1 Corinthians 15 52

1 Corinthians 15:52 kjv

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:52 nkjv

in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:52 niv

in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:52 esv

in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:52 nlt

It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.

1 Corinthians 15 verses

1 Corinthians 15 52 Meaning

This verse describes a moment of profound transformation related to the resurrection of believers. It highlights an instantaneous change occurring at the sound of a trumpet, indicating a divine call or signal. This change signifies the transition from a mortal, perishable body to an immortal, incorruptible state, a key aspect of the believer's hope in Christ's return.

1 Corinthians 15 52 Context

First Corinthians chapter 15 addresses the doctrine of the resurrection, particularly responding to doubts or denial among the Corinthian believers. Paul systematically establishes the reality and nature of Christ's resurrection as foundational to the Christian faith. He then explains the resurrection of believers, describing how the perishable nature of our current bodies will be exchanged for incorruptibility. This specific verse, 1 Corinthians 15:52, acts as a pivotal moment within this explanation, detailing when and how this transformation occurs – at the sounding of a trumpet at Christ's second coming. The historical context involves the early church grappling with eschatological questions and potential influences from Greek philosophical ideas that denied the resurrection of the body.

1 Corinthians 15 52 Word Analysis

• houtōs (οὕτως): "Thus" or "so." This adverb links the following statement directly to what has been previously explained about the resurrection, emphasizing the manner of the event.
• ek (ἐκ): "From" or "out of." It indicates the origin or source of the change.
• dei (δεῖ): "It is necessary" or "one must." This implies a divinely ordained and inevitable event.
• glōssē ( γλώσσῃ): "Trumpet" (in this context, singular). This word points to a musical instrument used for signaling. Its inclusion evokes Old Testament imagery of divine announcements and gatherings.
• eschetois (ἐσχάτοις): "Last." It modifies "trumpet" (understood, but not explicitly in this singular form here, often translated as "last trump"), specifying the final call of this particular era or signaling a climactic divine act.
• aētias (ἀγγελίας): This form is not found in Greek in this context; the correct reading in most critical texts related to the trumpet sound is likely from context, suggesting the sound or call of the trumpet, or possibly related to a "voice" (phōnē) that accompanies the trumpet. Some manuscripts may have variations, but the common understanding points to the trumpet's sound as the catalyst. The sense is of a divine signal.
• gar (γάρ): "For" or "because." It introduces the reason for the immediate resurrection and transformation that follows.
• salpisthessetai (σαλπισθήσεται): "Will be sounded." This is a future passive verb from salpizō (σαλπίζω), meaning "to blow a trumpet." It highlights that the trumpet's sound is an action performed upon it, a divine signal directed at the resurrected.
• kai (καί): "And." A conjunction connecting the sound of the trumpet with the subsequent resurrection.
• nekroi (νεκροὶ): "Dead" or "the dead." Referring to believers who have died.
• egerthysontai (ἐγερθήσονται): "Will be raised." A future passive verb from egeirō (ἐγείρω), meaning "to raise up" or "to awaken." This signifies their resurrection from the dead.
• hēmeis (ἡμεῖς): "We." Refers to the living believers at the time of Christ's return.
• metaschēmatisthēsometha (μετασχηματισθησόμεθα): "Will be transformed." A future passive verb from metaschēmatizō (μετασχηματίζω), meaning "to change the form or appearance of." This points to a fundamental alteration of their mortal bodies.

Word-group Analysis

• houtōs: Indicates the manner in which the resurrection occurs – precisely as described.
• glōssē eschetois aētias: The phrase refers to the "last trumpet." This is significant. In the Old Testament, trumpets often signaled important divine events, judgments, or gatherings (e.g., Numbers 10:3; Exodus 19:16). The "last trumpet" likely alludes to these, signifying a final, climactic divine call that ushers in God's ultimate purpose. It suggests a comprehensive and definitive divine action.
• nekroi egerthysontai / hēmeis metaschēmatisthēsometha: This is a crucial pair. It contrasts the resurrection of the dead (those who have died in Christ) with the transformation of the living believers. Both groups experience a divinely orchestrated change that eradicates mortality, ensuring continuity and unity for the redeemed at Christ's coming. The transformation is not an abolition of the body but a change of its form to one suitable for incorruptibility.

1 Corinthians 15 52 Bonus Section

The concept of the "last trumpet" has been a subject of much discussion. Some scholars suggest it might not be the absolute last trumpet of God's judgment but the final trumpet sounding for the Church age or a trumpet that signals the completion of God's plan for this present era before the tribulation. Regardless, its function here is clearly a divine signal that initiates the resurrection and transformation of believers, a harbinger of Christ's glorious appearing and the inauguration of his eternal kingdom. The immediate and concurrent nature of the resurrection of the dead and the transformation of the living highlights the unity of the redeemed in the eschatological event.

1 Corinthians 15 52 Commentary

This verse beautifully illustrates the dynamic and sudden nature of the believer's transformation at the Lord's return. The sounding of the "last trumpet" is a clear signal of finality and culmination, an audible divine command that enacts a cosmic event. The resurrection of the dead and the instantaneous transformation of the living are concurrent aspects of this glorious moment. This provides immense comfort and hope: death does not have the final word, nor does present mortality. Believers, both those who have died and those who are alive, will be met with divine power that changes their very being, preparing them for eternal life in an incorruptible state. The emphasis is on a swift, decisive divine act that concludes one age and initiates the next, marking the ultimate victory over death.