

  • 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.

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