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1 Corinthians 15:58

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¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Therefore {G5620}, my {G3450} beloved {G27} brethren {G80}, be ye {G1096} stedfast {G1476}, unmoveable {G277}, always {G3842} abounding {G4052} in {G1722} the work {G2041} of the Lord {G2962}, forasmuch as ye know {G1492} that {G3754} your {G5216} labour {G2873} is {G2076} not {G3756} in vain {G2756} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}.

So, my dear brothers, stand firm and immovable, always doing the Lord’s work as vigorously as you can, knowing that united with the Lord your efforts are not in vain.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.

Commentary

1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV) is a powerful concluding exhortation in Paul's detailed discussion on the resurrection. It serves as a call to action and a source of profound encouragement for believers, assuring them that their efforts in serving God are meaningful and will not be without ultimate purpose and reward.

Context

This verse immediately follows Paul's triumphant declaration of victory over death and the grave (1 Corinthians 15:55), which is secured through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The entire chapter (1 Corinthians 15) builds the case for the reality and necessity of the resurrection, culminating in this final charge. Because the resurrection is certain and provides the ultimate hope and future transformation, Paul concludes that believers should live with unwavering dedication and fervent service.

Key Themes

  • Steadfastness and Immoveability: Believers are exhorted to be firm, stable, and not easily swayed or discouraged, particularly in light of the glorious future promised by the resurrection.
  • Abounding in Work: The call is not just to be passive but actively and increasingly engaged in serving the Lord. The assurance of resurrection should fuel diligent effort.
  • Assurance of Purpose: The core message is the certainty that Christian labor performed "in the Lord" is never wasted. It has lasting significance because of Christ and the coming resurrection.
  • Resurrection Hope as Motivation: The preceding explanation of the resurrection provides the foundation and motivation for this steadfast and abounding service.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words used here carry significant weight:

  • "Stedfast" (hedraios) implies being firmly seated or established, not wavering.
  • "Unmoveable" (ametakinētos) reinforces this, meaning not capable of being moved or shifted from one's position.
  • "Abounding" (perisseuontes) means to superabound, to be in excess, or to do something more and more. It suggests a growing, overflowing effort in service.
  • "Labour" (kopos) often refers to toil that involves effort and hardship, emphasizing the diligence and potential difficulty of the work.
  • "In vain" (kenos) means empty, fruitless, or without purpose. Paul assures that their toil is decidedly *not* empty or without result in the context of their relationship with Christ.

Reflection and Application

This verse offers tremendous encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that our faith is grounded in the historical reality of Christ's resurrection and the future promise of our own. This certain hope should anchor us ("stedfast, unmoveable") amidst life's challenges, doubts, or opposition. Furthermore, it calls us to active, increasing service ("always abounding in the work of the Lord"). Whether it's acts of love, sharing the gospel, serving the church, or living out our faith in daily life, this verse assures us that God sees and values our labor in Him. Our efforts, even those seemingly small or unnoticed, are not futile; they contribute to God's eternal purposes and will yield lasting fruit because they are performed "in the Lord." This promise provides powerful motivation to persevere and serve with joy and diligence.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Galatians 6:9 (295 votes)

    And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

  • 2 Chronicles 15:7 (262 votes)

    Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.

  • Hebrews 6:10 (207 votes)

    For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

  • Philippians 2:16 (150 votes)

    Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:8 (107 votes)

    Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

  • 2 Peter 3:17 (101 votes)

    Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

  • 2 Peter 3:18 (101 votes)

    But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.