After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:7KJV
Know the Bible

1 Corinthians 15:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 15:7 mean?

1 Corinthians 15:7 says that after Jesus’ resurrection, he appeared to James and then to all the apostles. This verse highlights two specific post-resurrection appearances, emphasizing that Jesus was seen alive by important leaders in the early church.

Paul, the writer of 1 Corinthians, is reminding the believers in Corinth about the eyewitnesses to Jesus’ resurrection. By naming James and then mentioning all the apostles, Paul is underlining the reliability and broad reach of these resurrection appearances, supporting the truth of Jesus’ resurrection as a real, witnessed event.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 15:7

  • ὤφθη (ōphthē, "seen"): This Greek word is often used for a visible appearance, not just a vision or dream. It stresses that James and the apostles actually saw Jesus with their own eyes.
  • Ἰάκωβος (Iakōbos, "James"): The mention of James is significant because he was a leader in the Jerusalem church and the brother of Jesus. His personal encounter with the risen Jesus would have carried special weight among early Christians.
  • ἀπόστολοις (apostolois, "apostles"): The Greek term refers to those sent out with authority, not just the twelve but possibly a wider group. This shows that Jesus’ resurrection was confirmed by a broad circle of leaders.

Why 1 Corinthians 15:7 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the resurrection was a private or secret event; it was witnessed by key leaders, including James, who was not one of the original twelve apostles.
  • By listing James separately from the apostles, Paul points to the importance of individual witnesses as well as the collective testimony of the church’s leaders.
  • The verse fits into Paul’s larger argument in 1 Corinthians 15, where he is building a strong case for the reality of Jesus’ resurrection by pointing to many credible eyewitnesses.

Where else these words appear

“then” Greek G1534 · used in 15 verses

  • Mark 4:17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
  • John 13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

“that” 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 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
  • 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.

“James” Greek G2385 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
  • Luke 9:28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

“seen” Greek G3700 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
  • Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
  • Acts 13:31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.