For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:21KJV
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1 Corinthians 15:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 15:21 mean?

1 Corinthians 15:21 explains that death entered the world through a human being, and in the same way, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a human being. The verse draws a parallel between the role of one man in bringing death and another man in bringing resurrection.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing questions about resurrection and the future hope for believers. He points out that just as humanity experienced death because of one man (often understood as Adam), the hope of resurrection comes through another man (understood as Jesus). This sets up a contrast that helps the Corinthians see the significance of Jesus’ resurrection for everyone.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 15:21

  • ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos, "man"): This word means "human being" and is used twice to emphasize that both death and resurrection come through a representative human. Paul’s choice of this word highlights the shared human experience and the representative roles of Adam and Jesus.
  • ἀνάστασις (anastasis, "resurrection"): This word means "rising up" or "standing up again," and here it refers to the future resurrection of the dead. The use of this term makes clear that Paul is talking about a bodily resurrection, not just a spiritual idea.
  • νεκρός (nekros, "dead"): This word means "dead ones" or "the dead," showing that the resurrection Paul describes is for those who have physically died, not just a metaphorical or spiritual renewal.

Why 1 Corinthians 15:21 matters

  • 1 Corinthians 15:21 clarifies that both death and resurrection are tied to real, historical humans, not abstract forces or ideas. This grounds Christian hope in actual events.
  • The verse helps the reader see the wider argument Paul is making in 1 Corinthians 15 about the reality and importance of resurrection, countering doubts some in Corinth had about life after death.
  • By connecting Adam and Jesus, Paul sets up a broader biblical theme of representation, showing how what happened through one affects all, which is key to understanding the rest of the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“since” Greek G1894 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 21:46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
  • Acts 14:12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

“resurrection” Greek G386 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 22:23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,
  • John 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
  • Romans 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

“death” Greek G2288 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Acts 28:18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
  • Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

“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: