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1 Corinthians 15:51

1 Corinthians 15:51 in Multiple Translations

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We all shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed,

See, I am giving you the revelation of a secret: we will not all come to the sleep of death, but we will all be changed.

Listen, I'm going to reveal a mystery! Not all of us will die—but we will all be changed,

Behold, I shewe you a secret thing, We shall not all sleepe, but we shall all be changed,

lo, I tell you a secret; we indeed shall not all sleep, and we all shall be changed;

Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed,

Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall all indeed rise again: but we shall not all be changed.

But I will tell you something that God has not revealed before: Some of us believers will not die [EUP]. However, all of us will be changed {God will change all of us}.

Listen, I’m telling you something new. God didn’t tell other people this message before, but it is important. He will change all of us. Some of us will still be alive at that time, but maybe some of us will be dead. It doesn’t matter, God will change all of us.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 15:51

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1 Corinthians 15:51 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ιδου μυστηριον υμιν λεγω παντες μεν ου κοιμηθησομεθα παντες δε αλλαγησομεθα
ιδου horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AMM-2S
μυστηριον mustērion G3466 mystery Noun-ASN
υμιν su G4771 you Pron-2DP
λεγω legō G3004 to say Verb-PAI-1S
παντες pas G3956 all Adj-NPM
μεν men G3303 on the other hand Particle
ου ou G3756 no Particle-N
κοιμηθησομεθα koimaō G2837 to sleep Verb-FPI-1P
παντες pas G3956 all Adj-NPM
δε de G1161 then Conj
αλλαγησομεθα allassō G236 to change Verb-2FPI-1P
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 15:51

ιδου horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AMM-2S
This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.
Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.
μυστηριον mustērion G3466 "mystery" Noun-ASN
In the Bible, a mystery is a secret or hidden truth, like the ones Paul wrote about in Ephesians 3:3-9. It refers to a truth that is only known to those who have been initiated into it. The apostle Paul used this term to describe God's plan of salvation.
Definition: μυστήρισν, -ου, τό (μυέω), [in LXX: Dan LXX TH Dan.2:18 ff. (רָז), Tob.12:7, 11, Jdth.2:2, Wis.2:22 6:22 14:15, 23, Sir.3:18 22:22 27:16-17, 21, 2Ma.13:21 * ;] __1. that which is known to the μύστης (initiated), a mystery or secret doctrine, mostly in pl., τὰ μ. (Æsch., Hdt., al.). __2. In later writers (Menand., Incert., 168), that which may not be revealed (not, however, as in the modern sense, intrinsically difficult to understand), a secret or mystery of any kind (To, Jth, 2Mac, ll, with). __3. In NT, of the counsels of God (cf. Th.: Job.15:8, Psa.25:14 for סוֹד), once hidden but now revealed in the Gospel or some fact thereof; __(a) of the Christian revelation generally : Rom.16:25, 1Co.2:7, Col.1:26-27, Eph.3:3, 9; τ. βασιλείας τ. θεοῦ, Mrk.4:11; τ. θεοῦ, 1Co.2:1, Rev.10:7; τ. θ., Χριστοῦ, Col.2:2; τ. Χριστοῦ., Col.4:3, Eph.3:4; τ. θελήματος αὐτοῦ, Eph.1:9; τ. εὐαγγελίον, Eph.6:19; τ. πίστεως, 1Ti.3:9; τ. εὐσεβείας, 1Ti.3:16; __(b) of particular truths, or details, of the Christian revelation : Rom.11:25, 1Co.15:51, Eph.5:32, 2Th.2:7, Rev.1:20 17:5, 7; pl., τὰ μ., 1Co.13:2 14:2; θεοῦ, 1Co.4:1; τ. βασιλείας τ. οὐρανῶν (θεοῦ), Mat.13:11, Luk.8:10 (cf. Westc., Eph., 180 ff.; AR, Eph., 234 ff.; Lft., Col., 165 f.; Hatch, Essays, 57 f.; DB, iii, 465 ff.; DCG, ii, 213 ff.).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 27 NT verses. KJV: mystery See also: 1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 3:3; Revelation 1:20.
υμιν su G4771 "you" Pron-2DP
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
λεγω legō G3004 "to say" Verb-PAI-1S
This word means to say or speak, and it is used by Jesus and others in the New Testament to share teachings and tell stories. It appears in Matthew 9:34 and John 1:29.
Definition: λέγω, [in LXX very freq., chiefly for אמר; λέγει for נְאֻם, Gen.22:16, al. ;] __1. in Hom., to pick out, gather, reckon, recount. __2. In Hdt. and Att., to say, speak, affirm, declare: absol., Act.13:15, 24:10; before orat. dir., Mat.9:34, Mrk.3:11, Jhn.1:29, al.; before ὅτι recit., Mrk.3:21, Luk.1:24, Jhn.6:14, al.; accusative and inf., Luk.11:18, Jhn.12:29, al.; after another verb of speaking, προσφωνεῖν κ. λέγειν, Mat.11:17, al.; ἀπεκρίθη (ἐλάλησεν) λέγων (καὶ λέγει; Dalman, Words, 24 ff.), Mat.25:9, Mrk.3:33, 7:28, Luk.24:6, 7, al.; of unspoken thought, λ. ἐν ἑαυτῷ, Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, al.; of writing, 2Co.8:8, Php.4:11, al.; λέγει ἡ γραφή, Rom.4:3, Jas.2:23, al.; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.8:8, 9:33, Jhn.5:34, al.; σὺ λέγεις (a non-committal phrase; Swete, Mk., 359, 369f.), Mat.27:11, Mrk.15:2, Luk.23:3, Jhn.18:37; with dative of person(s), before orat. dir., Mat.8:20, Mrk.2:17, al. mult.; id. before ὅτι, Mat.3:9, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, etc., Mrk.4:41, Jhn.11:56, Heb.9:5, al.; to mean (cl.), Mrk.14:71, Jhn.6:71, 1Co.10:29, al.; to call, name, Mrk.10:18; pass., Mat.9:9, Mrk.15:7, al (cf. ἀντι-, δια- (-μαι), προ-, συλ-λέγω). SYN.: λαλέω, which refers to the utterance, as λέγω to the meaning of what is said, its correspondence with thought (Tr., Syn., Ixxvi; Thayer, see word λαλέω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1988 NT verses. KJV: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 6:2; Acts 19:3.
παντες pas G3956 "all" Adj-NPM
This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.
Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.
μεν men G3303 "on the other hand" Particle
This word means 'on the other hand' and is often used to contrast ideas. It appears in the New Testament, like in John and Romans, to show a difference between two things. It's usually translated as 'even' or 'indeed'.
Definition: μέν, conjunctive particle (originally a form of μήν), usually related to a following δέ or other adversative conjunction, and distinguishing the word or clause with which it stands from that which follows. It is generally untranslatable and is not nearly so frequent in NT as in cl. Like δέ, it never stands first in a clause. __1. Answered by δέ or some other particle: μὲν . . . δέ, indeed . . . but, Mat.3:11, Luk.3:16, al.; with pronouns, ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, one . . . another, Mat.21:35, al.; pl., Php.1:16, 17; ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δὲ . . . ὃ δέ, some . . . some . . . some, Mat.13:8; τοῦτο μὲν . . . τοῦτο δέ, partly . . . partly, Heb.10:33; μὲν . . . ἔπειτα, Jhn.11:6; μὲν . . . καί, Luk.8:5. __2. μέν solitarium, answered by no other particle: πρῶτον μέν (Bl., l.with), Rom.1:8 3:2, 1Co.11:18; μὲν οὖν in narrative, summing up what precedes or introducing something further (Bl., §78, 5), so then, rather, nay rather: Luk.11:28 (WH, μενοῦν), Act.1:6 9:31, al.; μὲν οὖν γε (Php.3:8, WH): see: μενοῦνγε. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 194 NT verses. KJV: even, indeed, so, some, truly, verily See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; Hebrews 3:5; 1 Peter 1:20.
ου ou G3756 "no" Particle-N
This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.
Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.
κοιμηθησομεθα koimaō G2837 "to sleep" Verb-FPI-1P
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.
παντες pas G3956 "all" Adj-NPM
This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.
Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.
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.
αλλαγησομεθα allassō G236 "to change" Verb-2FPI-1P
To change means to make something different, like in Acts 6:14 where it talks about changing customs. It can also mean to transform, like in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 where it talks about our bodies being changed.
Definition: ἀλλάσσω (ἄλλος), [in LXX chiefly for חָלַף, מוּר hi., etc. ;] __1. to change: Act.6:14, Gal.4:20. __2. to transform: 1Co.15:51-52, Heb.1:12. __3. to exchange: with accusative, before ἐν (= בְּ, Psa.106:20) instead of simple genitive (Bl., § 36, 8), Rom.1:23 (cf. ἀπ-, δι-, κατ-, ἀπο-κατ-, μετ-, συν-αλλάσσω; see MM, VGT, see word).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: change See also: 1 Corinthians 15:51; Galatians 4:20; Hebrews 1:12.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 15:51

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Thessalonians 4:14–17 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.
2 Philippians 3:21 who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.
3 1 Corinthians 15:20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
4 Ephesians 1:9 And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ
5 1 Corinthians 4:1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
6 1 Corinthians 2:7 No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.
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.
8 1 Corinthians 13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
9 Ephesians 5:32 This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.
10 Ephesians 3:3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.

1 Corinthians 15:51 Summary

[This verse is telling us a secret: not all believers will die before Jesus returns, but we will all be changed into new, glorious bodies. This is a wonderful promise that gives us hope and encouragement, reminding us that our bodies will be transformed to be like Jesus' body, as seen in Philippians 3:20-21. We can trust that God will complete the work He started in us, and that one day we will be changed in an instant, at the last trumpet, as explained in 1 Corinthians 15:52. This truth should motivate us to live for Jesus and look forward to His return, when we will receive our eternal inheritance.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'sleep' in 1 Corinthians 15:51?

In this context, 'sleep' refers to physical death, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, where believers who have died are said to be 'asleep' in Jesus. This verse is assuring us that not all believers will experience physical death before being changed.

What is the 'mystery' being referred to in 1 Corinthians 15:51?

The 'mystery' is the truth that believers will be changed and receive their resurrected bodies, as explained in the surrounding verses, 1 Corinthians 15:49-53. This is a truth that was not fully revealed in the Old Testament, but is now disclosed through the apostle Paul.

Will all believers be changed, or just some?

According to 1 Corinthians 15:51, all believers will be changed, regardless of whether they have died or are still alive when Jesus returns. This is further clarified in 1 Corinthians 15:52-53, which explains that the change will occur in an instant, at the last trumpet.

How does this verse relate to our hope in Jesus' return?

This verse gives us great hope and encouragement, reminding us that our bodies will be transformed to be like Jesus' glorious body, as seen in Philippians 3:20-21. This truth should motivate us to live for Jesus and look forward to His return, when we will be changed and receive our eternal inheritance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for me to be 'changed' in the context of 1 Corinthians 15:51, and how should this truth impact my daily life?
  2. How does the promise of being changed and receiving a new body affect my perspective on suffering and hardship in this life?
  3. In what ways can I live in light of the hope of being changed and transformed into the likeness of the heavenly man, Jesus Christ?
  4. What are some ways I can share this hope with others, and how can I encourage fellow believers to look forward to Jesus' return?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 15:51

Behold, I show you a mystery,.... Or a secret, which could never have been discovered by reason, or the light of nature, and what is of pure revelation; and which perhaps the apostle became

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 15:51

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, Behold - calling attention to the "mystery" heretofore hidden in God's purposes, but now revealed.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:51

They might object: How can this be? There will be many saints alive in the world at the day when Christ shall come to judge the world, they will have natural bodies, such as they were born with, and grew up with in the world until that time. Saith the apostle: I now tell you a secret thing; for so the term mystery signifieth, 16:25, and in many other texts. We shall not all sleep any long sleep: some think all shall die, but some for a very short time, and then they shall revive. But we shall all be changed, either dying for time, or by some other work of God, their natural, corruptible bodies shall be turned into spiritual bodies, not capable of corruption.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:51

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, Ver. 51. I show you a mystery] Not known till now to any man living. This, likely, was one of those wordless words, ρηματααρρητα, that Paul heard in his rapture, 2 Corinthians 12:4.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:51

(51) Behold, I shew you a mystery.—It is better to take these words as referring to what follows rather than (as some have done) to the preceding statement. A mystery means something which up to this time has been kept concealed, but is now made manifest (Romans 11:25; Ephesians 3:3-5). We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be Changed.—There are here a considerable variety of readings in the Greek, but the text from which our English version is taken is probably correct. The Apostle believed that the end of the world might come in the lifetime of some then living. We shall not all, he says, necessarily sleep, but we shall all be changed. The change from the earthly to the spiritual body is absolutely necessary. To some it will come through the ordinary process of death; to those who are alive at Christ’s advent it will come suddenly, and in a moment. The dead shall be raised, but we (the living) shall be changed.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:51

Verse 51. I show you a mystery] That is, a thing which you have never known before. But what is this mystery? Why, that we shall not all sleep; we shall not all die; but we shall all be changed: of this the Jews had not distinct notions. For, as flesh and blood cannot inherit glory, and all shall not be found dead at the day of judgment, then all must be changed-undergo such a change that their bodies may become spiritual, like the bodies of those who shall be raised from the dead.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 15:51

51. Behold, I shew you a mystery] See note on ch. 1 Corinthians 2:7, 1 Corinthians 4:1. Human reason unaided is of course incapable of arriving at the truth on a point like this.We shall not all sleep] There are two other very important readings of this passage. The first, that of the Vulgate and of Tertullian, is omnes quidem resurgemus, sed non omnes immutabimur (alle we schulen rise aghen, but not alle we schullen be chaungid. Wiclif). The other is, we shall all sleep, but we shall not all be changed, which is found in some important MSS. and versions. There seems little reason to doubt that the reading of our version is the true one. The others have probably arisen from the fact that St Paul and his contemporaries did sleep. But he was obviously under the impression (see 1 Thessalonians 4:17)—an impression in no way surprising, even in an inspired Apostle, when we remember St Mark 13:33—that the coming of Christ would take place during his life-time, or that of some at least of those whom he addressed. Estius gives six reasons against the received reading of the Vulgate, of which two appear by themselves to be conclusive. First, that the reading ‘we shall not all be changed,’ is not suited to the words ‘in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye’ which follow; and next, that this reading is in direct contradiction to the words ‘we shall be changed’ in the next verse.but we shall all be changed] “For we who have gone to rest in faith towards Christ, and have received the earnest of the Spirit in the time of our corporeal life, shall receive the most perfect favour and shall be changed into the glory which is of God.” Cyril of Alexandria (on St John 10:10). The Apostle explains that this change shall also take place in those who ‘are alive and remain’ until the coming of the Lord. See Philippians 3:21.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 15:51

Behold I show you - This commences the third subject of inquiry in the chapter, the question, what will become of those who are alive when the Lord Jesus shall return to raise the dead?

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:51

7. Apocalyptic picture of the glorious resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; triumphal pean, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57; and admonitory inference, 1 Corinthians 15:58.51. Behold—Lift up your eyes upon the glorious picture I present.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 15:51

SermonDescription
J. Frank Norris We Shall All Be Changed by J. Frank Norris In this sermon, the preacher addresses the concept of change in the world and the challenges that people face, such as conflict, anxiety, fear, and poverty. He shares personal expe
John Hunter The Rapture of the Saints by John Hunter In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead by Jesus. He emphasizes that resurrection is the work of Christ and that the same power that
William MacDonald Signs of the Times Matt 24:3-21 by William MacDonald In this sermon on Matthew 24, the disciples approach Jesus privately and ask about the signs of his coming and the end of the age. Jesus warns them to be cautious and not be deceiv
J. Glyn Owen The Body: Old and New by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of our physical bodies as temporary dwellings, comparing them to tents that wear out. He emphasizes the importance of believing i
Ken Graves Godsword Season Episode 65 by Ken Graves This sermon emphasizes the concept of change and transformation, focusing on the contrast between the first man, Adam, and Jesus Christ as the second man who brings life and immort
Brian Brodersen The Hour of Trial by Brian Brodersen This sermon delves into the topic of the rapture, focusing on the belief that believers will be taken to heaven before the great tribulation. It emphasizes the comfort, incentive f
Albert Leckie When Christ Appears in Glory by Albert Leckie In this sermon, the preacher discusses the future manifestation of Jesus Christ in both judgment and salvation. He emphasizes that despite man's arrogance and disregard for the gos

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