Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 15:19
If our hope in Christ is for this life alone, we are to be pitied more than all men.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church while defending bodily resurrection after noting that believers who died would be lost without it. He writes this during a doctrinal argument against those denying the resurrection.
The words — The participle ἠλπικότες (ēlpikotes) means "already hoping," paired with ἐν τῇ ζωῇ ταύτῃ (en tē zōē tautē), literally "in this life." These terms establish the conditional scope of the Christian hope.
The thread — The theme of hope anchored beyond death appears in 1 Peter 1:21 and Revelation 14:13, which tie faith and blessing to the God who raised Christ and those who die in Him. 2 Timothy 1:12 further grounds endurance in confident trust in God's power.
Why it lands — The text states that limiting hope to this life makes believers the most pitiable people, before inferring that resurrection hope is essential. It demands a reader to examine whether trust in Christ extends beyond present circumstances to eternal reality.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 1:21 Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him; and so your faith and hope are in God.
- Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven telling me to write, “Blessed are the dead—those who die in the Lord from this moment on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds will follow them.”
- 2 Timothy 1:12 For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.
- 1 Corinthians 4:9 For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men.
- 2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
- Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
- Luke 21:34 But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.
- Luke 8:14 The seeds that fell among the thorns are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature.
- John 16:33 I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”
- Ephesians 1:12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.