Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 15:47
The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church while defending the reality of the resurrection in a systematic theological argument. He introduces this comparison to explain how believers will share in Christ's resurrected life.
The words — The Greek term χοϊκὸς (choikos) literally means "made of dust" or "earthy." Paul uses it to mark the first man's material origin before contrasting it with the second man's heavenly source.
The thread — This contrast traces back to Genesis 2:7 where God forms man from the ground, and Genesis 3:19 where humanity is destined to return to it. John 3:31 similarly distinguishes between those who belong to the earth and the one who comes from above.
Why it lands — The text states that the first man's origin is earthly dust while the second man originates from heaven. It requires readers to acknowledge that earthly nature belongs to the first lineage, while resurrection life belongs to the second.
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
The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
Cross-references
- John 3:31 The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The One who comes from heaven is above all.
- Genesis 2:7 Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.
- Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
- Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Luke 2:11 Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!
- John 3:12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?
- 1 Corinthians 15:45 So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam a life-giving spirit.
- Jeremiah 23:6 In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.
- Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”).