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1 Corinthians 15:42

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
1 Corinthians 15:42 · King James Version
Parallel translations
  • WEB So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown perishable; it is raised imperishable.
  • BSB So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable.
  • NKJV So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.
  • NASB So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body;
  • NLT It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Quick answer

The body is sown perishable but raised imperishable. It matters because resurrection frees believers' bodies from decay forever.

Overview

Applying the seed analogy, Paul contrasts the mortal body sown in burial with the imperishable body raised in resurrection. The corruption that marks present life gives way to bodies that can never decay. This is the first of several glorious transformations awaiting those who belong to Christ.

Cross-references & the web

Cross-references · 17

  • Dan 12:3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
  • Matt 13:43Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
  • Phil 3:20–21For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
  • Rom 8:21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
  • 1 Pet 1:4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
  • 1 Cor 15:50–54Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
  • Acts 2:27Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
  • Acts 2:31He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
  • Acts 13:34–37And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
  • Ps 16:10For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
  • Job 17:14I have said to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worm, Thou art my mother, and my sister.
  • Rom 1:23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
  • Ps 49:14Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.
  • Isa 38:17Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
  • Gen 3:19In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  • Luke 20:35–36But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
  • Ps 49:9That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.

Themes, concepts, people & topics

Topics (4)

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Commentaries & study tools

Christ at the center

Christ crucified is the wisdom and power of God; he is our Passover sacrificed for us, the firstfruits of resurrection, the foundation on which everything is built.

How 1 Corinthians 15:42 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.

Original language

Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.