Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 15:35

What does 1 Corinthians 15:35 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 15:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 15:35 means

Paul anticipates two skeptical questions: How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come? These questions often carry a tone of mockery, as if bodily resurrection were absurd. He will show that such skepticism arises from misunderstanding God’s power and the analogies within creation. The resurrection body is not identical to the present one, yet it maintains continuity. The questions allow Paul to explain transformation—not resuscitation—using images from agriculture and differing kinds of bodies. He invites readers to move from incredulity to faith by observing how God already brings life from death-like processes in nature.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But some one will say, How are the dead raised? and with what manner of body do they come?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But some one will say, How are the dead raised? and with what manner of body do they come?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But someone will say, How do the dead come back? and with what sort of body do they come?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

But some one will say, `How do the dead rise?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But some man will say: How do the dead rise again? Or with what manner of body shall they come?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But some one will say, How are the dead raised? and with what body do they come?

Context

After exhorting the Corinthians to sober faith (v. 34), Paul shifts to address anticipated objections about resurrection’s feasibility and form (v. 35). The next verses (vv. 36–44) use the seed analogy and the contrast between present and future body to explain transformation. Then he will tie this to Adam and Christ (vv. 45–49). The context transitions from correcting denial to constructive teaching about the nature of the resurrected body.

v.34Awake to soberness righteously, and sin not; for some have no knowledge of God: I speak this to move you to shame.

v.35This passage

v.36Thou foolish one, that which thou thyself sowest is not quickened except it die:

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 22:29

    But Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

  • John 9:10

    They said therefore unto him, How then were thine eyes opened?

  • John 3:9

    Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

  • John 3:4

    Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

  • Job 11:12

    But vain man is void of understanding, Yea, man is born as a wild ass’s colt.

  • Philippians 3:21

    who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.

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