Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 15:18

What does 1 Corinthians 15:18 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 15:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 15:18 means

If there is no resurrection, those who have “fallen asleep in Christ” have simply perished. Their faith would have led to nothing beyond the grave. Paul uses the gentle phrase “fallen asleep” to describe Christian death, implying hope; yet he starkly states what denial of resurrection would entail: utter loss. This is pastoral logic. He is asking the Corinthians to consider their loved ones who died trusting Christ. The denial they entertain would strip those deaths of hope. The resurrection, therefore, is not an abstract doctrine; it is the lifeline for the departed saints and for those who mourn them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And, in addition, the dead in Christ have gone to destruction.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

then, also, those having fallen asleep in Christ did perish;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then indeed also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

Context

After addressing forgiveness (v. 17), Paul now considers believers who have died (v. 18). If there is no resurrection, they are gone forever. This prepares the emotional weight of v. 19, where Paul says Christians would be most pitiable without resurrection hope. The sequence moves the argument from intellectual coherence to human consequence, pressing readers to reject the error not only because it is illogical but also because it is cruel in its implications.

v.17and if Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

v.18This passage

v.19If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13

    But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them that fall asleep; that ye sorrow not, even as the rest, who have no hope.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:6

    then he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain until now, but some are fallen asleep;

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:16

    For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first;

  • Revelation 14:13

    And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Corinthians 15

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Corinthians 15.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 1 Corinthians 15:18.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary