1 Corinthians 15:52
What does 1 Corinthians 15:52 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 15:52 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 15:52 means
The transformation will happen instantly—“in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye”—at the last trumpet. This trumpet signals Christ’s coming and the culmination of God’s saving plan. The dead will be raised incorruptible, and the living will be changed. There is no long process; the divine act is decisive and public. The trumpet imagery conveys authority, clarity, and gathering. Paul affirms both the certainty and the dramatic suddenness of the event. This is not secret improvement but a cosmic re-clothing that ends death’s rule over God’s people. Hope looks to this appointed hour with confidence and watchfulness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000in 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611In 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901in 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In a second, in the shutting of an eye, at the sound of the last horn: for at that sound the dead will come again, free for ever from the power of death, and we will be changed.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, in the last trumpet, for it shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we--we shall be changed:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall rise again incorruptible. And we shall be changed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890in an instant, in [the] twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Context
Unfolding the mystery introduced in v. 51, Paul describes the manner and timing of the change (v. 52). He will then emphasize the necessity of immortality clothing mortality (v. 53) and declare the resulting victory over death (vv. 54–55). The context moves from revelation to celebration, as the logic of resurrection culminates in doxology and exhortation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 5:28
Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice,
- Numbers 16:45
Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.
- Zechariah 9:14
And Jehovah shall be seen over them; and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning; and the Lord Jehovah will blow the trumpet, and will go with whirlwinds of the south.
- John 5:25
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour cometh, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live.
- Revelation 8:13
And I saw, and I heard an eagle, flying in mid heaven, saying with a great voice, Woe, woe, woe, for them that dwell on the earth, by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, who are yet to sound.
- Numbers 16:21
Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.
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.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Glorification
Glorification is the final stage of salvation, where believers receive perfect, incorruptible bodies and are made completely like Christ.
Topic
The Gospel in the Bible
The gospel is the good news of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ, offered to all who believe.
Topic
Bible Verses About Original Sin
Original sin refers to the fallen spiritual condition of humanity as a result of Adam’s disobedience, impacting all people with a sinful nature.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Struggling With Addiction
When the cycle won't break — verses for the long road home.