New Testament
1 Corinthians 15:42
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
That's exactly how it is with the resurrection of the dead. The body that's buried is perishable; the body that's raised cannot decay.
Compare translations
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
What 1 Corinthians 15:42 means
Plain-English insight for readers
When we think about what happens after we die, it can be hard to grasp. The body we bury is fragile and temporary, just like everything else in this world. But the promise of resurrection is that we will be given a new body, one that is strong and everlasting. This new body won’t suffer from decay or weakness. It’s a transformation from what is mortal to what is immortal. Just as a seed must die to bring forth new life, our physical bodies will also change into something glorious. This gives us hope and assurance that death is not the end, but a beginning of something beautiful and eternal. Embracing this truth can change how we view life and death, encouraging us to live fully and purposefully, knowing that something wonderful awaits us beyond this life. We can find comfort in the idea that our existence continues in a new, perfect form, free from the limitations we face now. This is the essence of resurrection, a promise of renewal and hope for all who believe in it.
How to apply 1 Corinthians 15:42 to your life
Understanding the resurrection can help us face our fears about death. It encourages us to live with purpose, knowing that our lives have meaning beyond this world. We can find comfort in the promise of renewal and the assurance that we will be transformed into something beautiful and everlasting. Embrace this hope daily!
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Corinthians Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Corinthians 15:42
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Corinthians 15:42
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Corinthians
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 55
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Corinth
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Corinthians 15:42 mean?
1 Corinthians 15:42 explains the concept of resurrection by comparing the physical body we bury, which is perishable, to the new, incorruptible body that will be raised. It emphasizes the transformation from a mortal state to an immortal one, highlighting hope and renewal after death.
What is the meaning of resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:42?
In 1 Corinthians 15:42, resurrection refers to the process of being raised from the dead with a new, imperishable body. This verse assures believers that death is not the end, but a transition to a glorious existence free from decay.
How does 1 Corinthians 15:42 relate to life after death?
1 Corinthians 15:42 relates to life after death by affirming that while our earthly bodies are temporary and subject to decay, we will be resurrected with new bodies that are eternal and incorruptible. This offers comfort and assurance of continued existence beyond physical death.
What hope does 1 Corinthians 15:42 provide?
1 Corinthians 15:42 provides hope by assuring believers that death is not the final chapter. It promises a future transformation into a perfect, everlasting body, encouraging a positive outlook on life and death.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.