What does 1 Corinthians 15:35 mean?
But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 1 Corinthians 15:35
Explanation
1 Corinthians 15:35 asks a rhetorical question that addresses the skepticism some people had about the resurrection of the dead. Paul, the author of 1 Corinthians, anticipates that some people will question the practicality of resurrection: they want to know how it is possible for the dead to be raised and what kind of bodies they will have upon resurrection. The question reflects a practical and material concern about the nature of resurrected bodies rather than a spiritual inquiry. The deeper meaning here is an exploration of the nature of the resurrection body and the transformation from mortal to immortal life.
Historical Context
1 Corinthians is an epistle from Paul to the church of Corinth around 53-54 A.D. During this time, the early Christian church was trying to understand and define key doctrines, including the nature of life after death. The city of Corinth was a cosmopolitan center with diverse beliefs, including Greek philosophical skepticism about bodily resurrection, which was seen as foolish and illogical within the context of Hellenistic thought. Paul’s discussion of resurrection responds to both Jewish and Hellenistic ideas about life after death.
Theological Insights
From a theological standpoint, this verse touches on the doctrine of resurrection, which is central to Christian faith. Different denominations and theologians interpret this concept in various ways.
- The traditional Christian viewpoint holds that there will be a physical resurrection of the body, transformed into an incorruptible, glorified form.
- Some liberal theologians suggest a more metaphorical or spiritual resurrection that focuses on the continuity of the person’s identity rather than a literal body.
- The Eastern Orthodox Church emphasizes theosis or deification, where humans become more like God in a process culminating in resurrection.
Practical Applications
The teachings of this verse can encourage believers to have hope in the face of death and to treat their physical bodies as important components of their faith journey. It also inspires Christians to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that their actions hold weight beyond this life.
Cross-References
- 1 Corinthians 15:42-44: “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption…”
- Philippians 3:21: “Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body…”
- John 5:28-29: “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth…”
- 2 Corinthians 5:1: “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God…”
Language Study
The key words in the original Greek text include:
- “dead” (νεκρῶν, nekrōn): refers to those who have died.
- “raised” (ἐγείρονται, egeirontai): means to awaken or rise up, often used in the New Testament to refer to resurrection.
- “come” (ἔρχονται, erchontai): arrive or appear, implying a transformation or a new state of being.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
The concept of bodily resurrection is unique within Christianity when compared to other ancient religious myths where the afterlife often involved a shadowy or spiritual existence rather than a physical one. In contrast, for example, the Greek Hades was a place of the dead where the soul existed without the body. The Egyptian belief system included the concept of an afterlife where the body was preserved for a spiritual journey, reflecting a different understanding of life after death.
Scientific Perspectives
Science focuses on empirical evidence and typically does not delve into the metaphysical concepts such as resurrection. The idea of bodily resurrection is a matter of faith and extends beyond the scope of scientific inquiry. However, modern medical advancements continue to push the boundaries of what is considered “dead,” leading to further discussions on the definition of life and death.
Commentaries
Biblical scholars and experts provide a range of interpretations:
- Some commentaries emphasize that Paul is addressing the issue of skepticism toward the resurrection and provides a robust theological argument for its possibility and reality.
- Others focus on Paul’s response to the Greeks’ disdain for the body, arguing that the resurrection is not only about spiritual existence but involves a glorified, physical body.
- Another common perspective is the transformational nature of the resurrection, which some scholars liken to a seed that dies and is transformed into something new and greater, as Paul explains further in the subsequent verses.
Looking for a Good 1 Corinthians Bible Study? Start Here:
- MacArthur, John F. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 128 Pages - 12/29/2015 (Publication Date) - HarperChristian Resources (Publisher)
- Thomas, Jay S. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 96 Pages - 07/31/2015 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
- Orders are despatched from our UK warehouse next working day.
- Jeremiah, Dr. David (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 160 Pages - 03/03/2020 (Publication Date) - HarperChristian Resources (Publisher)
- Lucado, Max (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 144 Pages - 07/10/2018 (Publication Date) - HarperChristian Resources (Publisher)
Last update on 2025-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API