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1 Corinthians 15:20

1 Corinthians 15:20 in Multiple Translations

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep.

But now Christ has truly come back from the dead, the first-fruits of those who are sleeping.

But Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of the harvest from those who have died.

But nowe is Christ risen from the dead, and was made the first fruites of them that slept.

And now, Christ hath risen out of the dead — the first-fruits of those sleeping he became,

But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruit of those who are asleep.

But now is Christ raised from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept.

But now Christ is risen from the dead, the firstfruits of them that sleep:

But the truth is that Christ has been raised from the dead {that God has caused Christ to live again after he had died}, and ◄that guarantees/because of that, it is certain► [MET] that he will also cause those believers who have died [EUP] to become alive again.

Listen, this is the true story. Jesus Christ died, and God made him alive again. Jesus was the first person to die and then come back to life again, and to live for ever.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 15:20

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1 Corinthians 15:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK νυνι δε χριστος εγηγερται εκ νεκρων απαρχη των κεκοιμημενων εγενετο
νυνι nuni G3570 now Adv
δε de G1161 then Conj
χριστος Christos G5547 Christ Noun-NSM
εγηγερται egeirō G1453 to arise Verb-RPI-3S
εκ ek G1537 out from Prep
νεκρων nekros G3498 dead Adj-GPM
απαρχη aparchē G536 firstfruits Noun-NSF
των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPM
κεκοιμημενων koimaō G2837 to sleep Verb-RPP-GPM
εγενετο ginomai G1096 to be Verb-2ADI-3S
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 15:20

νυνι nuni G3570 "now" Adv
Now refers to the present time, as seen in Acts 24:13 and Romans 15:23. It is used to indicate something is happening at this moment.
Definition: νῦνί an Attic strengthened form of νῦν (in cl. always of time, and most often strictly of the pres.), [in LXX : Job.5:1-27, Psa.2:1-12, 1-12, 4Ma.4:1-26, Ep. Je* ;] now; __1. of time: with praes., Act.24:13, Rom.15:23, 25, 1Co.13:13, 2Co.8:11 8:22, Phm 9 11; with pf., Rom.3:21; with pret., Rom.6:22 11:30 (WH, mg.) Rom.7:6, Eph.2:13, Col.1:21 3:8; ἡ ν. ἀπολογία, Act.22:1. __2. Of logical sequence (not so in cl.): Rom.7:17, 1Co.5:11 (νῦν, WH) 1Co.12:18 (νῦν, WH, txt.) 1Co.15:20, Heb.8:6 (νῦν, WH, txt.), Heb.9:26 (cf. WM, 24, 579n).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 20 NT verses. KJV: now See also: 1 Corinthians 12:18; Ephesians 2:13; Hebrews 8:6.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
χριστος Christos G5547 "Christ" Noun-NSM
Christ means anointed, referring to Jesus as the Messiah, as seen in Luke 2:11 and John 1:41.
Definition: χριστός (Χρ-), -ή, -όν (χρίω), [in LXX for מָשִׁיחַ and cogn. forms ;] __1. 1. as adj., __(a) of things, anointing, to be used as ointment (Æsch., Eur., al.; τ. ἔλαιον τὸ χ., Lev.21:10); __(b) of persons, anointed (ὁ ἰερεὺς ὁ χ., Lev.4:5; οἱ χ. ἰευρεῖς, 2Ma.1:10): ὁ χ. τοῦ κυρίου or Θεοῦ (1Ki.2:10, Psa.2:2, al.), of the Messiah (Aram., מְשִׁיחָא; cf. Dalman, Words, 289 ff.), Luk.2:11, 26 Jhn.1:41, Act.2:36 4:26, al. __2. As subst., ὁ Χριστός, the Messiah, the Christ: Mat.2:4, Mrk.8:29, Luk.2:11, Jhn.1:20, Act.2:31, Rom.7:4, al.; Ἰησοῦς, Mrk.1:1, Jhn.1:17, Act.2:38, al.; Χ. Ἰησοῦς, Mat.1:18, WH, mg. Act.5:42, Rom.6:3, al.; Χ. κύριος, Luk.2:11; Ἰησοῦς Χ. ὁ κύριος, Act.15:26, Rom.1:7, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 525 NT verses. KJV: Christ See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.
εγηγερται egeirō G1453 "to arise" Verb-RPI-3S
To arise means to wake up or stand up, and it can also mean to raise someone from the dead, like Jesus did with Lazarus in John 12. It's about moving from a state of rest or death to being active and alive. This concept is seen in Matthew 25:7 and Mark 4:27.
Definition: ἐγείρω, [in LXX for קוּם, etc. ;] trans. (imperat. ἔγειρε used intransitively, Mat.9:5, Mrk.2:11, al.); __1. to awaken, arouse from sleep: Mrk.4:38, Act.12:7; metaphorically, of spiritual awakening, Rom.13:11 (pass.), Eph.5:14; pass., to be aroused, wake up: Mat.25:7, Mrk.4:27; ἀπὸ τ. ὕπνου, Mat.1:24. __2. Freq. in NT, to raise from the dead: νεκρούς, Jhn.5:21, Act.26:8, 2Co.1:9; ἐκ νεκρῶν, Jhn.12:1, Act.3:15, Rom.8:11, al.; pass., rise from death: Mat.11:5, Luk.7:22, Jhn.2:22, Rom.6:9, al.; ἀπὸ τ. νεκρῶν, Mat.14:2, al. __3. In late Gk., __(a) to raise, from sitting, lying, sickness; mid. and pass., to rise: Mat.9:5, 7 Mrk.1:31 9:27 10:49, al.; redundant, like Heb. קוּם, Mat.2:15 9:19, Rev.11:1 (see Dalman, 23f.); __(b) to raise up, cause to appear: Act.13:22 (cf. Jdg.2:18); τέκνα, Mat.3:9; pass., to appear: Mat.11:11, Mrk.13:22, al. __4. to rouse, stir up; pass., to rise against: Mat.24:7, Mrk.13:8. __5. Of buildings, to raise: τ. ναόν, Jhn.2:19, 20 (cf . Deu.16:22, Sir.49:13); (cf. δι-, ἐξ-, συν-εγείρω, and V. Cremer, 224). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 132 NT verses. KJV: awake, lift (up), raise (again, up), rear up, (a-)rise (again, up), stand, take up See also: 1 Corinthians 6:14; Luke 11:31; 1 Peter 1:21.
εκ ek G1537 "out from" Prep
The preposition 'out from' shows movement or origin, like in John 6:31 and Acts 9:3. It helps us understand where people or things come from or are going.
Definition: ἐκ (ἐξ), prep. with genitive, from out of, from (see Addendum, p. 492).This entry is included here, but in the print version the entry is found on p. 492. ἐκ, before a vowel ἐξ, prep. with genitive, of motion outwards, separation from (opposite to εἰς; = Lat. e, ex), from out of, from among, from. __I. Of Place, __1. of motion, out of, forth from, off from: Jhn.6:31, Act.9:3, Gal.1:8, al.; esp. after verbs of motion, Mat.8:28 17:9, Mrk.1:25 7:28, Jhn.1:33 20:1, Act.12:7, 17 27:30, al.; constr. praeg., σώζειν (διας) ἐκ, Ju 5, Act.28:4. Metaphorical, Mat.7:4, 5, 1Pe.2:9; ἐκ τ. χειρός (-ῶν), before genitive of person(s), Luk.1:74, Jhn.10:28, 29, 39, Act.12:4 24:7, Rev.19:2; πίνειν (which see) ἐκ; of the place from which an action proceeds, Luk.5:3 (cf. 12:36, Jhn.13:4, 2Co.2:4). __2. Of change from one place or condition to another: Jhn.8:42, Rom.6:13 13:11, Rev.7:14, al.; with ellips. of verb of motion, 2Ti.2:26, 2Pe.2:21, Rev.2:21, al. __3. Of separation or distinction from a number, before collective or pl. nouns: Mat.13:47, 49, Jhn.12:1, Act.3:15, 1Pe.1:3, al.; after εἷς, Mat.10:29 Luk.17:15, al.; οὐδείς, Jhn.7:19, al.; πολλοί, Jhn.11:19, al.; τις, Luk.11:15, al.; τίς, Mat.6:27, al.; in partitive phrase as subject of sentence, Jhn.16:17; Hebraistically, ἐκ μέσου before genitive, = ἐκ (Heb. מִתּוֹךְ), Mat.13:49, al. __4. Of position or direction (so in cl. = ἔξω): ἐκ δεξιῶν (see: δεξιός); ἐξ ἐναντίας, Mrk.15:39 (metaphorically, Tit.2:8); ἐκ ῥιζῶν (i.e., utterly), Mat.11:20. __II. Of Time, __1. of the point of time from which, from, since: ἐκ γενετῆς, Jhn.9:1, cf. Mrk.10:20, Luk.23:8, Act.24:10, al. __2. Of succession in time: ἐκ δευτέρου, a second time, Mrk.14:72, al., cf. Mat.26:44; ἡμέραν ἐξ ἡμέρας, from day to day, 2Pe.2:8. __III. Of Origin, __1. of nativity, lineage, race: κοίτην (ἐν γαστρί) ἔχειν, Rom.9:10, Mat.1:18; γεννᾶν ἐκ, Mat.1:3ff.; γεννᾶσθαι (γίνεσθαι) ἐκ, Jhn.3:6 8:41, Gal.4:4; ἐκ πνεύματος (θεοῦ), Jhn.1:13 3:5ff., al. ἔρχεσθαι, εἶναι, etc., ἐκ τ. πολέως, Jhn.1:44; φυλῆς, Luk.2:36, al.; τ. ἐξουσίας Ἡρῴδου, Luk.23:7; ὁ ὢν ἐκ τ. γῆς, Jhn.3:31. __2. Of the author, occasion or source: Mat.5:37, Jhn.2:16, Rom.2:29, 1Co.8:6, Gal.5:8, al.; ἐκ (τ. θεοῦ, 1Co.7:7, 2Co.5:1, 1Jn.4:7; ἐκ τ. πατρός, Jhn.6:65, al.; ἐκ τ. γῆς ἐστιν, λαλεῖ, Jhn.3:31; εκ καρδίας, Rom.6:17, cf. Mrk.12:30, 1Ti.1:5; ἐκ ψυχῆς, Eph.6:6, Col.3:23; ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.14:23; κρίνειν ἐκ, Luk.19:22, Rev.20:12. __3. Of the agent, after passive verbs: Mat.15:5, Mrk.7:11, 2Co.2:2, al.; frequently in Re after αδικεῖσθαι (2:11), etc. __4. Of cause, dependence, source of supply: τ. πόνου (των), Rev.16:10, 11; τ. φωνῶν, Rev.8:13; ἐκ τούτου, Jhn.6:66 19:12 (but see Meyer, in ll.); ἐκ θεοῦ λαλεῖν, 2Co.2:17; ἐκ τ. ἀληθείας, Jhn.18:37, 1Jn.3:19; ὁ ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.3:26 4:16; οἱ (ὄντες) ἐκ περιτομῆς, Act.11:2, Rom.4:12, Gal.2:12, Col.4:11; πίνειν ἐκ, Mat.26:29, Mrk.14:25, Jhn.4:13, al.; θερίζειν, Gal.6:8; μετέχειν ἐκ (= partit. genitive), 1Co.10:13; with inf., ἐκ τοῦ ἔχειν, 2Co.8:11. __5. Of material: Mat.27:29, Jhn.2:15 19:2, Rom.9:21, 1Co.11:12, Rev.18:12, al.; allied to which is its use of price (= cl. genitive): Mat.27:7, cf. ib. 20:2, Act.1:18. __IV. By attraction = ἐν (cl.): τὰ ἐκ τ. οἰκιας, Mat.24:17; τ. ἐξ αὐτοῦ δύναμιν, Mrk.5:30 (see Field, in l.); ὁ πατὴρ ὁ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, Luk.11:13. __V. Adverbial phrases: ἐξ ἀνάγκης, 2Co.9:7, Heb.7:12; ἐξ ἰσότητος, 2Co.8:13; ἐκ μέρους, 1Co.12:27 13:9-12; ἐκ μέτρου, Jhn.3:34; ἐκ συμφώνου, 1Co.7:5. __VI. in composition, ἐκ signifies, __1. procession, removal: ἐκβαίνω, ἐκβάλλω. __2. Opening out, unfolding: ἐκτείνω; metaphorically, ἐξαγγάλλω. __3. Origin: ἔκγονος. __4. Completeness: ἐξαπορέω (see M, Pr., 237), ἐκπληρόω, ἐκτελέω. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 753 NT verses. KJV: after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; 3 John 1:11; 1 Peter 1:3.
νεκρων nekros G3498 "dead" Adj-GPM
The Greek word for dead, meaning something or someone is lifeless, either physically or spiritually, as seen in Matthew 28:4 and Revelation 1:18.
Definition: νεκρός, -α, -ον, [in LXX chiefly for מֵת ;] dead, __I. as adj., __1. prop.: Act.5:10 20:9, Jas.2:26, Rev.1:18, al.; ὡσεὶ ν., Mat.28:4, Mrk.9:26, Rev.1:17; of that which is subject to death, Rom.8:10. __2. Metaphorical, __(a) of persons: Luk.15:24, 32; of those immersed in worldly cares, Mat.8:22, Luk.9:60; of spiritual death, Jhn.5:25, Rom.6:13, Eph.5:14, Rev.3:1; τ. παραπτώμασιν, Eph.2:1, 5 Col.2:13; of the opposite condition, ν. τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, Rom.6:11; __(b) of things regarded as inoperative, devoid of power: ἁμαρτία, Rom.7:8; πίστις, Jas.2:17, 26; ἔργα, Heb.6:1 9:14. __II. As subst., νεκρός, ὁ (Hom., al.), chiefly in pl. (οἱ) ν., the dead: Mat.11:5, Mrk.12:26, Luk.20:37, 1Co.15:15, al.; ἀνάστασις (τ.) νεκρῶν, Mat.22:31, Act.17:32, al.; ν. . . . ζῶντες, Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:27, Act.10:42, al.; ἀπὸ νεκρῶν, Luk.16:30; ἐκ ν., Mrk.6:14, Luk.24:46, Jhn.12:1, Act.13:34, Rom.10:7, al.; πρωτότοκος ἐκ τῶν ν., Col.1:18; ζωὴ ἐκ ν., Rom.11:15; constr. praegn., ἐκ ν. ζῶντες, Rom.6:13. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 122 NT verses. KJV: dead See also: 1 Corinthians 15:12; John 12:17; 1 Peter 1:3.
απαρχη aparchē G536 "firstfruits" Noun-NSF
Firstfruits refer to the beginning of a sacrifice or the first produce of a harvest, like in Romans 11:16 and 1 Corinthians 16:15. It can also mean the first Christians, as in Romans 16:5 and 1 Corinthians 16:15, who are like the first fruits of God's new creation.
Definition: ἀπ-αρχή, -ῆς, ἡ (ἀπάρχομαι, to make a beginning in sacrifice, offer first fruits) [in LXX chiefly for תְּרוּמָה, רֵאשִׁית ;] __1. the beginning of a sacrifice. __2. first fruits: τοῦ φυράματος (cf. Num.15:20), Rom.11:16. Metaphorical, ἀ. τοῦ πνεύματος: Rom.8:23; of Christians: Rom.16:5, 1, 1Co.16:15, 2Th.2:13 (WH, mg., R, mg., txt., ἀπ᾽ ἀρχῆς; see Lft., Notes, 119 f.), Jas.1:18, Rev.14:4; of Christ: 1Co.15:20 15:23 (Cremer, 117; MM, VGT, see word).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: first-fruits See also: 1 Corinthians 15:20; Revelation 14:4; James 1:18.
των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
κεκοιμημενων koimaō G2837 "to sleep" Verb-RPP-GPM
To sleep or fall asleep, sometimes used to describe death, as in Matthew 27:52 and John 11:11.
Definition: κοιμάω, -ῶ [in LXX chiefly for שָׁכַב ;] to lull to sleep, put to sleep. Mid and pass., to fall asleep (M, Pr., 162; M, Th., 1, 4, 13): Mat.28:13, Luk.22:45, Jhn.11:12, Act.12:6. Metaph, of death: Mat.27:52, Jhn.11:11 Act.7:60 13:36, 1Co.7:39 11:30 15:6 15:18 15:20 15:51, 1Th.4:13-15, 2Pe.3:4 (cf. Isa.14:8 43:17, 2Ma.12:45).† SYN.: καθεύδω (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 18 NT verses. KJV: (be a-, fall a-, fall on) sleep, be dead See also: 1 Corinthians 7:39; 2 Peter 3:4; Matthew 28:13.
εγενετο ginomai G1096 "to be" Verb-2ADI-3S
A versatile word meaning to be, become, or come into being, used in John 1:15 and 1 Corinthians 15:37.
Definition: γίνομαι, Ion. and κοινή for Att. γίγν- (M. Pr., 47; Bl., §6, 8 Mayser, 166 f.), [in LXX chiefly for היה ;] __1. of persons, things occurrences, to come into being, be born, arise, come on: Jhn.1:15 8:58, 1Co.15:37; a first appearance in public, Mrk.1:4, Jhn.1:6, al.; before ἐκ (of birth), Rom.1:3, Gal.4:4; διά, Jhn.1:3; βροντή, Jhn.12:29; σεισμός, Rev.6:12; γογγυσμός, Act.6:1; χαρά, Act.8:8, many other similar exx.; ἡμέρα, Luk.22:66, al.; ὀψέ, Mrk.11:19; πρωΐα, Mat.27:1; νύξ, Act.27:27. __2. Of events, to come to pass, take place, happen: Mat.5:18, Mrk.5:14, Luk.1:20 2:15, Act.4:21, 2Ti.2:18, al.; μὴ γένοιτο [LXX for חָלִילָה, Jhn.22:29, al.], far be it, God forbid: Rom.3:4 (ICC, in l.), 1Co.6:15 and frequently in Pl.; καὶ ἐγένετο, ἐγένετο δέ ([in LXX for וַיְהִי ;] see Burton, 142 f.; M, Pr., 16f.; Dalman, Words, 32 f.; Robertson, Gr., 1042 f.), with indic, Mat.7:28, Luk.1:8, al.; before καί and indic., Luk.8:1, Act.5:7, al.; with accusative and inf., Mrk.2:23, Luk.3:21, al.; ὡς δὲ ἐγένετο, before τοῦ with inf., Act.10:25; with dative of person(s), to befall one: with inf., Act.20:16; with accusative and inf., Act.22:6; with adv., εὖ, Eph.6:3; τ́ ἐγένετο αὐτῷ (Field, Notes, 115), Act.7:40 (LXX); before εἰς, Act.28:6. __3. to be made, done, performed, observed, enacted, ordained, etc.: Mat.6:10 19:8, Mrk.2:27 11:23, Act.19:26, al.; before διά with genitive, Mrk.6:2, Act.2:43; ὑπό, Luk.13:17; ἐκ, Luk.4:23; ἐν, 1Co.9:15; ἀπογραφή, Luk.2:2; ἀνάκρισις Act.25:26; ἄφεσις, Heb.9:22; ὁ νόμος, Gal.3:17; τὸ πάσχα, Mat.26:2. __4. to become, be made, come to be: with pred., Mat.4:3, Luk.4:3, Jhn.2:9, 1Co.13:11, al.; before ὡς, ὡσεί, Mat.10:25, Mrk.9:26; εἰς (M, Pr., 71f.), Mrk.12:1o, al.; with genitive Rev.11:15; id., of age, Luk.2:42; with dative, γ. ἀνδρί ([LXX for הָיָה לְאִישׁ, Rut.1:12, al. ;] see Field, Notes, 156), Rom.7:3, 4; before ἐν, Act.22:17, Rev.1:10, al.; ἐπάνω, Luk.19:19; μετά, with genitive, Mrk.16:[10], Act.9:19; before εἰς, ἐπί (Field, Notes, 135), κατά (ib., 62), with accusative of place, Act.20:16 21:35 27:7, al.; before ἐκ, Mrk.9:7, Luk.3:22, 2Th.2:7, al. Aoristic pf. γέγονα (M, Pr., 52, 145f.; Field, Notes, 1f.), Mat.25:6, Luk.10:36, al. Aor. ἐγενήθη (for ἐγένετο, M, Pr., 139f.; Mayser, 379), Mat.11:23, al. (Cf. απο-, δια-, επι-, παρα-, συμ-, παρα-, προ-.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 637 NT verses. KJV: arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; Acts 5:5; 1 Peter 1:15.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 15:20

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Corinthians 15:23 But each in his own turn: Christ the firstfruits; then at His coming, those who belong to Him.
2 Acts 26:23 that the Christ would suffer, and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.”
3 Revelation 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,
4 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
5 Colossians 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence.
6 Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.
7 1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.

1 Corinthians 15:20 Summary

This verse tells us that Christ has been raised from the dead, and that He is the first of many who will be raised. This means that because Christ is alive, we can have hope that we will be raised from the dead too, just like Him (1 Thessalonians 4:14). It's like when a farmer sees the first fruits of his harvest, he knows the rest will follow. Christ's resurrection is our guarantee of eternal life, and it gives us hope for the future (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). This truth should fill our hearts with joy and our lives with purpose, knowing that we will one day be with Christ forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that Christ is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep?

This refers to the fact that Christ's resurrection is a guarantee of our own resurrection, just as the firstfruits of a harvest guarantee the rest of the harvest will follow, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:23 and Romans 8:11.

Who are those who have fallen asleep in this verse?

Those who have fallen asleep are believers who have died, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:18, and are now with Christ, awaiting their own resurrection, as promised in 1 Thessalonians 4:14.

Why is Christ's resurrection important for our hope in Him?

Christ's resurrection is crucial because it shows that our hope in Him is not limited to this life, but extends into eternal life, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:19 and 1 Peter 1:3.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse is a pivotal point in the chapter, as it transitions from discussing the consequences of Christ not being raised, to explaining the implications of His resurrection, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 and 1 Corinthians 15:55-57.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to you that Christ is the firstfruits of the resurrection, and how does that impact your daily life?
  2. How does the promise of resurrection give you hope in the face of death or hardship?
  3. In what ways can you live out the truth of this verse, declaring the power of Christ's resurrection to those around you?
  4. What are some ways you can practically remember and celebrate the fact that Christ has been raised from the dead, and that you will be too?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 15:20

But now is Christ risen from the dead,.... As was before proved by ocular testimonies, and before preached and asserted; and now reassumed and concluded, from the glaring contradictions, and dreadful

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 15:20

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. Now - as the case really is. And become. Omitted in 'Aleph (') A B Delta G f g, Vulgate.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:20

The apostle returneth to his former argument, to discourse concerning the resurrection of Christ, who is by him called the first-fruits of them that slept; not of all that shall rise, (as some think), for it will be hard to prove, that any benefit of Christ’ s death or resurrection, after this life, belongs to wicked men: nor is it usual for the penmen of holy writ to express the death of unbelievers under the gentle notion of a sleep; and, , Christ is called the first-born from the dead, as he is the Head of the church. It is rather spoken with reference to believers; the resurrection of wicked men, flowing rather from God’ s providence, in order to the manifestation of his justice in the last judgment, than from the mediation of Christ. But here a question ariseth: How Christ is said to be the first-fruits of those that sleep, whenas we read of divers in Scripture that were raised from the dead before Christ was so raised? Answer. 1. Christ was the first that rose again by his own power and virtue. 2. He was the first who rose again, and died no more. 3. He was the first in respect of dignity. 4. He was the first-fruits of them that sleep, by his resurrection making a way for the resurrection of others, even of all such as were members of him; as the offering of the first-fruits, under the law, sanctified the whole crop.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:20

20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. Ver. 20. The firstfruits, &c.] As in the firstfruits offered to God, the Jews were assured of God’ s blessing on the whole harvest; so by the resurrection of Christ, our resurrection is insured. Christ is risen] This was wont to be the form of salutation among Christians of old, Christus resurrexit, Christ is risen from the dead.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:20

(20) But now . . .—From the hopeless and ghastly conclusion in which the hypothetical propositions of the previous verse would logically land us, the Apostle turns, with the consciousness of truth, to the hopeful faith to which a belief in the resurrection leads. It cannot be so. Now is Christ risen from the dead. And that is no isolated fact. As the firstfruits were typical of the whole harvest (Leviticus 23:10-11), so is Christ. He rose, not to the exclusion but to the inclusion of all Humanity. If St. Paul wrote this Epistle about the time of Passover (see Introduction, and 1 Corinthians 5:6; 1 Corinthians 16:8), the fact that the Paschal Sabbath was immediately followed by the day of offering of firstfruits may have suggested this thought.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:20

Verse 20. But now is Christ risen] On the contrary, Christ is raised from the dead, and is become the first fruits of them that slept. His resurrection has been demonstrated, and our resurrection necessarily follows; as sure as the first fruits are the proof that there is a harvest, so surely the resurrection of Christ is a proof of ours. The Judaizing teacher at Corinth would feel the force of this observation much sooner than we can, who are not much acquainted with Jewish customs. "Although," says Dr. Lightfoot, "the resurrection of Christ, compared with some first fruits, has very good harmony with them; yet especially it agrees with the offering of the sheaf, commonly called omer, not only as the thing itself, but also as to the circumstances of the time. For first there was the passover, and the day following was a Sabbatic day, and on the day following that the first fruits were offered. So Christ, our passover, was crucified: the day following his crucifixion was the Sabbath, and the day following that, He, the first fruits of them that slept, rose again. All who died before Christ, and were raised again to life, died afterwards; but Christ is the first fruits of all who shall be raised from the dead to die no more."

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 15:20

20. But now is Christ risen from the dead] St Paul considers it needless to argue the point further. He appeals not so much to the reason—on points like this (see ch. 1 Corinthians 2:14) it is likely to deceive us—as to the moral instincts of every human being. Of course a man has power to stifle them, but they tell him plainly enough that love of purity and truth, desire of immortality, belief in the love and justice of God, are no vain dreams, as they would be if the ‘wise man died as the fool’ (Ecclesiastes 2:16). Accordingly, the Apostle now (1 Corinthians 15:20-28) proceeds to unfold the laws of God’s spiritual kingdom as facts which cannot be gainsaid. He may appeal (as in 1 Corinthians 15:29-32) to his own practice and that of others as a confirmation of what he says. But from henceforth he speaks with authority. He wastes no more time in discussion.and become the firstfruits of them that slept] The firstfruits (Leviticus 23:10) were the first ripe corn, under the Law, solemnly offered to God, a fit type of Him Who first presented our ripened humanity before the Throne of God, an earnest of the mighty harvest hereafter to be gathered.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 15:20

But now is Christ risen ... - This language is the bursting forth of a full heart and of overpowering conviction.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:20

20. But now—After all these denials. Is Christ risen—Reaffirmed with sublime emphasis. Firstfruits—According to the Mosaic ritual the first product of the year from field, vineyard, etc., was sacred, and offered unto God.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 15:20

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer (Revelation - Part 6): Reign of Christ a Divine Imperative by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of the world and the need for deliverance from oppression and sin. He emphasizes the importance of a perfect leader who can
J. Glyn Owen Easter's Glorious Tidings by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is alive and can be communicated with. The preacher highlights that
Major Ian Thomas Youth Convention at Fairhaven 1964-02 Returning to the Principles by Major Ian Thomas In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God's control over our minds, emotions, and will. He uses an example of being sincerely wrong about the time and missing a
Jim Cymbala Alive by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a family in Ethiopia to illustrate how familiarity can sometimes blind us to the true power and majesty of God. He emphas
Walter A. Maier Resurrection Reality by Walter A. Maier In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of life after death and the belief in the resurrection. He emphasizes that our lives are incomplete and unfinished, suggesting th
Art Katz The Christian Mindset - Part 3 by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges of teaching and preaching the word of God. He shares his personal experience of teaching a compulsory class on American history
Joseph Balsan Eternity to Eternity 10 Genesis 1:1 by Joseph Balsan In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the fourth day of creation, where God created the heavenly light that shines upon the earth. The moon is used as a symbol of the church in t

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