1 Corinthians 15:52

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 15:52 unveils the dramatic and instantaneous culmination of God's redemptive plan for believers at the return of Christ. It describes a swift, supernatural transformation, where the bodies of the deceased faithful will be resurrected into an imperishable state, and living believers will likewise be instantaneously changed, receiving glorified, incorruptible bodies, marking the ultimate triumph over death and decay.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of Paul's extensive and foundational discourse on the resurrection in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"). The chapter begins by affirming the historical reality 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 Resurrection of Christ")). Paul then systematically refutes arguments against the resurrection, emphasizing that if Christ was not raised, the faith is futile ([1 Corinthians 15:12-19](/1_corinthians/15-12-19 "1 Corinthians 15:12-19 - If Christ Has Not Been Raised")). He establishes 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")), leading to the ultimate defeat of death ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy, Death")). The latter half of the chapter addresses the nature of the resurrected body, contrasting the "natural body" with the "spiritual body" ([1 Corinthians 15:44](/1_corinthians/15-44 "1 Corinthians 15:44 - Natural vs. Spiritual Body")), and asserting that "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 15:50](/1_corinthians/15-50 "1 Corinthians 15:50 - Flesh and Blood Cannot Inherit")). Verse 52, therefore, provides the precise timing and mechanism for this glorious, final transformation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church faced significant challenges, including internal divisions and a pervasive influence of Greek philosophical thought. Many Greeks, particularly those influenced by Platonism, held a dualistic view of humanity, often despising the physical body as a prison for the soul. This worldview made the concept of bodily resurrection seem absurd or undesirable. Some within the church may have doubted the resurrection altogether or misunderstood its nature. Paul's detailed explanation directly confronts these cultural biases, asserting a physical, yet transformed, resurrection. The imagery of the "trumpet" would have resonated with both Jewish and Roman audiences. For Jews, the shofar (ram's horn) was used to announce significant divine events, such as the giving of the Law at Sinai ([Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - Trumpet at Sinai")) or the calling of assemblies ([Numbers 10:2](/numbers/10-2 "Numbers 10:2 - Trumpets for Assembly")). For Romans, trumpets signaled military movements, royal proclamations, and public gatherings. Thus, the "last trump" powerfully conveys a definitive, authoritative, and climactic divine announcement.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") is saturated with themes of **resurrection**, **transformation**, and **eschatology**. The central theme is the **certainty of the resurrection of believers**, grounded in the historical resurrection of Christ. This leads to the theme of **victory over death**, which is presented not as a natural end but as an enemy decisively defeated by God's power through Christ ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). The verse also highlights the **sovereignty of God** in initiating and executing this ultimate act of redemption, demonstrating His power to bring life out of death and perfect His creation. Furthermore, it underscores the **hope of eternal life** for believers, not merely as disembodied spirits, but as fully redeemed beings with glorified bodies fit for eternity with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **moment (Greek, _átomos'_):** This word, from which we derive the English "atom," literally means "uncut" or "indivisible." In this context, it refers to the shortest conceivable unit of time, emphasizing the instantaneous nature of the event. Paul uses it to convey an immediate, unperceivable transition, a blink-of-an-eye swiftness.
* **incorruptible (Greek, _áphthartos'_):** Derived from a negative particle and a word meaning "to decay" or "to corrupt," _áphthartos_ signifies "undecaying," "imperishable," or "immortal." This term is crucial as it describes the nature of the resurrected body—it will be free from the effects of sin, decay, disease, and death, contrasting sharply with our current mortal, corruptible bodies. It points to a new, eternal quality of existence.
* **changed (Greek, _allássō'_):** This verb means "to make different" or "to alter." It indicates a fundamental, qualitative transformation. For those alive at Christ's return, their mortal bodies will undergo an instantaneous, radical alteration, making them suitable for eternity. This change is not merely an improvement but a complete re-formation into a new, glorified state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,"**: This phrase emphasizes the unparalleled speed and suddenness of the event. The "moment" (átomos) refers to an indivisible point in time, and the "twinkling of an eye" (rhipē ophthalmou) is a common idiom for an instant, a mere flicker. Paul uses this vivid double expression to underscore that this monumental transformation will occur with unimaginable swiftness, without any preceding warning or gradual process.
* **"at the last trump:"**: The "last trump" signifies a definitive, climactic, and final trumpet sound. In biblical tradition, trumpets often heralded divine intervention, judgment, or significant assemblies. This "last trump" is the ultimate signal, marking the culmination of God's redemptive plan for His people, signaling the end of the present age and the inauguration of the eternal state. It is a divine summons and declaration.
* **"for the trumpet shall sound,"**: This clause provides the reason and mechanism for the sudden event. The sounding of the trumpet is the direct cause that triggers the subsequent resurrection and transformation. It underscores the divine authority and power behind this event, initiated by God's own signal.
* **"and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,"**: This refers specifically to believers who have died throughout history. At the sound of the "last trump," their physical bodies, which have returned to dust, will be resurrected. The key here is "incorruptible," meaning they will be raised with imperishable, immortal bodies, free from decay, disease, and the power of death, perfectly suited for eternal life.
* **"and we shall be changed."**: This refers to believers who are alive at the moment of Christ's return. They will not experience physical death but will undergo an instantaneous and radical transformation. Their mortal, perishable bodies will be supernaturally altered into immortal, incorruptible bodies, mirroring the resurrected bodies of the dead saints. This change is essential for them to inherit the imperishable Kingdom of God.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this verse to convey the profound truth of the resurrection. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrases "in a moment" and "in the twinkling of an eye," which are exaggerated expressions designed to emphasize the extreme suddenness and rapidity of the transformation, far beyond typical human experience. The **Symbolism** of the "last trump" is crucial; the trumpet sound is not merely an auditory signal but a powerful symbol of divine authority, a final decree, and a call to assembly that marks the culmination of God's redemptive history. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Antithesis** implied throughout the chapter and brought to a climax here: the contrast between the present "corruptible" and the future "incorruptible," between the "mortal" and the "immortal," highlighting the radical nature of the divine transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse stands as a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, offering profound insight into the ultimate destiny of believers. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to the full redemption of His people, encompassing not only their spirits but also their physical bodies. The transformation described assures believers of a future existence free from the limitations, decay, and mortality that characterize the present fallen world. It underscores the comprehensive nature of salvation, which culminates in a glorified physical existence perfectly suited for eternity in God's presence. This divine act demonstrates God's ultimate victory over sin and its most devastating consequence, death, fulfilling His promise of new creation.

* [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "The Lord's Descent and Resurrection")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Our Citizenship and Transformed Bodies")
* [Romans 8:23](/romans/8-23 "Groaning for Redemption of Our Bodies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 15:52 offers a powerful wellspring of hope and comfort for believers, particularly in the face of death and the struggles of this mortal life. It reminds us that our earthly bodies, subject to decay and weakness, are not our ultimate reality. Instead, a glorious, supernatural transformation awaits, promising a future of imperishable, immortal existence. This truth should instill profound peace, knowing that for those in Christ, death is not an end but a gateway to a perfected state. It also serves as a strong motivation for living a life of holiness and purpose, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Stand Firm in the Lord")). The anticipation of this instantaneous and complete transformation should shape our perspective on suffering, loss, and the fleeting nature of this world, anchoring our hope firmly in God's ultimate triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of an "incorruptible" body change your perspective on physical aging, illness, or death?**
* **What practical implications does the suddenness of Christ's return (implied by "in a moment") have for your daily living and priorities?**
* **How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's power and His faithfulness to His promises?**

### FAQ
**What does "the last trump" refer to, and is it mentioned elsewhere in the Bible?**

Answer: "The last trump" refers to a specific, climactic trumpet blast that signals the culmination of God's redemptive plan for His people at the return of Christ. It's a divine signal that triggers the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the transformation of living believers. While the Bible mentions various trumpets (e.g., those for war, festivals, or the giving of the Law), this "last trump" is uniquely associated with the eschatological event of the resurrection and rapture. It is also mentioned in [1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Trumpet of God"), where it is called "the trump of God," further emphasizing its divine origin and significance. It is distinct from the seven trumpets of Revelation, which are judgments, though the imagery of a final trumpet call is consistent with God's decisive intervention in history.

**Does this verse mean that believers will not experience death if they are alive when Christ returns?**

Answer: Yes, precisely. The verse clearly states, "the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." The "dead" refers to believers who have physically died, and "we" refers to believers who are still alive at the time of Christ's return. For those who are alive, Paul teaches that they will not die but will undergo an instantaneous transformation, their mortal bodies being changed into immortal, incorruptible ones. This concept is further elaborated in [1 Thessalonians 4:17](/1_thessalonians/4-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:17 - Caught Up to Meet the Lord"), where living believers are "caught up" to meet the Lord in the air after the dead in Christ are raised.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The glorious transformation described in [1 Corinthians 15:52](/1_corinthians/15-52 "1 Corinthians 15:52 - The Resurrection and Transformation") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His own bodily resurrection is not merely a historical event but the "firstfruits" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")) and guarantee of the future resurrection and transformation of all who are in Him. Jesus, through His death, disarmed the power of death and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")), and through His resurrection, He became the source of eternal life and the pattern for our glorified bodies. The power that will raise the dead and change the living is the same divine power that raised Christ from the grave ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - Resurrection Power")). Our future incorruptible bodies will be conformed to His glorious body ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship and Transformed Bodies")), reflecting His victory over sin and death. Thus, the "last trump" announces not just a future event, but the triumphant consummation of Christ's redemptive work, bringing His church into full conformity with Himself, the resurrected and glorified Head of the Body ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Head of the Body")).

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 4:16

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: