1 Corinthians 15 40

1 Corinthians 15:40 kjv

There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

1 Corinthians 15:40 nkjv

There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

1 Corinthians 15:40 niv

There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another.

1 Corinthians 15:40 esv

There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another.

1 Corinthians 15:40 nlt

There are also bodies in the heavens and bodies on the earth. The glory of the heavenly bodies is different from the glory of the earthly bodies.

1 Corinthians 15 verses

1 Corinthians 15 40 Meaning

This verse explains that just as there are different kinds of living organisms, there are also different kinds of bodies – celestial and terrestrial. These celestial bodies have a glory that differs from that of terrestrial bodies. This distinction points to a diversity within God's creation and a difference in the glorified state of resurrected believers.

1 Corinthians 15 40 Context

1 Corinthians chapter 15 addresses the doctrine of the resurrection. Paul is responding to specific teachings within the Corinthian church that denied the resurrection of the body. To counter this, Paul systematically argues for the resurrection, starting with Christ's own resurrection as the first fruits. He then uses analogies from nature, such as seeds and the diversity of flesh, to illustrate how God raises bodies. Verse 40 specifically moves to the concept of celestial and terrestrial bodies, highlighting that just as the physical creation has different glories, so too will resurrected bodies have different glories, with a specific mention of the celestial "glory" contrasting with the terrestrial. This helps the Corinthians understand that the resurrected body will be transformed and glorified, not merely a restored version of the earthly body, and will bear the likeness of the heavenly Christ.

1 Corinthians 15 40 Word analysis

• Kata (κατά): This preposition often indicates distribution, manner, or according to. Here it suggests a categorization or a way in which things are ordered or exist.

• Ouranion (οὐράνιον): This adjective means "heavenly" or "celestial." It refers to things belonging to the heavens or the sky, or originating from God's dwelling place.

• Soma (σῶμα): This noun means "body." In this context, it refers to physical bodies, including the human body and other corporeal entities.

• Esterin (ἐστὶν): This is the third-person singular present active indicative form of the verb "eimi," meaning "to be." It signifies "is."

• Kaitousa (καὶ τοὺς): "Kai" is the conjunction "and." "Tous" is the definite article "the" in the accusative masculine plural.

• Epigeion (ἐπίγειον): This adjective means "earthly," "terrestrial," or "belonging to the earth." It signifies things from or of this world, contrasting with the heavenly.

• Eukteion (εὐκτεῖον): This adjective means "splendid," "brilliant," or "of great beauty." It describes the glory associated with celestial bodies.

• Doxa (δόξα): This noun means "glory," "radiance," "honor," or "magnificence." It denotes a visible manifestation of God's presence or excellence.

• Esti (ἐστι): Another form of "eimi," meaning "is."

• Alla (ἀλλά): This conjunction means "but," introducing a contrast.

• Celestial Bodies (Ourania Somata): Refers to entities that inhabit or originate from the heavens, such as stars, sun, and moon, and metaphorically, the resurrected bodies.

• Terrestrial Bodies (Epigeia Somata): Refers to bodies belonging to the earth, such as earthly creatures and, by extension, the mortal human body.

• Glory (Doxa): Denotes a shining quality or splendor, highlighting a difference in radiance and magnificence between the two types of bodies.

1 Corinthians 15 40 Bonus section

This passage directly addresses the Corinthian misunderstanding of the resurrected body. Some may have inferred that since the resurrection involves bodies, they would remain identical to their current earthly forms. Paul counters this by pointing to the varied glories of visible celestial objects. The sun has one splendor, the moon another, and the stars yet another, yet all are distinct and beautiful. This natural illustration helps bridge the gap to spiritual understanding: resurrected bodies will possess different glories, specifically referencing the celestial (heavenly) type of glory for those resurrected with Christ. It prepares the ground for the later verses where Paul speaks of bearing the image of the heavenly man, contrasting it with the earthly man. The inherent distinction in the current cosmos mirrors the distinct nature of future resurrected bodies, assuring them of a glorified, heavenly form.

1 Corinthians 15 40 Commentary

The distinction between celestial and terrestrial bodies emphasizes that God's design involves variety. This diversity is not arbitrary but purposeful. Celestial bodies possess a specific glory, while terrestrial bodies have another. This is to prepare the Corinthians to understand that their resurrected bodies, though born of earthly substance, will be transformed to possess a heavenly, glorified radiance, like Christ's resurrection body. It counters the idea that the resurrected body would be the same old, frail, earthly body. Paul uses this natural observation to ground a supernatural truth. The "glory" here implies a radiant, incorruptible state befitting a heavenly existence.