1 Corinthians 15 51

1 Corinthians 15:51 kjv

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

1 Corinthians 15:51 nkjv

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed?

1 Corinthians 15:51 niv

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed?

1 Corinthians 15:51 esv

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

1 Corinthians 15:51 nlt

But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed!

1 Corinthians 15 verses

1 Corinthians 15 51 Meaning

1 Corinthians 15:51 declares a profound truth previously undisclosed: not all believers will experience physical death before the ultimate event of Christ's return and the general resurrection. Instead, a dramatic and instantaneous transformation will occur, where all believers—both those who have died and those who are still alive—will have their perishable, mortal bodies changed into imperishable, immortal, glorious bodies fit for eternity in God's presence. This transformation is part of God's revealed plan for the final redemption of humanity.

1 Corinthians 15 51 Context

1 Corinthians chapter 15 is known as the "Resurrection Chapter" because it comprehensively addresses the theological and practical implications of the resurrection of the dead. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth, which was grappling with various issues, including doubts or outright denials of the resurrection (1 Cor 15:12). Some in the congregation, possibly influenced by Greek philosophy that often disdained the material body and its resurrection, questioned the physicality of eternal life.

Paul meticulously builds his argument, starting with the historical certainty of Christ's resurrection (1 Cor 15:1-11), which serves as the foundation for the believer's future resurrection. He then explains that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ was not raised, and faith is futile (1 Cor 15:12-19). He describes Christ as the "firstfruits" (1 Cor 15:20-28), guaranteeing a future harvest of believers. He defends the resurrection from practical angles (1 Cor 15:29-34).

Verses 35-49 detail the nature of the resurrected body, distinguishing between the perishable "natural body" and the imperishable "spiritual body"—a body animated by the Spirit and fit for eternity, not a disembodied spirit. This sets the stage for verse 50, which explicitly states, "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable." Verse 51 then reveals the method by which living believers will attain this imperishable body without first undergoing death, resolving the paradox presented in verse 50. It reveals how God overcomes the obstacle of "flesh and blood" for those still alive.

Historically, the Corinthians lived in a Hellenistic environment where Greek philosophical concepts influenced thinking. The idea of a bodily resurrection was often met with ridicule or skepticism, contrasting with a Platonic view that salvation was the liberation of the soul from the body. Paul's detailed exposition in 1 Corinthians 15, especially verses like 51, directly confronts and refutes such alternative views, affirming a physical, yet transformed, resurrection and glorification for all believers.

1 Corinthians 15 51 Word analysis

• Behold (ἰδοὺ - idou): An emphatic interjection, often used in the Septuagint and New Testament to call immediate attention to a surprising or significant revelation. It signals a shift or a new, profound declaration. Its presence here underscores the importance and startling nature of the mystery to be unveiled.
• I tell you (λέγω ὑμῖν - legō hymin): Paul asserts his apostolic authority and the certainty of what he is about to communicate. It's a direct, declarative statement, emphasizing that this is a divine truth communicated through him.
• a mystery (μυστήριον - mystērion): In the biblical context, a "mystery" is not something incomprehensible or unexplainable, but rather a truth previously hidden from human understanding or beyond human discovery that has now been divinely revealed. It refers to God's redemptive purposes and plans unveiled at the appointed time, often through Christ or His apostles. This particular mystery pertains to the manner of transformation for living believers at the end of the age.
• We shall not all sleep (οὐ πάντες κοιμηθησόμεθα - ou pantes koimēthēsometha):
  • We (ἡμεῖς - hemeis): Refers to Paul and other believers, especially those who would be alive when the described event occurs. It includes the original audience and subsequent generations of believers until the Parousia.
  • not all (οὐ πάντες - ou pantes): Emphatically states that not everyone who is a believer will die. This counters any prevailing assumption that all humanity must experience death. It points to a distinct group of believers.
  • sleep (κοιμάομαι - koimaomai): A euphemism used throughout the Old and New Testaments for physical death, especially the death of believers. It highlights the temporary and peaceful nature of death for those in Christ, like one resting before waking. Its use emphasizes hope in resurrection.
• but we shall all be changed (πάντες δὲ ἀλλαγησόμεθα - pantes de allagēsometha):
  • but (δὲ - de): Introduces a strong contrast or opposition to the previous clause. While not all will die, all will undergo a change.
  • we shall all (πάντες - pantes): Here, "all" refers to all believers, whether they "sleep" (have died) or "not all sleep" (are alive at Christ's coming). This "all" includes both the resurrected dead and the transformed living.
  • be changed (ἀλλάσσω - allassō): To undergo a complete alteration or transformation. This signifies a radical, qualitative change in the nature of the body—from perishable to imperishable, dishonorable to glorious, weak to powerful, natural to spiritual (as elaborated in 1 Cor 15:42-44). This transformation will happen instantly, in the "twinkling of an eye" (1 Cor 15:52). It is essential for flesh and blood to inherit the imperishable Kingdom.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Behold, I tell you a mystery": This phrase establishes the immediate, profound, and revelatory nature of the upcoming truth. It commands attention to something previously concealed but now supernaturally disclosed. It is a moment of divine disclosure, signifying an unveiled aspect of God's redemptive plan.
• "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed": This constitutes the heart of the mystery. It simultaneously clarifies two crucial points about the end-times for believers: (1) not everyone will die, directly challenging common assumptions about universal physical death, and (2) everyone (all believers, both deceased and living) will experience a profound, miraculous bodily transformation. This emphasizes the comprehensive scope of glorification for the body of Christ, providing hope that believers alive at the Parousia will not be left out of the glorification experienced by the resurrected saints. It bridges the gap for believers regarding how "flesh and blood" cannot inherit the kingdom but also affirms their full participation in the new, imperishable reality.

1 Corinthians 15 51 Bonus section

This verse implicitly addresses potential concerns or questions from believers alive in Corinth and subsequent generations: "What about us who are still alive? Will we die too, or miss out on the resurrection glory?" Paul assures them that they will not "miss out"; instead, their transformation will occur at the same climatic moment as the resurrection of the dead in Christ. The concept of an instantaneous, miraculous "change" (ἀλλαγή – allagē) underscores God's direct, supernatural intervention in the culmination of history. This divine act prepares human beings to transcend their earthly, temporal state and exist in an eternal, spiritual reality suitable for God's eternal presence. This truth serves as a tremendous hope and encouragement for all who await Christ's return, promising not merely a continuation of life but a qualitative transformation.

1 Corinthians 15 51 Commentary

1 Corinthians 15:51 is a pivotal verse in Paul's defense and explanation of the resurrection. It serves as a direct answer to the dilemma posed in the previous verse, where "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God." This verse reveals how God will overcome this inherent limitation for believers, providing the definitive pathway to glory. The term "mystery" signals that this truth could not be discerned by human reason but required divine revelation, underscoring its profound theological significance regarding the end of this age and the coming of the Lord.

The assertion "we shall not all sleep" means that not all believers will pass through the gate of physical death. This was a novel idea, as human experience universally dictated that all must die. Paul's declaration provides comfort and insight, confirming that a generation of believers will bypass physical death yet still receive their glorified bodies. The follow-up, "but we shall all be changed," encompasses all believers—the resurrected dead (whose perishable bodies have been raised imperishable) and the living. For the living, this transformation will be instantaneous, preparing them to meet the Lord and inherit the imperishable kingdom of God. This miraculous metamorphosis of mortal, natural bodies into immortal, spiritual bodies ensures that all of God's people are prepared for eternal life in a new creation, aligning their physical form with their spiritual redemption.

This passage is foundational for understanding eschatological events such as the rapture (1 Thes 4:13-17) and the final glorification of the body, providing profound assurance that the bodily redemption inaugurated in Christ's resurrection will extend to all who belong to Him. It speaks to God's absolute sovereignty and power over life and death, demonstrating His ability to complete His redemptive work for humanity comprehensively.