Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:46KJV
Know the Bible

1 Corinthians 15:46 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 15:46 mean?

1 Corinthians 15:46 explains that what comes first is not the spiritual, but the natural; only after the natural comes the spiritual. Paul is making the point that in God’s order, physical life comes before spiritual life.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing questions about resurrection and the nature of the body after death. He uses the example of Adam (the first man, natural) and Christ (the second man, spiritual) to show that our earthly, physical existence comes before the transformed, spiritual existence promised by God. This verse helps clarify the sequence of God’s plan for humanity.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 15:46

  • ψυχικός (psychikos, “natural”): This word refers to what is physical, earthly, or related to the soul as opposed to the spirit. Paul uses it to describe the kind of body and life humans have before receiving a spiritual transformation.
  • πνευματικός (pneumatikos, “spiritual”): This word means spiritual, relating to the spirit or the Holy Spirit. Paul uses it to describe the kind of body and life believers will have after resurrection, highlighting the difference between our current and future existence.
  • ἔπειτα (epeita, “afterward”): This word marks the order of events, emphasizing that the spiritual does not come first, but follows the natural. Paul is stressing the sequence in God’s design.

Why 1 Corinthians 15:46 matters

  • 1 Corinthians 15:46 clears up confusion about the resurrection by showing that spiritual life does not replace physical life from the start; instead, it follows after.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s intentional order: first the natural, then the spiritual, which helps readers understand the process of transformation Paul is describing.
  • By connecting the natural and spiritual to Adam and Christ, Paul ties this teaching into the larger argument about resurrection and the hope of a new kind of life for believers.

Where else these words appear

“natural” Greek G5591 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
  • 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.
  • James 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

“afterward” Greek G1899 · used in 16 verses

  • Mark 7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
  • 1 Corinthians 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

“spiritual” Greek G4152 · used in 21 verses

  • Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
  • 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
  • Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

“first” Greek G4412 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
  • Luke 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
  • Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.