vv. 35–38: The objection and the seed analogy
An objector asks how the dead are raised and what kind of body they have (1 Corinthians 15:35). Paul replies with the seed image: what is sown does not come to life unless it “dies,” and what is planted is not the full future form (1 Corinthians 15:36–38).
vv. 39–41: Variety of bodies and splendor
He notes that “flesh” is not all the same (humans, animals, birds, fish), and that heavenly and earthly bodies differ in “glory,” with luminaries varying in brightness as well (1 Corinthians 15:39–41).
vv. 42–44: Applying the contrasts to resurrection
He applies the analogy: the body is sown in corruption and raised in incorruption; sown in dishonor and raised in glory; sown in weakness and raised in power. The summary contrast is “natural body” versus “spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:42–44).
vv. 45–49: Adamic pattern and the heavenly pattern
He reads Genesis’ Adam language to distinguish the first man from the last Adam, and argues an order (natural first, then spiritual). He contrasts “from earth” and “from heaven,” and concludes with bearing the image of the earthly and the heavenly (1 Corinthians 15:45–49).
Key terms appearing in the passage include body, sown, glory, and .