1 Corinthians 15:47
What does 1 Corinthians 15:47 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 15:47 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 15:47 means
The first man is from the earth, made of dust—earthy. The second man is from heaven. Paul contrasts origins and quality. Adam’s life is tied to the created earth and its limitations; Christ’s risen life belongs to the heavenly realm and brings that life to His people. “From heaven” does not deny Christ’s true humanity; it highlights His divine origin and the source of the life He imparts. Believers, joined to the second man, will share His heavenly nature. This sets expectation that our future bodies will bear the character of the exalted Christ, not merely improved versions of Adam’s dust-bound frame.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is of heaven.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is of heaven.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The first man is from the earth, and of the earth: the second man is from heaven.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The first man <FI>is<Fi> out of the earth, earthy; the second man <FI>is<Fi> the Lord out of heaven;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The first man was of the earth, earthly: the second man, from heaven, heavenly.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890the first man out of [the] earth, made of dust; the second man, out of heaven.
Context
After establishing order (v. 46), Paul contrasts the first and second man by origin—earthy vs. heavenly (v. 47). He will apply this in v. 48: those who belong to each share the character of their head. Then, in v. 49, he will promise that believers will bear the heavenly image. The context builds a cohesive theology of identity and destiny in Christ.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 3:12
If I told you earthly things and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you heavenly things?
- Genesis 2:7
And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
- Luke 2:11
for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
- Acts 10:36
The word which he sent unto the children of Israel, preaching good tidings of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)—
- Matthew 1:23
Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us.
- Ephesians 4:9
(Now this, He ascended, what is it but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth?
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