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1 Corinthians 15:51

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

1 Corinthians 15:51 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed," found in 1 Corinthians 15:51, is a statement by the apostle Paul addressing the concept of the resurrection of the dead. In this verse, Paul is revealing a hidden truth or mystery to the believers in Corinth. He is explaining that not all believers will experience death, but all will undergo a transformation when Christ returns. The phrase "we shall not all sleep" refers to the fact that not everyone will physically die before Christ's return. Instead, those who are still alive at the time of his coming will experience a miraculous change, receiving glorified bodies fit for eternal life. This verse provides hope and comfort to believers, assuring them that death is not the end and that they will be transformed into a new and perfect state when Christ returns.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the apostle Paul is addressing the Corinthians and revealing a mysterious truth to them. He is speaking about the future resurrection of believers when Jesus returns. The phrase "We shall not all sleep" refers to the fact that not all believers will experience physical death before the return of Christ. Some will still be alive when Jesus comes back. However, whether believers have died or are still alive at that time, they will all be transformed. The word "changed" in Greek is "allasso," which means to alter or exchange one thing for another. This transformation refers to the believers receiving their glorified bodies, free from the limitations of sin and death. This verse speaks to the hope and assurance that all believers will experience a complete and glorious transformation when Jesus returns, regardless of whether they have died before His coming.

1 Corinthians 15:51 in other translations

American Standard Version

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

World English Bible

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

Douay-Rheims

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

Geneva Bible (1599)

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