The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:47KJV
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1 Corinthians 15:47 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 15:47 mean?

1 Corinthians 15:47 explains that the first man, Adam, was made from the earth and is characterized as "earthy," while the second man, referring to Jesus, is described as the Lord who comes from heaven. This contrast highlights the different origins and natures of Adam and Jesus.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining the resurrection and the difference between natural and spiritual bodies. By calling Adam "earthy" and Jesus "the Lord from heaven," Paul sets up a comparison between human life as it is now—mortal and tied to the earth—and the new kind of life Jesus brings, which is heavenly and eternal.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 15:47

  • ἔκ (ek, "of/from") and γῆ (gē, "earth"): The phrase "of the earth, earthy" uses the Greek word for earth, emphasizing Adam's origin from the ground and his mortal, physical nature.
  • δεύτερος (deuteros, "second") and κύριος (kyrios, "Lord"): The "second man" is called "the Lord," a title for Jesus, underlining his divine authority and heavenly source.
  • οὐρανός (ouranos, "heaven"): Jesus is said to be "from heaven," stressing his divine origin and the new, spiritual life he brings.

Why 1 Corinthians 15:47 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the distinction Paul is making between Adam and Jesus, showing why Jesus is called the "second man" and what is different about him.
  • It connects to Paul's larger argument about resurrection, showing that believers can expect a transformation from an "earthy" existence to a heavenly one.
  • The verse corrects any idea that Jesus is just another human like Adam; instead, Paul emphasizes Jesus' unique, divine origin and role.

Where else these words appear

“earthy” Greek G5517 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 15:48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

“second” Greek G1208 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
  • Acts 7:13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
  • Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

“first” Greek G4413 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
  • Luke 20:29 There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.
  • 1 Timothy 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.