1 Corinthians 15:58

What does 1 Corinthians 15:58 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 15:58 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 15:58 means

Because resurrection victory is sure, believers must be steadfast, unmovable, and overflowing in the Lord’s work, knowing their labor is not vain in the Lord. Doctrine fuels endurance. The future hope anchors present faithfulness amid trials, doubts, and temptations. “In the Lord” frames both the work and its reward—Christ’s resurrection guarantees that nothing done for Him is wasted. The exhortation resists passivity: hope does not make us idle; it makes us abounding. Paul ends where he began—concerned that faith not be in vain (vv. 2, 14)—and assures that, in Christ, our perseverance and service carry eternal significance.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For this cause, my dear brothers, be strong in purpose and unmoved, ever giving yourselves to the work of the Lord, because you are certain that your work is not without effect in the Lord.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

so that, my brethren beloved, become ye stedfast, unmovable, abounding in the work of the Lord at all times, knowing that your labour is not vain in the Lord.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast and unmoveable: always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

So then, my beloved brethren, be firm, immovable, abounding always in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in [the] Lord.

Context

This concluding charge (v. 58) draws application from the entire chapter: the gospel received (vv. 1–11), the necessity of resurrection (vv. 12–19), Christ as firstfruits and the order of the end (vv. 20–28), practical appeals (vv. 29–34), the nature of the resurrection body (vv. 35–49), and the final victory (vv. 50–57). With hope secured, Paul urges unwavering, fruitful labor, closing the argument pastorally and practically.

v.57but thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

v.58This passage

Cross references

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

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3

    We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;

  • Galatians 4:11

    I am afraid of you, lest by any means I have bestowed labor upon you in vain.

  • Philippians 4:17

    Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account.

  • Philippians 1:9

    And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;

  • Colossians 1:23

    if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister.

  • Psalms 55:22

    Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee: He will never suffer the righteous to be moved.

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