1 Corinthians 15:52

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

In {G1722} a moment {G823}, in {G1722} the twinkling {G4493} of an eye {G3788}, at {G1722} the last {G2078} trump {G4536}: for {G1063} the trumpet shall sound {G4537}, and {G2532} the dead {G3498} shall be raised {G1453} incorruptible {G862}, and {G2532} we {G2249} shall be changed {G236}.

It will take but a moment, the blink of an eye, at the final shofar. For the shofar will sound, and the dead will be raised to live forever, and we too will be changed.

in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:52 (KJV)

This verse is a pivotal moment in Paul's powerful argument for the resurrection of believers, found throughout 1 Corinthians chapter 15. Having established the reality of Christ's resurrection as the basis for the resurrection of all believers, Paul now describes the dramatic event of how this will occur for those who have died and those who are still living when Christ returns.

Key Phrases and Meaning:

  • "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,": Paul emphasizes the incredible speed and suddenness of this transformation. The Greek word translated "moment" is atomos, from which we get the English word "atom," meaning something indivisible – the shortest conceivable unit of time. "Twinkling of an eye" (rhipe ophthalmou) likewise conveys an instant, a mere flicker.
  • "at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,": The sound of a trumpet is often associated in the Bible with significant divine events – the giving of the Law (Exodus 19:16), the calling of assemblies (Numbers 10:2), or the announcement of judgment or victory. "The last trump" signifies a final, decisive trumpet call marking the culmination of God's plan regarding the resurrection and transformation of believers. It signals the dramatic intervention of God.
  • "and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,": This refers to believers who have died throughout history. At the sound of the trumpet, their bodies will be resurrected. The term "incorruptible" (aphthartos) is crucial. It means imperishable, immortal, free from decay and death, contrasting with the fragile, mortal bodies we currently possess (as discussed in previous verses like 1 Corinthians 15:42).
  • "and we shall be changed.": This refers to believers who are alive when Christ returns at the sound of the last trump. They will not die but will undergo an instantaneous transformation. Their mortal bodies will be changed into immortal, incorruptible bodies, just like the resurrected dead. This change is necessary because "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption" (1 Corinthians 15:50).

Themes and Significance:

This verse powerfully encapsulates the Christian hope in the resurrection. It highlights:

  • The Certainty of Resurrection/Transformation: It describes a definite future event.
  • The Suddenness of the Event: It will happen in an instant, without warning.
  • The Power of God: Only divine power can accomplish such a rapid and radical transformation.
  • The Triumph Over Death: Believers, whether dead or alive, will receive bodies immune to decay and death, signifying the ultimate victory over sin's consequence.

Cross-Reference:

This event is also described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which mentions the "shout," the "voice of the archangel," and the "trump of God," followed by the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the catching up and changing of living believers.

Practical Reflection:

This verse offers profound comfort and hope. It reminds believers that their earthly struggles and the reality of death are not the end. A glorious, physical transformation awaits, bringing them into an eternal state free from corruption. It encourages living with anticipation and assurance in God's ultimate plan.

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.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:16

    For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

  • 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.

  • Matthew 24:31

    And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

  • John 5:25

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

  • John 5:28

    Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

  • Isaiah 27:13

    And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:42

    So also [is] the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

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