And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:49KJV
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1 Corinthians 15:49 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 15:49 mean?

1 Corinthians 15:49 says that just as people have shared in the image of the "earthy"—meaning the physical, mortal nature of humanity—they will also share in the image of the "heavenly," pointing to a future transformation to a spiritual, immortal nature. This verse promises that believers will one day be changed to reflect the resurrected, heavenly life.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, explaining the hope of resurrection and the difference between our current, earthly bodies and the future, glorified bodies believers will receive. He uses the idea of "bearing the image" to show both the reality of human weakness now and the assurance of a new, glorious existence to come, tying it to the resurrection of Jesus.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 15:49

  • "Image" (εἰκών, eikōn): This Greek word means a likeness or representation. Paul uses it to describe both the physical nature inherited from Adam ("earthy") and the spiritual nature believers will receive ("heavenly"), highlighting a real transformation, not just a symbolic one.
  • "Earthy" (χοϊκός, choikos): This word refers to something made of earth or dust, pointing back to Adam’s creation from the ground. It emphasizes the mortal, fragile state of current human life.
  • "Heavenly" (ἐπουράνιος, epouranios): This word means belonging to heaven. Paul contrasts it with "earthy" to show the dramatic difference between our present bodies and the future, resurrected bodies believers are promised.

Why 1 Corinthians 15:49 matters

  • 1 Corinthians 15:49 clarifies that the transformation Paul describes is not just moral or spiritual in the present, but involves a real, future change in the believer’s nature.
  • The verse connects the believer’s current experience of weakness and mortality to a future hope, grounding Christian confidence in the resurrection.
  • By using the language of "image," Paul ties this teaching to the broader biblical story—from Adam’s creation to Christ’s resurrection—showing how God’s plan for humanity includes both the reality of our present condition and the promise of something far greater.

Where else these words appear

“earthy” Greek G5517 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
  • 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.

“borne” Greek G5409 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
  • John 19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!
  • Romans 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

“heavenly” Greek G2032 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
  • Ephesians 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
  • Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

“image” Greek G1504 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 22:20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
  • 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
  • Revelation 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.