1 Corinthians 15:50

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

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}.

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.

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

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

1 Corinthians 15:50 (KJV) delivers a profound theological statement about the nature of the resurrected body and entrance into God's eternal realm. The Apostle Paul here emphasizes the necessary transformation that must occur for humans to inherit the Kingdom of God, highlighting the incompatibility of our present, mortal state with an eternal, incorruptible existence.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's extensive discourse on the resurrection of the dead in 1 Corinthians chapter 15. The Corinthian church had some members who denied or doubted the future resurrection of believers (1 Corinthians 15:12). Paul systematically defends the doctrine of resurrection, first by pointing to Christ's resurrection as the foundational truth, then by explaining the nature of the resurrected body. Verse 50 acts as a crucial bridge, summarizing why our current "flesh and blood" bodies are inadequate for eternity and setting the stage for his description of the glorious, spiritual body to come.

Key Themes

  • The Impermanence of the Mortal Body: "Flesh and blood" refers to our current human existence, characterized by mortality, decay, and susceptibility to sin and death. This body, in its present form, is inherently perishable and cannot endure in the eternal, perfect Kingdom of God.
  • The Necessity of Transformation: Paul asserts that a fundamental change is required. Our corruptible nature cannot inherit incorruption. This points to the divine transformation of believers' bodies at the resurrection, making them fit for eternity.
  • Incompatibility of Corruption and Incorruption: The verse highlights a clear dichotomy. "Corruption" (decay, perishing, mortality) is fundamentally opposed to "incorruption" (immortality, imperishability). One cannot possess the other without a radical change. This emphasizes the purity and eternal nature of God's Kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "flesh and blood" (Greek: sarx kai haima - σὰρξ καὶ αἷμα) is a common Semitic idiom that signifies human nature in its earthly, mortal, and perishable state. It doesn't necessarily imply inherent sinfulness but rather the limitations of our physical existence, which is subject to decay and death. The Greek word for "corruption" is phthora (φθορά), meaning decay, ruin, or perishableness, while "incorruption" is aphtharsia (ἀφθαρσία), signifying immortality, imperishability, and freedom from decay.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound hope and a clear perspective for believers:

  1. Assurance of Future Glory: It reassures us that our future in the Kingdom of God involves a perfected, imperishable body, far beyond the limitations of our current physical form. This aligns with the promise that we shall be like Him.
  2. Focus on the Eternal: Understanding that our current physical state is temporary encourages us to set our minds on spiritual and eternal realities, rather than solely on temporal earthly matters.
  3. Motivation for Holiness: While our bodies are transformed by God's power, the understanding that our mortal nature cannot inherit perfect incorruption can also serve as a reminder to live in a way that aligns with the spiritual principles of the Kingdom of God, even now.
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.

  • 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.

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