And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
1 CORINTHIANS 15:30KJVWhat does 1 Corinthians 15:30 mean?
1 Corinthians 15:30 describes Paul and his companions constantly facing danger for the sake of their faith, questioning why they would risk their lives so often if there were no hope beyond this life. Paul is pointing out the real, ongoing risks he and others endure, highlighting the seriousness of their commitment.
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing doubts some had about the resurrection of the dead. In this section, Paul argues that if there is no resurrection, then it makes no sense for him and others to put themselves in harm’s way for the gospel. The verse is part of his larger point that their willingness to face danger is evidence of their deep conviction in the resurrection.
The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 15:30
- The word "stand...in jeopardy" comes from κινδυνεύω (kindyneuō), which means "to be in danger" or "to risk danger." The Greek here emphasizes not just a one-time risk, but an ongoing, repeated exposure to danger.
- The phrase "every hour" uses πᾶς (pas, "every") and ὥρα (hōra, "hour"), stressing the constant, almost hourly nature of the threats Paul faced. This detail shows the intensity and frequency of the dangers, not just occasional hardship.
Why 1 Corinthians 15:30 matters
- This verse clarifies that Paul and his fellow workers were not living comfortable or safe lives; their faith led them into real, repeated danger.
- It highlights the seriousness of Paul’s belief in the resurrection, since he would not risk his life so often for something he did not truly believe.
- In the context of the chapter, it strengthens Paul’s argument that the resurrection is central to Christian hope and practice, not just a side belief.