1 Corinthians 15:2
What does 1 Corinthians 15:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 15:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 15:2 means
The gospel saves, but it saves as it is held to. Paul links salvation with perseverance: they are saved “if ye hold fast the word.” This does not make salvation a human achievement, but it recognizes that true faith clings to the message it trusts. To abandon the gospel shows a belief that was hollow from the start—“believed in vain.” Paul’s concern is pastoral and urgent: assurance is found not in vague spirituality but in grasping the concrete apostolic word about Jesus. The verse warns against a half-belief that receives the gospel yet lets it slip away under pressure or confusion.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain.
KJV
King James Version · 1611By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949By which you have salvation; that is to say, the form in which it was given to you, if it is fixed in your minds, and if your faith in it is not without effect.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862through which also ye are being saved, in what words I proclaimed good news to you, if ye hold fast, except ye did believe in vain,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752By which also you are saved, if you hold fast after what manner I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890by which also ye are saved, (if ye hold fast the word which I announced to you as the glad tidings,) unless indeed ye have believed in vain.
Context
Having recalled the gospel they received (v. 1), Paul underscores its saving effect conditioned by holding fast (v. 2). He prepares to state the nonnegotiable content of that gospel (vv. 3–8). The connection is strategic: the Corinthians’ wobbling about the resurrection threatens the very message that saves them. Paul’s words frame the coming summary as both authoritative and essential, not optional doctrine. The flow moves from reception and perseverance to the historical facts that constitute the gospel, after which he will show why denying resurrection makes faith empty.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:15
So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours.
- John 8:31
Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples;
- Ephesians 2:8
for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
- Hebrews 2:1
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them.
- Romans 11:22
Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God’s goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
- Galatians 3:4
Did ye suffer so many things in vain? if it be indeed in vain.
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