1 Corinthians 6:14

KJV

And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} God {G2316} hath {G1453} both {G2532} raised up {G1453} the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} will {G1825} also {G2532} raise up {G1825} us {G2248} by {G1223} his own {G846} power {G1411}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God raised up the Lord, and he will raise us up too by his power.

Berean Standard Bible

By His power God raised the Lord from the dead, and He will raise us also.

American Standard Version

and God both raised the Lord, and will raise up us through his power.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 6:14 powerfully asserts God's sovereign power to resurrect, declaring that just as He raised Jesus Christ from the dead, He will similarly raise believers by the same divine might. This verse serves as a foundational theological statement within Paul's letter, underpinning his ethical exhortations regarding the sanctity of the body and the future hope of redemption for all who are in Christ. It links the historical reality of Christ's resurrection directly to the future bodily resurrection of His followers, providing both assurance and a compelling motivation for holy living.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within [1 Corinthians 6](/1_corinthians/6 "1 Corinthians 6 - Lawsuits and Immorality"), a chapter where Paul addresses pressing ethical issues plaguing the Corinthian church. Immediately preceding [1 Corinthians 6:14](/1_corinthians/6-14 "1 Corinthians 6:14 - God's Power to Raise the Dead"), Paul condemns lawsuits among believers ([1 Corinthians 6:1-8](/1_corinthians/6-1-8 "1 Corinthians 6:1-8 - Lawsuits Among Believers")) and transitions into a stern warning against various forms of sexual immorality ([1 Corinthians 6:9-20](/1_corinthians/6-9-20 "1 Corinthians 6:9-20 - Warnings Against Immorality")). The Corinthian believers, influenced by prevailing Greek philosophical dualism, often compartmentalized the spiritual from the physical, viewing the body as transient and morally inconsequential. Paul directly counters this dangerous misconception by emphasizing the body's profound significance, not only as a temple of the Holy Spirit in the present ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body as a Temple")) but also in its future destiny through resurrection. [1 Corinthians 6:14](/1_corinthians/6-14 "1 Corinthians 6:14 - God's Power to Raise the Dead") thus serves as the theological bedrock for Paul's subsequent arguments for bodily purity and glorifying God with one's body.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city renowned for its wealth, diverse population, and notorious immorality, particularly sexual licentiousness associated with its many temples and cults. Greek philosophy, especially Platonism and Gnosticism, often propagated a dualistic worldview that devalued the material world and the physical body, considering them inferior or even evil compared to the spiritual realm. This perspective led many Corinthians to believe that actions of the body had no bearing on the soul's purity or salvation. Paul directly confronts this cultural ethos, asserting a distinctly Jewish and Christian understanding of humanity as an integrated whole—body and spirit—both created by God and destined for redemption. The concept of bodily resurrection was alien and often ridiculed in the Greco-Roman world, making Paul's emphasis on it a radical counter-cultural claim.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several major themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians") and broader Pauline theology. Firstly, it underscores the **omnipotence of God**, showcasing His unparalleled power to overcome death itself, as demonstrated in the resurrection of Christ. This divine power is not merely a historical fact but an ongoing reality that guarantees the future hope of believers. Secondly, it firmly establishes the doctrine of **bodily resurrection for believers**, affirming that salvation is not merely spiritual but encompasses the full person, including the physical body, which will be transformed and glorified. This theme is extensively developed in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection of Christ and Believers"), where Paul meticulously argues for the certainty and nature of the resurrection. Thirdly, the verse highlights the **inseparable connection between Christ's resurrection and the believer's future resurrection**. Christ's resurrection is presented not as an isolated event but as the "firstfruits" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")) and the foundational guarantee for the resurrection of all who belong to Him. This theological link provides the ultimate motivation for sanctification, as the body, destined for resurrection, must be treated with honor and used for God's glory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** This term refers to the supreme Divinity, the ultimate source of all power and authority. In this context, it emphasizes that the resurrection is not a natural occurrence or human achievement, but a direct, supernatural act of the one true God. His identity as "God" underscores His unique ability to bring life out of death.
* **raised up (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb signifies "to waken," "to rouse," or "to lift up," often used specifically in the context of awakening from sleep, from sitting, or crucially, from death. When applied to Christ, it denotes His literal bodily resurrection. When applied to believers, it signifies their future physical resurrection, mirroring Christ's own. The use of this word highlights the active, life-giving power of God.
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be able," this noun refers to inherent force, ability, or strength. It frequently denotes miraculous or supernatural capability, often implying a "mighty deed" or "miracle" itself. The phrase "by his own power" emphasizes that the resurrection is not by human means or natural processes, but solely by the omnipotent, supernatural strength of God Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God hath both raised up the Lord":** This clause establishes the historical and theological bedrock of Christian hope: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It unequivocally attributes this miraculous event to God the Father, emphasizing His initiative and power in overcoming death. The resurrection of "the Lord" (Jesus) is presented as a completed, undeniable fact, serving as the prototype and guarantee for all future resurrections.
* **"and will also raise up us by his own power":** This second clause extends the promise of resurrection directly to believers. The conjunction "and" (καί, _kai_) links the two resurrections, indicating a direct parallel and causal connection. The future tense "will also raise up" provides a certain hope, while "us" specifically refers to those who are "in Christ." Crucially, this future resurrection is accomplished "by his own power," reiterating that it is solely God's divine omnipotence, the same power that raised Christ, that will accomplish the resurrection of His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure, drawing a direct comparison between God's act of raising "the Lord" and His future act of raising "us." This parallel structure reinforces the certainty of the believers' resurrection by anchoring it to the already accomplished resurrection of Christ. The verse also functions as a powerful **Assertion** or **Declaration**, stating a fundamental theological truth with unwavering confidence. This assertive tone lends authority to Paul's subsequent ethical arguments. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Theological Argumentation**, where the established fact of Christ's resurrection is used as a premise to logically conclude the inevitability of the believer's resurrection. The phrase "by his own power" serves as an emphatic **Reinforcement**, highlighting the divine agency and omnipotence behind both resurrections, leaving no room for doubt regarding the source of this miraculous ability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 6:14](/1_corinthians/6-14 "1 Corinthians 6:14 - God's Power to Raise the Dead") is a concise yet profound articulation of the Christian doctrine of resurrection, directly linking the historical event of Christ's triumph over death to the eschatological hope of believers. This verse underscores that the resurrection is not merely a spiritual concept but a future, bodily reality, affirming the holistic redemption of humanity—both spirit and body. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, demonstrating that His power is not limited by human mortality. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance, transforming the believer's perspective on suffering, death, and the ultimate purpose of their physical existence, knowing that their bodies, redeemed by Christ, are destined for glory.

* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Will Give Life to Your Mortal Bodies")
* [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven and Transformed Bodies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of [1 Corinthians 6:14](/1_corinthians/6-14 "1 Corinthians 6:14 - God's Power to Raise the Dead") calls believers to a radical re-evaluation of their bodies and their conduct. If our bodies are destined for resurrection and eternal life with God, then they possess an inherent dignity and eternal significance that transcends fleeting earthly desires. This understanding directly counters the temptation to treat the body as disposable or as a mere vessel for sin, particularly sexual immorality, which Paul addresses in the surrounding context. Instead, the hope of resurrection compels us to live in a manner that honors God with our entire being—spirit, soul, and body—recognizing that our physical actions have eternal consequences and contribute to our future glory. It motivates us to pursue purity, holiness, and stewardship of our bodies as "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body as a Temple")), eagerly awaiting the day when our perishable bodies will be raised imperishable, transformed into the likeness of Christ's glorious body.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of your future bodily resurrection impact your view of your physical body today?**
* **In what ways might a strong belief in bodily resurrection motivate you to live a life of greater purity and holiness?**
* **How does God's "own power" in raising the dead encourage you in areas of your life where you feel powerless or hopeless?**
* **Considering the Corinthian context, what modern cultural views might similarly devalue the body, and how can this verse challenge them?**

### FAQ
**Does "raise up us" refer to a spiritual or physical resurrection?**

Answer: The context and consistent Pauline theology strongly indicate a future, physical resurrection. While believers experience spiritual regeneration and new life in Christ now, the "raising up" described here refers to the ultimate transformation of our physical bodies at Christ's return. Paul dedicates an entire chapter, [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection of Christ and Believers"), to explaining the nature and certainty of this bodily resurrection, emphasizing that it will be a glorified, spiritual body, yet still a true body, distinct from a disembodied spirit. This physical resurrection is the culmination of God's redemptive work, ensuring the full restoration of humanity.

**What is the significance of "by his own power"?**

Answer: The phrase "by his own power" (Greek: _ek tēs dynameōs autou_) is crucial because it highlights that the resurrection, both of Christ and of believers, is an act of divine omnipotence, not a natural process or human achievement. The Greek word _dynamis_ (power) often denotes miraculous, supernatural ability. This emphasizes that God alone possesses the inherent strength and authority to conquer death and bring forth new life. It underscores that our hope of resurrection rests entirely on God's sovereign will and limitless might, providing absolute certainty for the believer's future. It also contrasts with any human effort or philosophical speculation, grounding the resurrection solely in God's miraculous intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 6:14](/1_corinthians/6-14 "1 Corinthians 6:14 - God's Power to Raise the Dead") finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His resurrection is not merely a historical event but the foundational guarantee and prototype for the resurrection of all who believe in Him. Christ is the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), meaning His resurrection inaugurates and ensures the future resurrection of His followers. Because He conquered death, those united with Him by faith will also conquer death. The "power" mentioned in the verse is intrinsically linked to Christ, for it is the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead who "will also give life to your mortal bodies" ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Will Give Life to Your Mortal Bodies")). Christ's resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God's power over sin and death, and it is through Him that believers receive this same life-giving power. He is the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), and our future glorified bodies will be transformed "to be like his glorious body" ([Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Transformation of Our Bodies")), a direct result of His victory and ongoing Lordship. Thus, the promise of our resurrection is entirely Christ-centered, flowing from His finished work and His living presence.

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 4:14

Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present [us] with you.

Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Ephesians 1:19

And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Ephesians 1:20

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places],

Acts 2:24

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

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.

John 6:39

And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.