Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 15:12

What does 1 Corinthians 15:12 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 15:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 15:12 means

Paul exposes a contradiction: Christ is preached as raised, yet some say there is no resurrection of the dead. If resurrection is impossible in principle, then Christ’s resurrection is impossible in fact. The Corinthians cannot have it both ways. Paul is not debating fine points; he is defending the heart of the gospel. By framing the objection this way, he pushes them to see that their denial is not a harmless philosophical preference, but an assault on the message by which they stand. The verse initiates a logical chain that will show the disastrous implications of their error.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now if Christ is preached that he hath been raised from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now if Christ is preached that he hath been raised from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now if the good news says that Christ came back from the dead, how do some of you say that there is no coming back from the dead?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And if Christ is preached, that out of the dead he hath risen, how say certain among you, that there is no rising again of dead persons?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now if Christ be preached, that he arose again from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now if Christ is preached that he is raised from among [the] dead, how say some among you that there is not a resurrection of [those that are] dead?

Context

After establishing the gospel’s content and witnesses (vv. 1–11), Paul pivots to challenge the denial of resurrection among some in Corinth (v. 12). The next verses (vv. 13–19) unfold a stark “if… then” argument demonstrating that such denial undoes everything Christians believe and hope for. The context is vital: Paul contrasts the proclaimed reality of Christ’s resurrection with the theoretical denial of any resurrection to reveal the internal inconsistency in the Corinthians’ thinking.

v.11Whether then it be I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

v.12This passage

v.13But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither hath Christ been raised:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 23:8

    For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.

  • 2 Timothy 2:18

    men who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some.

  • Acts 17:32

    Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, We will hear thee concerning this yet again.

  • Acts 26:8

    Why is it judged incredible with you, if God doth raise the dead?

  • 1 Corinthians 15:13

    But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither hath Christ been raised:

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:17

    comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

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