1 Corinthians 15:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 15:6 mean?

1 Corinthians 15:6 says that after Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to more than five hundred believers at the same time, and most of those people were still alive when Paul wrote this letter, though some had died. Paul is pointing out that there were many living witnesses who could confirm seeing the risen Jesus.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. He lists eyewitnesses to show that the resurrection was not a hidden or private event. By mentioning that most of these five hundred people were still alive, Paul invites his readers to check the facts for themselves, grounding his message in real, public testimony.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 15:6

• "Seen" (ὤφθη, hōphthē): This Greek word means "was seen" or "appeared." It emphasizes that the resurrection appearances were visible, physical events, not just visions or feelings.
• "Brethren" (ἀδελφοῖς, adelphois): This word means "brothers" or "believers," showing that Jesus appeared to a large group of his followers, not just the apostles.
• "Remain" (μένει, menei): This word means "remain" or "are still living." Paul uses it to stress that most witnesses were still alive and could be questioned about what they saw.
• "Fallen asleep" (κεκοιμήθησαν, kekoimēthēsan): This is a gentle way of saying "died." The Greek often uses this phrase to refer to believers who have died, suggesting hope beyond death.

Why 1 Corinthians 15:6 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that the resurrection was a secret or only witnessed by a few; Paul highlights a large group of eyewitnesses.
• Paul’s mention that most witnesses were still alive shows he is inviting scrutiny and encouraging confidence in the truth of the resurrection.
• In the wider passage, this verse supports Paul’s argument that the resurrection is a real, historical event at the heart of Christian faith, not just a spiritual idea.