1 Corinthians 15:50

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} this {G5124} I say {G5346}, brethren {G80}, that {G3754} flesh {G4561} and {G2532} blood {G129} cannot {G3756}{G1410} inherit {G2816} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}; neither {G3761} doth {G2816} corruption {G5356} inherit {G2816} incorruption {G861}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let me say this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot share in the Kingdom of God, nor can something that decays share in what does not decay.

Berean Standard Bible

Now I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 15:50, the Apostle Paul delivers a foundational theological truth regarding the nature of the resurrected body and its essential transformation for entrance into God's eternal Kingdom. He unequivocally states that our current mortal, perishable human nature—"flesh and blood"—is fundamentally incompatible with and incapable of inheriting the imperishable, eternal realm of God, emphasizing the necessity of a divine metamorphosis from corruption to incorruption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Paul's comprehensive and impassioned defense of the resurrection of the dead, which occupies the entirety of [1 Corinthians 15](/1-corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"). The Corinthian church faced internal challenges, with some members denying or questioning the future resurrection of believers, as evidenced in [1 Corinthians 15:12](/1-corinthians/15-12 "1 Corinthians 15:12 - Doubts about the Resurrection"). Paul systematically builds his argument, first establishing the historical reality and theological necessity of Christ's resurrection as the cornerstone of Christian faith ([1 Corinthians 15:3-8](/1-corinthians/15-3-8 "1 Corinthians 15:3-8 - The Gospel and Christ's Resurrection")). He then addresses the implications of denying resurrection, leading to a profound discourse on the nature of the resurrected body, culminating in the triumphant declaration of victory over death ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1-corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Verse 50 serves as a crucial transition, explaining *why* a transformation is necessary before describing *what* that transformed body will be like.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan city influenced by diverse philosophical currents, including Greek thought. Many Greek philosophical schools, particularly Platonism, held a dualistic view that often denigrated the physical body as inferior or even a prison for the soul, believing true immortality lay in the liberation of the spirit from matter. This perspective would naturally lead to skepticism about a bodily resurrection, which seemed illogical or undesirable. Paul, however, rooted in Jewish eschatological hope, affirmed a holistic resurrection that included the body, albeit a transformed one. His assertion in [1 Corinthians 15:50](/1-corinthians/15-50 "1 Corinthians 15:50 - Flesh and Blood Cannot Inherit") directly confronts the notion that the spiritual realm is exclusively for disembodied spirits, emphasizing that God's Kingdom is for perfected, embodied beings. The concept of "inheritance" also draws from Old Testament ideas of receiving a promised land or blessing, here applied to the ultimate spiritual inheritance of God's eternal reign.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 15](/1-corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") is rich with theological themes, and verse 50 contributes significantly to several. The primary theme is the **Resurrection of the Dead**, specifically the nature of the resurrected body and its essential **Transformation**. Paul highlights the stark **Incompatibility of Mortality and Immortality**, asserting that our current "flesh and blood" existence, characterized by **Corruption** (decay and perishability), cannot endure in the eternal, perfect **Kingdom of God**, which is defined by **Incorruption** (immortality and imperishability). This necessitates a divine act of glorification, where the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, as further elaborated in [1 Corinthians 15:53](/1-corinthians/15-53 "1 Corinthians 15:53 - The Perishable and Imperishable"). The verse underscores the absolute purity and eternal nature of God's sovereign reign, into which nothing imperfect or subject to decay can enter.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_ G4561) and blood (Greek, _haîma'_ G129):** This idiomatic phrase, common in Semitic thought, refers to human nature in its earthly, mortal, and perishable state. It denotes humanity in its present physical constitution, subject to weakness, decay, and death. It emphasizes the limitations and temporality of our current physical existence, rather than inherently implying sinfulness.
* **inherit (Greek, _klēronoméō'_ G2816):** From the root meaning "to be an heir," this verb signifies receiving an inheritance or obtaining something by right or as a designated portion. In this context, it speaks of entering into and possessing the Kingdom of God as one's rightful, divinely appointed destiny. The inability to "inherit" implies an inherent unsuitability or incapacity in the current state.
* **corruption (Greek, _phthorá'_ G5356):** This term denotes decay, ruin, perishing, or destructibility. It encapsulates the transient, perishable nature of the physical world and, specifically, the human body as it exists in its fallen state, subject to entropy, disease, and death.
* **incorruption (Greek, _aphtharsía'_ G861):** The antithesis of "corruption," this word signifies imperishability, immortality, and freedom from decay or ruin. It describes the enduring, perfect, and eternal nature characteristic of God's realm and the resurrected, glorified body.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now this I say, brethren":** Paul introduces a crucial, emphatic statement, signaling to his audience (the Corinthian believers) that what follows is a significant theological declaration, often used to underscore a definitive teaching or conclusion in his arguments.
* **"that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God":** This is the core assertion. "Flesh and blood" (our present mortal human nature) is inherently incompatible with the "kingdom of God" (God's eternal, perfect, and holy reign). The inability to "inherit" signifies that this present physical form, with its limitations and susceptibility to decay, is not fit for eternal existence in God's presence. It's not a moral condemnation of the body but a statement about its temporal and perishable nature.
* **"neither doth corruption inherit incorruption":** This second clause functions as a parallel restatement and amplification of the first, using abstract concepts to reinforce the same truth. "Corruption" (the state of decay and perishability) cannot possess or partake in "incorruption" (the state of immortality and imperishability). This highlights the fundamental antithesis between our present transient existence and the eternal, unchanging nature of God's Kingdom, emphasizing that a radical transformation is a prerequisite for entrance.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **literary devices** in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Dichotomy**, creating a stark contrast between opposing concepts: "flesh and blood" versus "the kingdom of God," and "corruption" versus "incorruption." This sharp division underscores the absolute necessity of transformation for humanity to enter God's eternal realm. **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "flesh and blood," where a part (flesh and blood) stands for the whole (the entire mortal human being in their present state). This vivid imagery effectively conveys the perishable nature of our current existence. Finally, the address "brethren" serves as an **Apostrophe**, directly engaging the Corinthian believers and emphasizing the pastoral and instructional intent behind this profound theological truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in [1 Corinthians 15:50](/1-corinthians/15-50 "1 Corinthians 15:50 - The Necessity of Transformation") is deeply theological, affirming God's absolute holiness and the perfect nature of His Kingdom. It teaches that God's eternal dwelling is utterly free from the decay, weakness, and mortality that characterize our present existence. This necessitates a divine work of transformation, where believers are not merely given immortality but are fundamentally changed to possess a body suitable for eternity, reflecting God's glory and incorruptibility. It underscores that salvation is not just about the spirit but encompasses the whole person, body and soul, destined for a glorious, perfected state in God's presence. This transformation is a testament to God's power to overcome the effects of sin and death, bringing His creation to its intended, imperishable glory.

* [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 in Heaven and Transformed Bodies")
* [1 John 3:2](/1-john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of [1 Corinthians 15:50](/1-corinthians/15-50 "1 Corinthians 15:50 - Hope in Transformation") offers immense hope and a vital perspective for believers navigating the realities of a fallen world. It reminds us that our current physical limitations, vulnerabilities, and the inevitability of decay are not the final word for those in Christ. Rather, a glorious, imperishable future awaits, where our very bodies will be transformed to perfectly align with the eternal, incorruptible nature of God's Kingdom. This understanding should liberate us from an undue attachment to the temporary comforts or anxieties of this life, redirecting our focus toward the eternal inheritance. It encourages us to live with an eschatological hope, knowing that our ultimate destiny is not decay but glory, motivating us to pursue holiness and spiritual growth in light of the magnificent future God has prepared for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of a transformed, incorruptible body impact your perspective on physical limitations, aging, or illness in your current life?**
* **In what ways does understanding the incompatibility of "corruption" and "incorruption" shape your priorities and pursuits in this present world?**
* **How does the truth of our future inheritance in God's Kingdom motivate you to live a life that reflects His eternal values today?**

### FAQ

**Does "flesh and blood" in this verse imply that our physical bodies are inherently sinful or evil?**

Answer: No, the phrase "flesh and blood" in [1 Corinthians 15:50](/1-corinthians/15-50 "1 Corinthians 15:50 - The Nature of Our Mortal Bodies") does not imply that our physical bodies are inherently sinful or evil. In biblical usage, particularly in the New Testament, "flesh" (Greek: _sarx_) can sometimes refer to the sinful nature, but in this context, "flesh and blood" is a Semitic idiom that signifies human nature in its present, mortal, and perishable state. It emphasizes the limitations, weakness, and susceptibility to decay and death that characterize our earthly existence. Paul is not condemning the physical body as inherently bad, but rather explaining that its current, temporal form is simply not suited for the eternal, imperishable reality of God's Kingdom. It's a statement about capacity and compatibility, not morality. The transformation spoken of in [1 Corinthians 15:51-53](/1-corinthians/15-51-53 "1 Corinthians 15:51-53 - The Mystery of Transformation") is about upgrading our physical bodies to an incorruptible state, not discarding them due to inherent sinfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 15:50](/1-corinthians/15-50 "1 Corinthians 15:50 - Christ's Victory and Our Inheritance") finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His resurrection is the foundational truth that makes our future transformation from "flesh and blood" to an incorruptible body possible. Christ, as the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1-corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), perfectly demonstrates the nature of the resurrected, glorified body—one that is physical yet no longer subject to the limitations of decay or death. His victory over death and the grave ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1-corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Death Swallowed Up in Victory")) is the guarantee that "corruption" will not inherit "incorruption" through human effort, but through divine power unleashed by His triumph. Because Christ conquered death, those who are "in Christ" will likewise be transformed. He is the one who will "transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body" ([Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Our Bodies Transformed Like His")), enabling us to inherit the very Kingdom of God that He Himself inaugurated and now reigns over ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). Our inheritance of incorruption is not merely a change in our physical state, but a participation in the very life and reign of the resurrected Christ, the King of the eternal Kingdom.

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

John 3:3

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:6

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

Matthew 16:17

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Ephesians 4:17

¶ This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

2 Corinthians 5:1

¶ For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Galatians 5:16

[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 3:17

And this I say, [that] the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.