Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 15:23

What does 1 Corinthians 15:23 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 15:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 15:23 means

Resurrection unfolds in a divinely set order. Christ, as firstfruits, has already been raised. Next will be “they that are Christ’s” at His coming—believers share His victory when He returns. This respects both continuity and timing: the same kind of life that burst forth in Him will be granted to His people, but not yet. Hope is oriented toward His appearing. The verse refutes any idea that resurrection is merely a present spiritual experience. It promises a future, bodily transformation for those who belong to Him, linking Christian hope to the visible return of the risen Lord.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ’s, at his coming.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ’s, at his coming.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But every man in his right order: Christ the first-fruits; then those who are Christ's at his coming.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and each in his proper order, a first-fruit Christ, afterwards those who are the Christ's, in his presence,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But every one in his own order: the firstfruits, Christ: then they that are of Christ, who have believed in his coming.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But each in his own rank: [the] first-fruits, Christ; then those that are the Christ's at his coming.

Context

Having stated the Adam–Christ pattern (v. 22), Paul outlines the sequence: Christ first, then His people at His coming (v. 23), followed by “the end” (v. 24). This flow frames resurrection within eschatology—what God will do in history’s consummation. It prepares for a description of Christ’s reign that culminates in the abolition of every enemy, including death (vv. 24–26). The context emphasizes order, assuring the Corinthians that delay does not mean denial.

v.22For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.

v.23This passage

v.24Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power.

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 5:24

    And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:15

    For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we that are alive, that are left unto the coming of the Lord, shall in no wise precede them that are fallen asleep.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:19

    For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not even ye, before our Lord Jesus at his coming?

  • Isaiah 26:19

    Thy dead shall live; my dead bodies shall arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust; for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast forth the dead.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:23

    and ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:52

    in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

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