1 Corinthians 15:48

As [is] the earthy, such [are] they also that are earthy: and as [is] the heavenly, such [are] they also that are heavenly.

As {G3634} is the earthy {G5517}, such {G5108} are they also {G2532} that are earthy {G5517}: and {G2532} as is {G3634} the heavenly {G2032}, such {G5108} are they {G2032} also {G2532} that are heavenly {G2032}.

People born of dust are like the man of dust, and people born from heaven are like the man from heaven;

As was the earthly man, so also are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven.

As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

Commentary

Context

First Corinthians Chapter 15 is Apostle Paul's profound discourse on the resurrection of the dead, a central doctrine of Christian faith that some in Corinth were questioning. Having established the historical reality of Christ's resurrection (verses 1-11) and its necessity for salvation (verses 12-19), Paul then addresses the how of the resurrection body. Verses 42-44 describe the transformation from a perishable, dishonorable, weak, and natural body to an imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual body. Verse 47 introduces the contrast between the first man, Adam, who was of the earth, and the second man, the Lord from heaven. Verse 48 logically follows, summarizing this foundational distinction.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of Humanity: This verse clearly delineates two categories of humanity based on their origin and nature. "The earthy" refers to humanity as descended from Adam, characterized by mortality, sin, and physical limitations. "The heavenly" refers to humanity as transformed by Christ, characterized by immortality, righteousness, and spiritual power.
  • Adam vs. Christ: Paul draws a stark parallel between Adam, the prototype of natural, earthly humanity, and Christ, the prototype of spiritual, heavenly humanity. Our original physical nature is derived from Adam, but our future spiritual nature is derived from Christ. This echoes Paul's broader theological point about sin entering through Adam and grace through Christ.
  • The Resurrection Body: The verse implies the radical transformation awaiting believers. Just as our current bodies are suited for an earthly existence, our resurrected bodies will be perfectly suited for a heavenly, eternal existence. This is not merely a resuscitation of the old body, but a qualitative change, as hinted in verses 42-44 of this chapter.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "earthy" (Greek: choikos) and "heavenly" (Greek: epouranios). The term choikos is directly related to chous, meaning "dust" or "soil." This powerfully connects back to Genesis 2:7, where Adam was formed from the dust of the ground. It emphasizes our origin from the material world and our inherent perishability. In contrast, epouranios signifies a spiritual, celestial origin and nature, reflecting the very being of Christ, who is "from heaven."

Practical Application

For believers, 1 Corinthians 15:48 offers immense hope and a clear understanding of our future. It assures us that our destiny is not merely to remain in a perishable, earthly state but to be transformed into a glorious, heavenly existence, mirroring Christ's resurrected body. This truth should inspire us to:

  • Live with an Eternal Perspective: Understanding our future heavenly nature helps us prioritize spiritual values over transient earthly pursuits.
  • Embrace Hope: The promise of a heavenly body gives profound comfort in the face of death and physical limitations. It underscores the Christian hope that our ultimate state is not decay but eternal life and glory.
  • Anticipate Transformation: Just as Christ was raised with a glorious body, we too shall be like Him. This transformation is not just physical but also spiritual, aligning us with His character and purpose, as seen in Philippians 3:21, which speaks of Christ transforming our vile body into His glorious body.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 5:3

    And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat [a son] in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth:

  • Romans 5:12

    Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

  • Romans 5:21

    That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

  • Job 14:4

    Who can bring a clean [thing] out of an unclean? not one.

  • John 3:6

    That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

  • 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.
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