1 Corinthians 15 16

1 Corinthians 15:16 kjv

For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

1 Corinthians 15:16 nkjv

For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen.

1 Corinthians 15:16 niv

For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.

1 Corinthians 15:16 esv

For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised.

1 Corinthians 15:16 nlt

And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised.

1 Corinthians 15 verses

1 Corinthians 15 16 Meaning

If the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. This statement asserts a fundamental consequence: the resurrection of the dead is inextricably linked to Christ's resurrection. If the former is untrue, the latter cannot be true, undermining the core of the Christian faith.

1 Corinthians 15 16 Context

This verse is situated within the broader discussion in 1 Corinthians chapter 15, where Paul addresses questions and doubts surrounding the resurrection of believers. The Corinthian church had evidently developed differing views on this doctrine, with some denying it. Paul systematically dismantles these objections by establishing the resurrection of Christ as the foundational proof and necessary precondition for the resurrection of believers. This specific verse serves as a crucial pivot, logically linking the resurrection of the dead to Christ's own resurrection. Paul is demonstrating that to deny one is to implicitly deny the other, thus invalidating the entire Christian message. The historical context involves a Greek cultural worldview that often struggled with the concept of physical resurrection, viewing the body as a prison rather than something to be resurrected.

1 Corinthians 15 16 Word Analysis

• "Ei" (εἰ): A conditional particle, meaning "if." It introduces a hypothetical proposition.

• "de" (δὲ): A conjunction, often translated as "but" or "and." Here, it adversative connects this statement to the previous ones, emphasizing a consequence or a point of contrast.

• "nekron" (νεκρῶν): The genitive plural of "nekros" (νεκρός), meaning "dead" or "deceased." It refers to those who have died.

• "egerthēsan" (ἐγερθῶσιν): The aorist passive subjunctive, third person plural of "egeirō" (ἐγείρω). "Egeirō" means "to raise up," "to rouse," or "to awaken." The subjunctive mood is used because this is part of a conditional statement. It directly refers to the act of being raised.

• "ei" (εἰ): Again, the conditional particle "if."

• "Kristos" (Χριστὸς): The genitive singular of "Christos" (Χριστὸς), meaning "Anointed One" or "Christ." Refers to Jesus.

• "egerthē" (ἐγήγερται): The perfect passive indicative, third person singular of "egeirō" (ἐγείρω). "Perfect" tense indicates a completed action with present results. It means "has been raised" or "has been raised and remains so."

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Ei de nekron egerthēsan": "If the dead are raised." This phrase sets up the antecedent of the conditional statement. It implies a general resurrection of the dead.
  • "ei Kai Kristos egerthē": "if Christ has been raised." This phrase presents the consequence that is being argued. It directly applies the concept of resurrection to Jesus Christ. The inclusion of "Kai" (καὶ), meaning "also" or "even," links Christ's resurrection to the general resurrection mentioned previously, asserting that if the general resurrection is false, then Christ's resurrection (a specific instance) is also impossible or false. However, the common translation uses "ei Kristos egerthē" (if Christ has been raised), and the absence of "kai" in many texts doesn't negate the logical connection: if the dead do not rise, then Christ, who is stated to have risen, could not have risen.

1 Corinthians 15 16 Bonus Section

The philosophical objection to bodily resurrection was prevalent in the Greek world. They often viewed the body as a hindrance to the spirit's freedom. Paul combats this by affirming that the resurrected body is spiritual and incorruptible (1 Cor 15:44-49), thereby addressing these philosophical objections. This verse effectively uses a reductio ad absurdum argument: if the premise (no resurrection) is true, then the entire Christian faith (Christ's resurrection and salvation) is invalid. This places immense weight on the reality of Christ's resurrection as the undeniable proof for believers' future resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15 16 Commentary

Paul states an undeniable logical consequence. If there is no resurrection for any dead person, then it logically follows that Christ, who is presented as the firstfruits of the resurrection, cannot have been resurrected. This isn't Paul making a concession but establishing a foundational principle. The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian doctrine; without it, the entire structure collapses. If the dead do not rise, then the foundational event of Christ's resurrection, as witnessed and proclaimed by the apostles, must be a fabrication. This would make Christian faith, preaching, and testimony ultimately false and futile. The belief in Christ's resurrection inherently validates the possibility of a resurrection for believers.