New Testament
1 Corinthians 15:14
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse emphasizes the central importance of Christ's resurrection to the Christian faith.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 55
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Corinth
And if Christ hasn't been raised, then everything we preach is meaningless, and your faith is meaningless too.
And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse emphasizes the central importance of Christ's resurrection to the Christian faith. If Christ did not rise from the dead, then the message of hope and salvation that Christians share is pointless. It means that all the preaching and teaching about Jesus loses its significance. Moreover, the faith that believers hold onto becomes empty and without purpose. The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian belief, providing assurance of eternal life and the promise of forgiveness. Without it, the entire foundation of faith crumbles. This verse challenges us to consider the implications of the resurrection for our lives and beliefs. It invites us to reflect on what we truly believe and why it matters. Ultimately, it calls us to recognize the transformative power of Christ's victory over death, which gives meaning to our faith and our lives today. Understanding this can deepen our relationship with God and inspire us to share this hope with others, making our faith vibrant and alive.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Corinthians 15:14 to your life
Reflect on the significance of Christ's resurrection in your life. Consider how it shapes your beliefs and actions. Share this hope with others, reminding them that faith in Christ is not just a tradition but a source of real meaning and purpose. Let this truth inspire you daily as you navigate life's challenges and opportunities. Embrace the transformative power of this belief in your journey of faith.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Corinthians Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Corinthians 15:14 mean?
1 Corinthians 15:14 highlights the importance of Christ's resurrection to the Christian faith. It states that if Christ did not rise from the dead, then preaching about Him and the faith of believers are both meaningless.
What is the significance of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:14?
The resurrection is crucial because it validates the message of hope and salvation in Christianity. Without it, the teachings about Jesus lose their value, and believers' faith becomes empty.
Why is faith considered meaningless in 1 Corinthians 15:14?
Faith is deemed meaningless in this verse because it relies on the truth of Christ's resurrection. If He did not rise, then the foundation of that faith, which promises eternal life and forgiveness, is invalid.
What does 'vain' mean in 1 Corinthians 15:14?
In this context, 'vain' means empty or without purpose. The verse suggests that without the resurrection, preaching and faith lack significance and do not lead to true hope.

The Book of 1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians 1: Greeting, Thanksgiving, and Divisions
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, address the church of God at Corinth. He speaks to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints, along with all who call on the name of Jesus Christ. He thanks God for the grace given to them and says they are enriched in speech and knowledge, lacking no spiritual gift as they wait for the coming of the Lord.
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