1 Corinthians 15:51

KJV

¶ Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold {G2400}, I shew {G3004} you {G5213} a mystery {G3466}; We shall {G2837} not {G3756} all {G3956}{G3303} sleep {G2837}, but {G1161} we shall {G236} all {G3956} be changed {G236},

Complete Jewish Bible

Look, I will tell you a secret — not all of us will die! But we will all be changed!

Berean Standard Bible

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—

American Standard Version

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We all shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 15:51, the Apostle Paul unveils a profound eschatological truth previously unrevealed: not all believers will experience physical death before Christ's return, but all will undergo a miraculous, instantaneous transformation into glorified, imperishable bodies. This declaration is a cornerstone of Christian hope, assuring believers of a future resurrection and bodily change that conquers mortality and prepares them for eternal life with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [1 Corinthians 15](/1-corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"), often called the "resurrection chapter," which forms the theological climax of Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church. Paul dedicates this entire chapter to defending and explaining the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, which some in Corinth were denying or misunderstanding. He begins by establishing the historical reality of [Christ's resurrection](/1-corinthians/15-3-8 "1 Corinthians 15:3-8 - Christ's Resurrection as Foundation") as the foundational truth of the gospel, without which Christian faith is futile. He then addresses the implications for believers' resurrection, contrasting the perishable earthly body with the imperishable spiritual body ([1 Corinthians 15:42-49](/1-corinthians/15-42-49 "1 Corinthians 15:42-49 - The Nature of the Resurrection Body")). Verse 51 introduces a specific, previously hidden detail about the timing and manner of this transformation for those who will be alive at the Lord's return, leading into the triumphant declaration of victory over death in [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1-corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church, situated in a bustling, cosmopolitan Greek city, was heavily influenced by Hellenistic thought, which often viewed the physical body as inferior or even evil, and thus found the idea of a bodily resurrection problematic or absurd. Greek philosophical traditions, particularly Platonism, emphasized the immortality of the soul but often disdained the material world and the body. This cultural backdrop explains why Paul dedicates such extensive theological argumentation to the resurrection, addressing not only its reality but also its nature. The concept of a "mystery" (μυστήριον) was also present in pagan mystery religions, but Paul repurposes the term to refer to a divine truth, previously hidden but now revealed by God, distinct from secretive human rituals.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 15](/1-corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") is rich with theological themes that [verse 51](/1-corinthians/15-51 "1 Corinthians 15:51 - The Mystery of Transformation") directly contributes to. A primary theme is the **certainty of resurrection**, grounded in Christ's own resurrection as the "firstfruits" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1-corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as Firstfruits")). Another crucial theme is the **nature of the glorified body**, which will be imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual, distinct from the perishable, dishonorable, weak, and natural body ([1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1-corinthians/15-42-44 "1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - Characteristics of the Resurrection Body")). The verse also introduces the theme of **divine revelation**, as Paul unveils a "mystery" that God has chosen to disclose at this specific time. Finally, it powerfully contributes to the theme of **victory over death**, demonstrating that mortality will ultimately be "swallowed up in life" ([1 Corinthians 15:54](/1-corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54 - Death Swallowed Up in Victory")), either through resurrection or instantaneous transformation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** This imperative particle functions as an attention-grabber, signaling the introduction of a significant and surprising revelation. It is used to draw the reader's immediate focus to the profound truth Paul is about to disclose, emphasizing the importance and newness of the information.
* **mystery (Greek, _mystḗrion'_):** In the New Testament, a "mystery" does not refer to something incomprehensible or unknowable, but rather a divine truth that was previously hidden or unrevealed but is now disclosed by God, often through an apostle. Here, it specifically refers to the previously undisclosed truth about the transformation of living believers at Christ's return.
* **changed (Greek, _allássō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "other," this verb signifies a complete and fundamental alteration or transformation. It denotes a radical, instantaneous metamorphosis from one state to another, specifically from a mortal, corruptible body to an immortal, incorruptible, and glorified body fit for eternity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I shew you a mystery;":** Paul prefaces his statement with an emphatic "Behold," demanding the Corinthians' full attention. He then states that he is "showing" or revealing a "mystery." This signifies that the information to follow is not a human speculation or philosophical idea, but a divinely revealed truth that God has chosen to disclose through him, previously hidden from human understanding. This sets the stage for a profound and authoritative declaration.
* **"We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,":** This clause presents the core of the mystery. The term "sleep" is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly the death of believers, emphasizing its temporary nature and the hope of awakening. Paul reveals that not all believers will experience physical death; a generation will be alive at Christ's return. However, regardless of whether they have died or are living, "we shall all be changed." This "change" refers to a radical, instantaneous transformation of the physical body into a glorified, imperishable, and spiritual body, necessary for inheriting the kingdom of God. This transformation applies universally to all believers, ensuring that every saint, whether dead or alive at the advent, will receive a resurrection body.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey the weight and wonder of this truth. The opening "Behold" serves as an **Interjection** or **Exclamation**, immediately grabbing the reader's attention and signaling the profound nature of the revelation. The use of "sleep" (Greek: _koimáō_) as a substitute for death is a powerful **Euphemism**, softening the harsh reality of mortality while simultaneously emphasizing its temporary state for believers, akin to slumber before waking. Furthermore, the phrase "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed" presents a clear **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, setting up a direct opposition between two states (not dying vs. being transformed) to highlight the universal and miraculous nature of the impending change. This rhetorical structure underscores the divine power at work, ensuring that all believers will participate in the ultimate victory over death.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is profoundly significant for Christian eschatology, revealing a key aspect of the "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13). It assures believers that physical death is not the ultimate end for all and that for those alive at Christ's return, a direct transformation into immortality awaits. This truth underscores God's sovereign plan for His people, ensuring that all who are in Christ will receive glorified bodies, fit for eternity in His presence. It speaks to the comprehensive nature of salvation, which extends beyond the spiritual to encompass the physical body, redeeming it from the effects of sin and decay. This passage also highlights the progressive nature of divine revelation, where God discloses truths in His perfect timing, building upon previous understanding.

* [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1-thessalonians/4-16-17 "The Lord's Descent and the Rapture")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Our Citizenship and Transformed Bodies")
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "The Spirit Giving Life to Mortal Bodies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The revelation in [1 Corinthians 15:51](/1-corinthians/15-51 "1 Corinthians 15:51 - The Mystery of Transformation") offers immense comfort and hope to believers across generations. It assures us that our ultimate destiny is not decay and dissolution, but transformation and glory. Whether we face death or live to see Christ's return, a magnificent, instantaneous change awaits, perfecting our bodies for eternity. This truth should liberate us from the fear of death and decay, empowering us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our transient earthly existence is but a prelude to an imperishable, glorious future. It calls us to live lives of holiness and purpose, eagerly anticipating the day when our mortal bodies will be "swallowed up by life," fully conformed to the image of our resurrected Lord. This hope fuels our perseverance in trials and our passion for sharing the gospel, knowing that the victory over death is secured for all who believe.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of a transformed body impact your perspective on physical death and the aging process?**
* **In what ways does this "mystery" encourage you to live with an eternal rather than a temporal focus?**
* **How might understanding this truth strengthen your hope and resilience in the face of life's challenges?**

### FAQ
**What is the "mystery" Paul is referring to in 1 Corinthians 15:51?**

Answer: The "mystery" Paul reveals in [1 Corinthians 15:51](/1-corinthians/15-51 "1 Corinthians 15:51 - The Mystery of Transformation") is a previously undisclosed divine truth: that not all believers will die physically before Christ's second coming. Instead, a generation of believers will be alive when He returns, and they, along with the resurrected dead, will undergo an instantaneous, miraculous transformation of their mortal bodies into immortal, glorified bodies. This specific detail about the living being transformed without experiencing death was not explicitly revealed in Old Testament prophecy or earlier New Testament teachings, making it a "mystery" now unveiled by God through Paul. This transformation is essential because "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 15:50](/1-corinthians/15-50 "1 Corinthians 15:50 - Imperishable Bodies for the Kingdom")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The mystery revealed in [1 Corinthians 15:51](/1-corinthians/15-51 "1 Corinthians 15:51 - The Mystery of Transformation") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our future transformation, whether through resurrection or instantaneous change, is entirely dependent on and patterned after Christ's own glorious resurrection. He is the "firstfruits of those who are asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1-corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as Firstfruits")), meaning His resurrection guarantees and prefigures ours. The power that will change our perishable bodies into imperishable ones is the same divine power that raised Jesus from the dead ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Giving Life to Mortal Bodies")). Our glorified bodies will be "like his glorious body" ([Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Our Transformed Body Like Christ's")), demonstrating that Christ is not only the source but also the model of our future state. This transformation is a testament to Christ's complete victory over sin and death, fulfilling the ancient prophecies of a new creation and a renewed humanity, all made possible through His atoning sacrifice and triumphant resurrection ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Thus, the mystery of our bodily change is intrinsically tied to the person of Christ, who is "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")).

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

1 Thessalonians 4:14

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

1 Thessalonians 4:17

Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

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.

1 Corinthians 15:20

¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept.

Ephesians 1:9

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

1 Corinthians 4:1

¶ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

1 Corinthians 15:6

After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.