Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 15:21
For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation while defending the reality of bodily resurrection. He places this statement immediately after declaring Christ’s resurrection as the firstfruits of the dead.
The words — The phrase δι᾽ ἀνθρώπου (di’ anthrōpou) translates literally as "through a man." This exact construction appears twice in the verse to establish a parallel structure.
The thread — Paul develops this parallel in Romans 5:12 and frames it in 1 Corinthians 15:20 and 1 Corinthians 15:22. The promise of resurrection life is also grounded in John 11:25 and Romans 6:23.
Why it lands — The text states that both death and resurrection operate through specific human agency. It requires the reader to acknowledge that reversing death depends entirely on the historical work of Christ rather than abstract philosophy.
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
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
Cross-references
- John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.
- Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned.
- Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.