Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 15:53

What does 1 Corinthians 15:53 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 15:53 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 15:53 means

Our perishable and mortal condition must put on imperishability and immortality. This is not optional adornment; it is necessary clothing for the kingdom. The language of “put on” suggests a God-given garment, not self-produced improvement. Resurrection is a gracious bestowal that equips believers to live eternally in God’s presence. The verse reiterates that the future state is embodied and glorious, free from decay and death. By stating the “must,” Paul anchors hope in God’s purpose: He intends to complete what He began in Christ, ensuring that His people share the same deathless life revealed in the risen Lord.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For this body which comes to destruction will be made free from the power of death, and the man who is under the power of death will put on eternal life.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for it behoveth this corruptible to put on incorruption, and this mortal to put on immortality;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For this corruptible must put on incorruption: and this mortal must put on immortality.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For this corruptible must needs put on incorruptibility, and this mortal put on immortality.

Context

Paul explains why the instant change is required (v. 53), preparing to quote triumphant words about death’s defeat (vv. 54–55). The context underscores necessity leading to fulfillment: mortality must be clothed so that Scripture’s promises of victory can be realized. This bridges doctrinal explanation with worshipful proclamation.

v.52in 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.

v.53This passage

v.54But when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

Cross references

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

  • Romans 2:7

    to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life:

  • 2 Corinthians 5:2

    For verily in this we groan, longing to be clothed upon with our habitation which is from heaven:

  • 1 John 3:2

    Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is.

  • Galatians 3:27

    For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.

  • Ephesians 4:24

    and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

  • Romans 13:12

    The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

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