But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:20KJV
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1 Corinthians 15:20 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 15:20 mean?

1 Corinthians 15:20 says that Jesus Christ has truly risen from the dead and is called the "firstfruits" of those who have died, meaning his resurrection is the first of its kind and a sign that others will also be raised. The verse emphasizes that Christ’s resurrection is both real and significant for those who have died in faith.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing doubts some had about resurrection after death. By calling Christ the "firstfruits," Paul uses a farming image familiar to his readers: just as the first part of a harvest guarantees more to come, Jesus’ resurrection is a promise that others will follow. This verse is a turning point in Paul’s argument, shifting from explaining the importance of resurrection to declaring its reality in Christ.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 15:20

  • "firstfruits" (ἀπαρχή, aparchē): This word refers to the first portion of a harvest offered to God, which signified that the whole harvest belonged to Him. Here, it means Jesus is the first to rise from the dead in a way that promises others will also rise.
  • "slept" (κοιμηθέντων, koimēthentōn): This word is often used as a gentle way to describe death, suggesting that those who have died are not gone forever but will be awakened, just as Christ was.

Why 1 Corinthians 15:20 matters

  • This verse clears up confusion about whether resurrection is real or just an idea by stating plainly that Christ has risen.
  • Paul’s use of "firstfruits" connects Jesus’ resurrection to a larger hope, showing that his victory over death is not just for himself but for all who belong to him.
  • The verse shifts the discussion from theory to reality, giving a concrete basis for Christian hope in life after death.

Where else these words appear

“firstfruits” Greek G536 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
  • Romans 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:15 I beseech you, brethren,(ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

“slept” Greek G2837 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
  • Acts 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

“now” Greek G3570 · used in 21 verses

  • Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
  • 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
  • Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

“dead” Greek G3498 · used in 123 verses

  • Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
  • Acts 3:15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: