1 Corinthians 15:53

KJV

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} this {G5124} corruptible {G5349} must {G1163} put on {G1746} incorruption {G861}, and {G2532} this {G5124} mortal {G2349} must put on {G1746} immortality {G110}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For this material which can decay must be clothed with imperishability, this which is mortal must be clothed with immortality.

Berean Standard Bible

For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.

American Standard Version

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 15:53 stands as a profound declaration of the eschatological transformation awaiting believers, asserting the divine necessity for our present, perishable, and mortal bodies to be gloriously clothed with imperishability and immortality. This verse encapsulates the ultimate victory over decay and death, promising a future state where the limitations of our earthly existence are transcended by God's power, aligning our physical being with the eternal, resurrected life promised in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within Paul's extensive and foundational discourse on the resurrection of the dead in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"). The entire chapter serves as Paul's robust defense against certain Corinthian believers who denied or misunderstood the future bodily resurrection. Paul systematically builds his argument, beginning with the historical reality of Christ's resurrection as the indispensable cornerstone of Christian faith ([1 Corinthians 15:1-11](/1_corinthians/15-1-11 "The Resurrection of Christ")). He then logically demonstrates that if Christ was raised, believers too will be raised ([1 Corinthians 15:12-34](/1_corinthians/15-12-34 "The Certainty of Believers' Resurrection")). Leading up to verse 53, Paul addresses the "how" of the resurrection, using analogies from nature (seed to plant) to explain the difference between the earthly, "natural" body and the heavenly, "spiritual" body ([1 Corinthians 15:35-49](/1_corinthians/15-35-49 "The Nature of the Resurrected Body")). Verse 53, therefore, serves as a climactic statement, articulating the precise nature of this necessary transformation, immediately preceding the triumphant declaration of victory over death ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "Victory Over Death")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub, deeply influenced by Greek philosophy, which often held a dualistic view of reality, valuing the spiritual (soul) over the material (body). Many Greek thinkers, particularly Platonists, viewed the body as a prison or a temporary, inferior vessel, and thus found the idea of a bodily resurrection—especially a *physical* one—to be absurd or undesirable. This philosophical predisposition likely contributed to the Corinthians' skepticism regarding the resurrection, as well as their practical ethical issues (e.g., sexual immorality, divisions). Paul's emphasis on the *bodily* resurrection, and the transformation of that body, directly confronts these prevailing cultural and philosophical assumptions, asserting a distinctly Jewish and Christian understanding of humanity as a holistic unity of body and spirit, and God's redemptive plan encompassing both. The concept of "immortality" was not foreign to Greek thought, but it was typically applied to the soul, not the body. Paul redefines and applies it to the resurrected body, rooted in God's power.

* **Key Themes:** 1 Corinthians 15:53 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader Pauline corpus. Primarily, it underscores the **nature of the resurrection body**, emphasizing its radical difference from our current, fallen bodies. It highlights the **eschatological hope** of believers, assuring them of a future state free from decay and death. This verse also speaks to the **sovereignty and power of God**, as the transformation is a divine "must" (Greek: `deî`), indicating a necessary act of God's redemptive plan. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **victory over death**, portraying death not as an end but as a conquered enemy, whose power is ultimately nullified by Christ's work and the believer's future transformation, as explicitly stated in [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "The Triumph Over Death"). The entire chapter, including this verse, serves to establish the **certainty of the resurrection** as a non-negotiable tenet of Christian faith, upon which all other hopes and doctrines rest.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Corruptible (Greek, _phthartós'_):** From G5349, meaning "decayed, i.e. (by implication) perishable." In this context, "corruptible" refers to the inherent nature of our present physical bodies, which are subject to decay, disease, and the ultimate dissolution of death. It speaks to their fragility and impermanence in the fallen world.
* **Incorruption (Greek, _aphtharsía'_):** From G861, meaning "incorruptibility; genitive, unending existence; (figuratively) genuineness." This term stands in direct antithesis to "corruptible." It signifies a state of being free from decay, dissolution, and physical deterioration. When our bodies "put on incorruption," they will be rendered imperishable, suited for an eternal existence.
* **Immortality (Greek, _athanasía'_):** From G110, meaning "deathlessness." This word, formed from a negative particle (`a-`) and `thánatos` (death), literally means "no death." It describes the state of being immune to death, signifying eternal life for the physical body. This is the ultimate triumph over death, where the body will no longer be subject to its power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this corruptible must put on incorruption,"**: This clause declares the necessary transformation of our current, perishable bodies. "This corruptible" refers to our physical bodies as they exist now, subject to decay and death due to the fall. The Greek word for "must" (G1163, `deî`) signifies a divine necessity, an unchangeable purpose of God. It is not an option or a possibility, but a certain, divinely ordained event. To "put on" (G1746, `endýō`) is a metaphor of clothing, indicating that our bodies will be fully invested with or transformed into a state of "incorruption," meaning they will become imperishable, no longer subject to decay or physical deterioration. This is a radical change in nature, not merely an improvement.
* **"and this mortal [must] put on immortality."**: This second clause parallels and reinforces the first, emphasizing the victory over death itself. "This mortal" refers to our current state of being subject to death, a condition common to all humanity since the fall. The implied "must put on" reiterates the divine necessity and certainty of this transformation. To "put on immortality" means to be clothed with deathlessness, to be freed from the power and sting of death forever. This signifies an eternal existence for the resurrected body, perfectly suited for life in God's presence.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this concise verse to convey its profound theological truth. **Parallelism** is evident in the two balanced clauses: "this corruptible must put on incorruption" and "this mortal [must] put on immortality." This structural repetition emphasizes the dual aspects of the transformation – freedom from decay and freedom from death – reinforcing the certainty and comprehensiveness of the change. **Metaphor** is central to the phrase "put on," which evokes the imagery of clothing. Just as one puts on a garment, our present bodies will be "clothed" with new, divine qualities of incorruption and immortality. This suggests a complete envelopment and transformation, not merely an external addition. Finally, **Antithesis** is powerfully used through the contrasting pairs: "corruptible" vs. "incorruption" and "mortal" vs. "immortality." This stark contrast highlights the radical and miraculous nature of the transformation, emphasizing the complete reversal of our fallen, temporary state into a glorious, eternal one.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 15:53 is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, offering profound insight into the future state of believers. It articulates the ultimate physical redemption, demonstrating that God's plan for humanity extends beyond spiritual salvation to the full restoration of our bodies. This transformation from perishable to imperishable, and from mortal to immortal, is not merely an upgrade but a fundamental change in nature, rendering the resurrected body perfectly suited for eternal life in God's presence. It underscores the comprehensive nature of Christ's victory over sin and death, ensuring that the final enemy will be defeated not just spiritually but physically. This verse provides immense hope, assuring believers that our present suffering and the reality of physical death are temporary, culminating in a glorious, incorruptible existence.

* [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 and Transformed Bodies")
* [2 Corinthians 5:1-4](/2_corinthians/5-1-4 "2 Corinthians 5:1-4 - Our Earthly Tent and Heavenly Dwelling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 15:53 offers believers a profound source of hope and a vital eternal perspective in a world saturated with decay and death. In a culture that often fears death or attempts to defy aging, this verse reminds us that our current physical limitations are not the final word. It transforms our understanding of death from an ultimate defeat into a gateway to glorious transformation. This truth should comfort those grieving the loss of loved ones in Christ, knowing that their perishable bodies will be raised incorruptible. For the living, it encourages us to live with an eternal mindset, prioritizing spiritual realities and investments that endure beyond this fleeting life. Our bodies, though temporary, are destined for glory, prompting us to honor God with them now, knowing their future destiny. This hope empowers us to face suffering, illness, and the inevitability of physical decline with courage, knowing that a glorious, immortal body awaits us, perfectly suited for an eternity with our Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of an incorruptible and immortal body impact your perspective on physical suffering, aging, or death?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge a purely materialistic or temporal view of human existence?**
* **How should the certainty of future bodily transformation influence your daily choices and priorities today?**
* **What comfort does this verse offer you regarding the future of your loved ones who have died in Christ?**

### FAQ

**What does "corruptible" and "mortal" mean in this context?**

Answer: In 1 Corinthians 15:53, "corruptible" (Greek: `phthartós`) refers to our present human bodies that are subject to decay, deterioration, and physical breakdown due to the effects of sin and the fallen world. They are perishable and fragile. "Mortal" (Greek: `thnētós`) emphasizes that our current bodies are subject to death; they are not inherently eternal and will eventually die. Paul uses these terms to describe the limitations and temporary nature of our current physical existence, setting the stage for the radical transformation promised at the resurrection.

**Is this transformation optional, or is it a guaranteed event for believers?**

Answer: The language used in this verse, particularly the Greek word `deî` (translated as "must"), indicates a divine necessity and certainty. It is not an optional or conditional event but a guaranteed part of God's redemptive plan for those who are in Christ. Just as Christ's resurrection was a necessary event for salvation, so too is the transformation of believers' bodies a necessary and certain outcome of His victory over death. This transformation is a non-negotiable aspect of the believer's future hope, as part of the triumph described in [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "Victory Over Death").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 15:53 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The necessity for the corruptible to put on incorruption, and the mortal to put on immortality, is directly predicated on Christ's own resurrection. His resurrection from the dead, as the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "Christ, the Firstfruits")), provides the pattern and the power for the believer's future transformation. Jesus, by His death and resurrection, conquered the very powers of decay and death that hold humanity captive. He is the one who "abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" ([2 Timothy 1:10](/2_timothy/1-10 "2 Timothy 1:10 - Christ Abolished Death")). Our future immortal bodies will be conformed to His glorious resurrected body ([Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Christ Will Transform Our Lowly Bodies")), demonstrating His complete victory over sin's ultimate consequence. Therefore, the transformation described in [1 Corinthians 15:53](/1_corinthians/15-53 "1 Corinthians 15:53 - The Transformation to Immortality") is not merely a future event but the glorious culmination of Christ's redemptive work, ensuring that those united with Him will share in His eternal, death-defying life, forever free from the curse of the fall.

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

2 Corinthians 5:2

For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

2 Corinthians 5:4

For we that are in [this] tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

1 John 3:2

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Romans 2:7

To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

Romans 13:12

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Romans 13:14

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].

Ephesians 4:24

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.