But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:38KJV
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1 Corinthians 15:38 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 15:38 mean?

1 Corinthians 15:38 says that God gives each kind of seed its own unique body, just as He chooses. The verse highlights that God decides the form and nature of each living thing, giving every seed a body suited to its own kind.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining the resurrection of the dead by using the example of seeds and plants. He wants the Corinthians to understand that just as God gives different bodies to different seeds, He can also give a new, transformed body in the resurrection. This verse reassures the readers that the process of resurrection is under God's wise and purposeful control.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 15:38

  • σῶμα (sōma): This word means "body." Paul uses it to draw a parallel between the physical bodies of seeds and the future resurrected bodies, emphasizing individuality and transformation.
  • σπέρμα (sperma): This word means "seed." Paul’s use of "seed" underlines the idea of something small and seemingly insignificant being given a new and greater form by God.
  • καθὼς (kathōs): This word means "as" or "just as." It stresses that God’s way of giving bodies is intentional and follows His own design, not random chance.

Why 1 Corinthians 15:38 matters

  • This verse helps clear up confusion about how resurrection could work by showing that God already creates different kinds of bodies in nature, so giving resurrected bodies is not difficult for Him.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s active role and choice ("as it hath pleased him") in creation, reminding readers that God is both powerful and purposeful.
  • It connects to Paul’s larger argument in 1 Corinthians 15 about the resurrection, using a familiar example from everyday life (seeds and plants) to make a spiritual truth more understandable.

Where else these words appear

“seed” Greek G4690 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
  • Luke 20:28 Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
  • Romans 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

“every” Greek G1538 · used in 78 verses

  • Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
  • Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
  • Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

“own” Greek G2398 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 9:1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
  • John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
  • Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

“body” Greek G4983 · used in 122 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.