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1 Corinthians 15:21

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For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead.

For {G1063} since {G1894} by {G1223} man {G444} came death {G2288}, by {G1223} man {G444} came also {G2532} the resurrection {G386} of the dead {G3498}.

For since death came through a man, also the resurrection of the dead has come through a man.

For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

Commentary

Context of 1 Corinthians 15:21

First Corinthians Chapter 15 is often called the "Resurrection Chapter" because it is Paul's most extensive theological defense and explanation of the resurrection of the dead. The Corinthian church, to whom Paul was writing, had members who were denying the bodily resurrection of believers, perhaps influenced by Greek philosophical thought that disdained the physical body. Paul systematically argues for the absolute necessity and certainty of Christ's resurrection as the foundation for the hope of believers' own future resurrection. Verse 21 serves as a pivotal point, drawing a direct parallel between the origin of death and the origin of resurrection.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Parallel of Two Men: Adam and Christ: This verse succinctly presents a profound theological truth: just as death entered the world through one man, Adam, so too does the promise of resurrection come through another man, Jesus Christ. Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden brought sin and mortality to all humanity (see Romans 5:12). Conversely, Christ's perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection reversed this curse, offering life and immortality.
  • The Certainty of Resurrection: Paul uses this parallel to logically demonstrate that if death is a reality because of one man, then resurrection must also be a reality because of another man. The resurrection of Christ is not just an isolated event but the "firstfruits" of the resurrection of all who believe in Him.
  • Christ's Redemptive Work: The verse highlights the comprehensive nature of Christ's work, which extends beyond forgiveness of sins to conquering death itself. His human nature was crucial for this redemptive act, as "by man" the victory was secured.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated phrase "by man" (Greek: di' anthrōpou) is crucial. In the first instance, "man" unequivocally refers to Adam, the first human through whom sin and death entered the world. In the second instance, "man" refers to Jesus Christ, who, though fully divine, also took on full humanity. This emphasizes that redemption and the reversal of death's curse were accomplished within the human sphere, by a true man, thus making Christ the "last Adam" who rectifies the fall of the first Adam (as further explained in 1 Corinthians 15:45).

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 15:21 offers immense hope and assurance. It grounds our belief in life after death not in wishful thinking, but in the historical reality of Christ's resurrection. It reminds us that:

  • Death is not the End: Because Christ conquered death, believers can face mortality without ultimate fear, knowing that physical death is not the final word.
  • Our Hope is Secure: The resurrection of Christ guarantees our future resurrection. This truth provides comfort in times of grief and strengthens faith in the face of life's challenges.
  • The Power of Christ: It underscores the unparalleled power of Jesus to undo the devastating effects of sin and death, offering a path to eternal life and victory (see 1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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Cross-References

  • John 11:25 (14 votes)

    Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

  • Romans 5:12 (12 votes)

    Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

  • Romans 5:17 (12 votes)

    For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

  • Romans 6:23 (11 votes)

    For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:22 (11 votes)

    For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.