1 Corinthians 15 18

1 Corinthians 15:18 kjv

Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

1 Corinthians 15:18 nkjv

Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

1 Corinthians 15:18 niv

Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.

1 Corinthians 15:18 esv

Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

1 Corinthians 15:18 nlt

In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost!

1 Corinthians 15 verses

1 Corinthians 15 18 Meaning

This verse establishes a critical theological truth: if Christ has not been raised, the faith of believers is futile. It directly connects the resurrection of Christ to the effectiveness and validity of Christian belief and practice. Without the resurrection, the entire foundation of Christianity collapses.

1 Corinthians 15 18 Context

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul addresses a significant issue within the Corinthian church: denial or doubt regarding the resurrection of the dead. This denial likely stemmed from various sources, possibly including pagan philosophical influences that viewed the physical body negatively or simply a misunderstanding of the nature of Christian hope. Paul's argument is methodical. He first establishes the resurrection of Christ as a historical fact, based on eyewitness testimony (1 Cor. 15:1-11). He then logically argues that if Christ, the firstfruits, has been raised, then believers will also be raised (1 Cor. 15:12-19). Verse 18 is a crucial link in this chain of reasoning, underscoring the devastating implications if Christ's resurrection were false. It directly follows the assertion that "if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised."

1 Corinthians 15 18 Word Analysis

• εἰ (ei): "if" - This is a conditional particle, introducing a hypothetical or unreal condition. It sets up a premise that Paul will then show is fundamentally false and leads to illogical conclusions.
• δὲ (de): "but" or "and" (often conjunctive, but can show contrast or a turn in thought) - Here, it acts as a particle connecting the previous thought (Christ's resurrection is necessary for the resurrection of the dead) to the consequence of its absence.
• καὶ (kai): "and" or "even" - Used here to emphasize the inclusion of believers in the consequence of Christ's non-resurrection.
• ἐν (en): "in" - Referring to the sphere or context of one's faith.
• αὐτῷ (autō): "him" - Refers back to Christ. The faith is placed in Christ.
• οἱ (hoi): "the" (plural nominative definite article) - Refers to believers as a group.
• κοιμηθέντες (koimēthentes): "fallen asleep" (passive participle of κοιμάω, koimaō) - This is a common euphemism in the New Testament for death, particularly for believers, implying a restful state before the resurrection. The use of this term highlights a tenderness towards the deceased and avoids stark, frightening language about death.
• εἰς (eis): "in" or "into" - Again, indicating the sphere of their spiritual resting or hope.
• Χριστὸν (Christon): "Christ" (accusative case) - The object of their faith and hope.
• ἀπώλοντο (apōlonto): "have perished" or "are lost" (3rd person plural aorist indicative of ἀπόλλυμι, apollymi) - This word conveys utter destruction, ruin, and eternal loss. It signifies complete negation of existence and purpose for those who have died in Christ.

Words Group Analysis:

• "εἰ δὲ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ κοιμηθέντες οἱ εἰς τοῦτον τὸν βίον" (ei de kai en Christō koimēthentes hoi eis touton ton bion) - Literally, "but if also in Christ having fallen asleep they who into this life." This phrase is part of the preceding verse's thought flow, setting up the hypothetical for verse 18. Paul is contrasting those who have died in Christ with the idea that their death means complete loss.
• "ἀπώλοντο" (apōlonto) - This verb starkly states the consequence. If Christ is not raised, then believers who have died (the "fallen asleep") have not only died but have utterly perished, meaning their death is their final end with no hope. This highlights the finality and despair that would accompany a Christianity without resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15 18 Bonus Section

The term "fallen asleep" (κοιμηθέντες, koimēthentes) itself carries a theological weight, pointing to a belief in a conscious existence or repose of the soul after death, awaiting resurrection. This contrasts sharply with contemporary pagan views of death as oblivion or a shadowy underworld existence. Paul emphasizes that without Christ's resurrection, this peaceful resting would be meaningless; it would be the sleep of finality, not of repose before awakening. This verse serves as a potent rebuttal to any who would downplay the physical resurrection of Christ, revealing it as the indispensable linchpin of the Christian faith.

1 Corinthians 15 18 Commentary

If Christ has not been resurrected, then all those who have died in faith, placing their hope in Him, have ultimately perished. Their trust has been in vain, and their spiritual death is final. The resurrection of Christ is the undeniable proof that death is not the ultimate victor. It assures believers that their own death is not an endpoint of annihilation, but a transition. Without this foundational truth, Christianity becomes a religion based on a delusion, its adherents deluded about their eternal destiny and the power of their God. It underscores that true Christian hope is exclusively rooted in the resurrected Christ, providing an anchor in life and a guarantee of eternal life beyond death.