# 1 Corinthians 15.20

<!-- type: passage | created: 2026-05-06 | updated: 2026-05-06 -->

**Book:** [1 Corinthians](/codex/1-corinthians/) · ASV / WEB / KJV / YLT

## Immediate context (±2 verses)

**ASV** ([ASV](/codex/asv/))
> 18. Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19. If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable.
>
> **20. But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep.**
>
> 21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:18-22, ASV)

**WEB** ([WEB](/codex/web/))
> 18. Then they also who are fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19. If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable.
>
> **20. But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruits of those who are asleep.**
>
> 21. For since death came by man, the resurrection of the dead also came by man. 22. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:18-22, WEB)

**KJV** ([KJV](/codex/kjv/))
> 18. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
>
> **20. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.**
>
> 21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:18-22, KJV)

**YLT** ([YLT](/codex/ylt/))
> 18. then, also, those having fallen asleep in Christ did perish; 19. if in this life we have hope in Christ only, of all men we are most to be pitied.
>
> **20. And now, Christ hath risen out of the dead, the first-fruits of those sleeping he became,**
>
> 21. for since through man [is] the death, also through man [is] a rising again of the dead, 22. for even as in Adam all die, so also in the Christ all shall be made alive, (1 Corinthians 15:18-22, YLT)

## Setting

- **Speaker:** Paul the Apostle
- **Audience:** Christian believers in Corinth
- **Location:** composed in Ephesus; addressed to Corinth
- **Time period:** composed c. AD 55-56

## Theological reading

## Key words

- [G1096 - ginomai](/codex/g1096-ginomai/), *ginomai* (Strong's G1096). Also appears in: [Matthew 1](/codex/matthew-1/), [Matthew 5.17-18](/codex/matthew-5-17-18/), [Matthew 8.16](/codex/matthew-8-16/).
- [G1453 - egeiro](/codex/g1453-egeiro/), *egeiro* (Strong's G1453). Also appears in: [Matthew 8.26](/codex/matthew-8-26/), [Matthew 9.4-8](/codex/matthew-9-4-8/), [Matthew 17.1-8](/codex/matthew-17-1-8/).
- [G3498 - nekros](/codex/g3498-nekros/), *nekros* (Strong's G3498). Also appears in: [Matthew 23](/codex/matthew-23/), [Matthew 28.1-10](/codex/matthew-28-1-10/), [Mark 6](/codex/mark-6/).
- [G5547 - christos](/codex/g5547-christos/), *christos* (Strong's G5547). Also appears in: [Matthew 1.1](/codex/matthew-1-1/), [Matthew 1.16](/codex/matthew-1-16/), [Matthew 1](/codex/matthew-1/).

## Why these four translations

ris3n chose ASV, WEB, KJV, and YLT for two reasons together. They are the **most literal English translations available** (formal-equivalence: word-for-word renderings that preserve the Hebrew and Greek grammar rather than smoothing it into modern dynamic-equivalence idiom). And they are in the **public domain in the United States**, which means fair-use quotation at any length requires no publisher license. Modern licensed translations (NASB95, ESV, NIV) restrict volume of quotation under their copyright terms, so they are not used at stub-level coverage here. NASB95 appears only on hand-curated rich passage hubs under Lockman Foundation's fair-use allowance.

The four:

- **[ASV](/codex/asv/)** (American Standard Version, 1901). The basis of the modern critical-text English tradition.
- **[WEB](/codex/web/)** (World English Bible, contemporary). Public-domain revision in the ASV line, in current English.
- **[KJV](/codex/kjv/)** (King James Version, 1611). Reformation-era, Textus Receptus base.
- **[YLT](/codex/ylt/)** (Young's Literal Translation, Robert Young, 1862). Hyper-literal preservation of Hebrew and Greek grammar; useful for word-study work even where English reads stiff.

See [Bibles](/codex/bibles/) for the full per-translation history, translators, textual basis, strengths, and weaknesses.

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## Quoted in

**Arguments and defeaters:**

- [Anonymous Gospels Objection Defeater](/codex/anonymous-gospels-objection-defeater/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Anthropology Defeats Christianity Objection Defeater](/codex/anthropology-defeats-christianity-objection-defeater/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Argument from Prophecy Fulfillment](/codex/argument-from-prophecy-fulfillment/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Argument from the Fear of Death](/codex/argument-from-the-fear-of-death/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/), [1 Corinthians 15.20-26](/codex/1-corinthians-15-20-26/)
- [Argument from the Information-Conservation Convergence](/codex/argument-from-the-information-conservation-convergence/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/), [1 Corinthians 15.20-23](/codex/1-corinthians-15-20-23/)
- [Argument from the Memory-Continuity Convergence](/codex/argument-from-the-memory-continuity-convergence/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Argument from the Narrative-Identity Convergence](/codex/argument-from-the-narrative-identity-convergence/)
- [Argument from the Proportionate-Causality Convergence](/codex/argument-from-the-proportionate-causality-convergence/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Argument from the Resurrection](/codex/argument-from-the-resurrection/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Argument from the Universal Burial Convergence](/codex/argument-from-the-universal-burial-convergence/)
- [Argument from the Universal Storytelling Convergence](/codex/argument-from-the-universal-storytelling-convergence/), via [1 Corinthians 15.20-22](/codex/1-corinthians-15-20-22/)
- [Argument from Twin Asymmetries](/codex/argument-from-twin-asymmetries/)
- [Causal Adequacy Argument](/codex/argument-from-the-proportionate-causality-convergence/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Christ Before Jesus Thesis Defeater](/codex/christ-before-jesus-thesis-defeater/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Conditional Immortality from Text-First Method](/codex/conditional-immortality-from-text-first-method/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Inherited Guilt and Visiting Iniquity Objection Defeater](/codex/inherited-guilt-and-visiting-iniquity-objection-defeater/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Jesus Was Not Buried in a Tomb Objection Defeater](/codex/jesus-was-not-buried-in-a-tomb-objection-defeater/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Job Bet Objection Defeater](/codex/job-bet-objection-defeater/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/), [1 Corinthians 15.12-58](/codex/1-corinthians-15-12-58/)
- [Manuscript Variants Bible Corruption Objection Defeater](/codex/manuscript-variants-bible-corruption-objection-defeater/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Marks Ending Proves the Resurrection Was Invented Objection Defeater](/codex/marks-ending-proves-the-resurrection-was-invented-objection-defeater/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Nag Hammadi Suppressed Gospels Objection Defeater](/codex/nag-hammadi-suppressed-gospels-objection-defeater/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Paul Invented Christianity Objection Defeater](/codex/paul-invented-christianity-objection-defeater/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Stolen Body Hypothesis Defeater](/codex/stolen-body-hypothesis-defeater/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [The Gospels Copied Each Other Objection Defeater](/codex/the-gospels-copied-each-other-objection-defeater/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)

**Concepts:**

- [Apostles' Creed](/codex/apostles-creed/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Atonement Theory Spread](/codex/atonement-theory-spread/), via [1 Corinthians 15.20-22](/codex/1-corinthians-15-20-22/)
- [Biblical Dignity](/codex/biblical-dignity/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Christianity](/codex/christianity/), via [1 Corinthians 15.20-23](/codex/1-corinthians-15-20-23/)
- [Christology](/codex/christology/), via [1 Corinthians 15.20-23](/codex/1-corinthians-15-20-23/)
- [Church at Corinth](/codex/church-at-corinth/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Debate Logic Toolkit](/codex/debate-logic-toolkit/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Dying and Rising God Motif](/codex/dying-and-rising-god-motif/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Federal Headship](/codex/romans-5-12-21/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Lesson 2.2, The Six Structural Commitments of Christianity](/codex/lesson-2-2-the-six-structural-commitments-of-christianity/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Lesson 3.6, The Resurrection, Historical Evidential](/codex/lesson-3-6-the-resurrection-historical-evidential/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Lesson 4.5, Comparative Religion Engagement](/codex/lesson-4-5-comparative-religion-engagement/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Original Sin](/codex/original-sin/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Penal Substitutionary Atonement](/codex/penal-substitutionary-atonement/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Pre-Pauline Creeds](/codex/pre-pauline-creeds/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Resurrection](/codex/g0386-anastasis/)
- [Resurrection of Jesus](/codex/resurrection-of-jesus/)
- [Resurrection of Jesus - Naturalistic Counter-Theories](/codex/resurrection-of-jesus-naturalistic-counter-theories/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Resurrection of Jesus - Scholarly Landscape](/codex/resurrection-of-jesus-scholarly-landscape/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Resurrection of Jesus - Theological Significance](/codex/resurrection-of-jesus-theological-significance/)
- [Soul](/codex/h5315-nephesh/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Spiritualism](/codex/spiritualism/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Synoptic Problem](/codex/synoptic-problem/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Theistic Evolution](/codex/theistic-evolution/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)

**People:**

- [Elisha](/codex/elisha/)
- [Gary Habermas](/codex/gary-habermas/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Irenaeus of Lyons](/codex/irenaeus-of-lyons/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Jesus](/codex/jesus/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Paul the Apostle](/codex/paul-the-apostle/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [Plato](/codex/plato/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)

**Lexicon:**

- [G0386 - anastasis](/codex/g0386-anastasis/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/), [1 Corinthians 15.12-58](/codex/1-corinthians-15-12-58/), [1 Corinthians 15.20-23](/codex/1-corinthians-15-20-23/)
- [G1453 - egeiro](/codex/g1453-egeiro/)
- [G3498 - nekros](/codex/g3498-nekros/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/), [1 Corinthians 15.12-20](/codex/1-corinthians-15-12-20/)
- [G4983 - soma](/codex/g4983-soma/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [G5590 - psyche](/codex/g5590-psyche/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [H0001 - ab](/codex/h0001-ab/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [H0120 - adam](/codex/h0120-adam/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [H4191 - mut](/codex/h4191-mut/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)
- [H4194 - mavet](/codex/h4194-mavet/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/), [1 Corinthians 15.20-26](/codex/1-corinthians-15-20-26/)

**Guides:**

- [Ris3n Arguments](/codex/ris3n-arguments/), via [1 Corinthians 15](/codex/1-corinthians-15/)

**Passages:**

- [Acts 3.15](/codex/acts-3-15/)
- [Colossians 1.15-20](/codex/colossians-1-15-20/)
- [Hebrews 2.14](/codex/hebrews-2-14/)

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