1 Corinthians 15:58 kjv
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58 nkjv
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58 niv
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 esv
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 nlt
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
1 Corinthians 15 58 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 15:58 | "be stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work..." | Affirmation of reward |
| Gal 6:9 | "Let us not become weary in doing good..." | Encouragement to persevere |
| Col 3:23 | "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart..." | Motive for service |
| Heb 6:10 | "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work..." | Divine remembrance of deeds |
| Rev 14:13 | "the one who is victorious and who keeps to the end..." | Promise to the persevering |
| Ps 1:1 | "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the..." | Contrast of the righteous |
| Matt 5:12 | "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven." | Future reward for persecution |
| Matt 24:13 | "the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." | Perseverance and salvation |
| Rom 12:1 | "offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" | Christian devotion and service |
| 1 Thess 5:11 | "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up" | Mutual edification |
| John 15:5 | "remain in me, and I in you." | Abiding in Christ for fruit |
| Phil 4:1 | "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I long to see..." | Stand firm in the Lord |
| Eph 5:8 | "live as children of light" | Walking in the light |
| 1 Tim 4:16 | "Watch your life and doctrine closely..." | Self-care in ministry |
| Heb 10:23 | "hold unswervingly to the hope we profess..." | Steadfast hope |
| Rom 15:1 | "We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of..." | Bearing with others |
| Ps 119:114 | "You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word." | God as refuge and hope |
| Gal 5:22-23 | "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" | Fruits of the Spirit leading to steadfastness |
| Acts 2:42 | "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship..." | Early church devotion |
| 2 Tim 2:15 | "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved..." | Diligent labor in God's service |
1 Corinthians 15 verses
1 Corinthians 15 58 Meaning
The core message is an exhortation to steadfastness in Christian faith and service. It assures believers that their labor in the Lord is never in vain because it is eternally significant and rewarded by God.
1 Corinthians 15 58 Context
This verse is the concluding exhortation of 1 Corinthians chapter 15, which Paul structures as a defense of the resurrection of Christ and the future resurrection of believers. Having established the certainty of the resurrection, Paul transitions to practical implications. He addresses the potential for spiritual lethargy or doubt among the Corinthians by urging them to remain firm and actively engaged in their faith and service. This assurance that their efforts are not in vain serves as a powerful motivation for ongoing commitment in the face of life's challenges and the nature of the spiritual battle.
1 Corinthians 15 58 Word Analysis
Therefore (ὥστε - hōste): A conjunction indicating a result or conclusion based on what has preceded. Here, it links the preceding arguments about the resurrection to the practical application of Christian living.
my beloved brethren (ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοί - adelphoi mou agapētoi): A term of endearment and familial affection within the Christian community, highlighting the intimate relationship believers share through Christ.
be ye steadfast (στήκω - stēkō): To stand firm, to be unmovable, to remain constant. This implies a stable and unyielding position in the faith.
unmovable (ἀκινήτος - akinētos): Not moving, not being shaken or agitated. This reinforces the idea of steadfastness, emphasizing a resilience against opposition or internal doubt.
always abounding ( περισσεύω - perisseuō): To be over and above, to abound, to exceed in quantity or quality. It speaks of a continuous overflow of effort and commitment, not a static state.
in the work of the Lord (ἔργον Κύριος - ergon Kyrios): The activities and tasks associated with serving and glorifying God. This encompasses all aspects of Christian obedience and ministry, stemming from and directed towards the Lord.
forasmuch as ye know (εἰδότες - eidotes): Present active participle of oida, "to know." This signifies that their knowledge of the resurrected Christ and the future hope is the foundation for their action.
that your labor ( ὁ κόπος - ho kopos): Toil, effort, weariness from exertion. It acknowledges the difficulty and exertion involved in Christian service.
is not in vain ( κενός - kenos): Empty, void, fruitless, useless. This directly counters any thought that their dedication might be pointless or ultimately unproductive.
in the Lord ( ἐν Κυρίῳ - en Kyriō): Indicating that the labor is performed within the sphere of relationship with the Lord, empowered by Him, and for His glory. This is crucial – it's not just any labor, but labor done in Christ.
Grouped Analysis: The phrase "steadfast, unmovable" emphasizes an enduring, stable commitment. "Always abounding in the work of the Lord" highlights active, overflowing participation in ministry, stemming from the knowledge that "your labor is not in vain in the Lord," a profound assurance of divine recognition and eternal reward for all committed service.
1 Corinthians 15 58 Bonus Section
The rhetorical force of "Therefore" underscores the logical progression from the certainty of the resurrection. If Christ is raised, then believers too will be raised. This foundational truth has immense implications for how life should be lived. The specific terms "steadfast" and "unmovable" are not passive descriptions but active states requiring conscious decision and reliance on the Holy Spirit. The concept of "abounding" suggests a life overflowing with good works, not merely fulfilling a minimum requirement. The "work of the Lord" encompasses evangelism, discipleship, acts of mercy, and faithful stewardship in all spheres of life. The phrase "in the Lord" is critical; the effectiveness and eternal value of Christian labor are not intrinsic to the labor itself, but derive their power and significance from the believer's union with Christ. This verse effectively seals a chapter that begins with a doctrinal defense by ending with a practical exhortation, demonstrating the inseparable link between theological truth and ethical living.
1 Corinthians 15 58 Commentary
This verse is a powerful conclusion to Paul's discourse on the resurrection. It serves as a direct imperative to persevere in faith and action, grounded in the certain hope of eternal life and the resurrection. The unwavering stance and continuous, abundant work are not optional extras but expected outcomes for those who possess this hope. It calls believers to be resolute against doubts and difficulties, actively participating in God's work with the full assurance that every effort made in relationship with the Lord has eternal significance and will be eternally rewarded. This verse acts as a bulwark against discouragement, anchoring Christian service to the unshakeable reality of Christ's resurrection and the believer's future resurrection.
- Practical Usage:
- When facing fatigue in ministry or daily Christian living, recall this verse to renew strength, knowing your effort is not futile.
- In moments of doctrinal uncertainty or persecution, stand firm, remembering your hope is anchored in the Lord and His Word.
- See every act of service, no matter how small, as part of "the work of the Lord," contributing to a greater eternal purpose.