But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
1 CORINTHIANS 15:20KJVWhat 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.