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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 15:46 The spiritual, however, was not first, but the natural, and then the spiritual.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/15-46.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/46_1Co_15_46.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 15:46 - The Resurrection Body" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The spiritual, however, was not first, but the natural, and then the spiritual." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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then the spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Howbeit that <i>was</i> not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />However, the spiritual [the immortal life] is not first, but the physical [the mortal life]; then the spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, then the spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, then the spiritual. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Howbeit that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; then that which is spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We see that the one with a spiritual body did not come first. He came after the one who had a physical body. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Howbeit that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; then that which is spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The spiritual does not come first, but the physical and then the spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />It is not the spiritual that comes first, but the physical, and then the spiritual. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The spiritual does not come first, but the physical does, and then comes the spiritual. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The spiritual, however, was not first, but the natural, and then the spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />However, the spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and then the spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />However that which is spiritual is not first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />However, that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Nevertheless, it is not what is spiritual that came first, but what is animal; what is spiritual came afterwards.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />However, that which is spiritual isn’t first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />but that which is spiritual [is] not first, but that which [was] natural, afterward that which [is] spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />However, the spiritual <i>was</i> not first, but the natural; then the spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> but that which is spiritual is not first, but that which was natural, afterwards that which is spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />But the first not spiritual, but animated; then the spiritual.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Yet that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; afterwards that which is spiritual. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />So what is, at first, not spiritual, but animal, next becomes spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But the spiritual was not first; rather the natural and then the spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But it is not the spiritual that is first, but the physical, and then the spiritual.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Howbeit, that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/15.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But the first was not spiritual, but the animal, and then the spiritual.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/15.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is animal; and afterward that which is spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/15.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But that which is spiritual was not first, but that which is animal; afterward that which is spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/15.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But that which is spiritual was not first, but that which is animal; and afterward that which is spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/15.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but the spiritual body was not first, but the animal; and afterwards the spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Nevertheless, it is not what is spiritual that came first, but what is animal; what is spiritual came afterwards.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/15.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/15.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />However, the spiritual <i>is</i> not first, but the animal; <i>and</i> afterwards the spiritual.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/15-46.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=3615" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/15.htm">The Resurrection Body</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">45</span>So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being;” the last Adam a life-giving spirit. <span class="reftext">46</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The</a> <a href="/greek/4152.htm" title="4152: pneumatikon (Adj-NNS) -- Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious.">spiritual,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: All’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">however,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">was not</a> <a href="/greek/4412.htm" title="4412: prōton (Adv-S) -- First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.">first,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5591.htm" title="5591: psychikon (Adj-NNS) -- Animal, natural, sensuous. From psuche; sensitive, i.e. Animate.">natural,</a> <a href="/greek/1899.htm" title="1899: epeita (Adv) -- Then, thereafter, afterwards. From epi and eita; thereafter.">and then</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4152.htm" title="4152: pneumatikon (Adj-NNS) -- Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious.">spiritual.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">47</span>The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a></span><br />Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/1-26.htm">Genesis 1:26-27</a></span><br />Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.” / So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-6.htm">John 3:6</a></span><br />Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/5-12.htm">Romans 5:12-14</a></span><br />Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned. / For sin was in the world before the law was given; but sin is not taken into account when there is no law. / Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who did not sin in the way that Adam transgressed. He is a pattern of the One to come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-5.htm">Romans 8:5-9</a></span><br />Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. / The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, / because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm">2 Corinthians 5:1-4</a></span><br />For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. / For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, / because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-21.htm">Philippians 3:21</a></span><br />who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-10.htm">Colossians 3:10</a></span><br />and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-11.htm">Hebrews 9:11</a></span><br />But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-23.htm">Hebrews 9:23-24</a></span><br />So it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. / For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a></span><br />The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-3.htm">Romans 1:3-4</a></span><br />regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh, / and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-5.htm">Romans 6:5</a></span><br />For if we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-18.htm">1 Peter 3:18</a></span><br />For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-2.htm">1 John 3:2</a></span><br />Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">However, that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.</p><p class="hdg">that which is natural.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/6-6.htm">Romans 6:6</a></b></br> Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with <i>him</i>, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Ephesians 4:22-24</a></b></br> That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/3-9.htm">Colossians 3:9,10</a></b></br> Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/15-23.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-23.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-45.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-45.htm">First</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">Howbeit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-22.htm">However</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-44.htm">Natural</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-44.htm">Physical</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-45.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-44.htm">Spiritual</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/galatians/3-17.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/galatians/1-17.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-20.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-47.htm">First</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Howbeit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-8.htm">However</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Natural</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-16.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/colossians/1-22.htm">Physical</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-18.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Spiritual</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-1.htm">By Christ's resurrection,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-12.htm">he proves the necessity of our resurrection, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-16.htm">against all such as deny the resurrection of the body.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-21.htm">The fruit,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-35.htm">and the manner thereof;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">51. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-51.htm">and of the resurrection of those who shall be found alive at the last day.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The spiritual, however, was not first</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the order of creation and redemption. In the biblical narrative, God created the physical world first, as seen in <a href="/genesis/1.htm">Genesis 1</a>, where the natural world and humanity were formed. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God often uses the physical to reveal spiritual truths. The natural precedes the spiritual in the order of human experience, highlighting the progression from the earthly to the heavenly. This order is also seen in the life of Jesus, who first came in the flesh (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>) before His resurrection and ascension into a glorified spiritual state.<p><b>but the natural</b><br>The term "natural" refers to the physical, earthly existence of humanity. In the context of <a href="/1_corinthians/15.htm">1 Corinthians 15</a>, Paul is discussing the resurrection of the dead and the transformation from a perishable, natural body to an imperishable, spiritual body. The natural body is subject to decay and death, a consequence of the Fall in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a>. This reflects the human condition under sin, where the physical world is marred by imperfection. The natural state is necessary for life on earth, but it is not the ultimate state for believers.<p><b>and then the spiritual</b><br>The "spiritual" refers to the transformed, glorified state that believers will experience in the resurrection. This transformation is a key aspect of Christian eschatology, where the perishable puts on the imperishable (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-53.htm">1 Corinthians 15:53</a>). The spiritual body is not bound by the limitations of the natural body and is fit for eternal life in the presence of God. This progression from natural to spiritual is mirrored in the life of Christ, who was raised from the dead in a glorified body (<a href="/philippians/3-21.htm">Philippians 3:21</a>). The spiritual state fulfills the promises of redemption and restoration found throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/isaiah/65-17.htm">Isaiah 65:17</a> and <a href="/revelation/21.htm">Revelation 21:1-4</a>, where a new creation is promised.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/apostle_paul.htm">Apostle Paul</a></b><br>The author of 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, providing teachings on the resurrection of the dead and the order of creation.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>An ancient city in Greece where the church was established. Known for its diverse population and cultural influences, the church in Corinth faced various theological and moral challenges.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/creation.htm">Creation</a></b><br>Refers to the order of creation as described in Genesis, where the natural (physical) creation precedes the spiritual transformation.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/resurrection.htm">Resurrection</a></b><br>The event of Christ's resurrection and the future resurrection of believers, which Paul discusses extensively in <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/15.htm">1 Corinthians 15</a>.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/adam_and_christ.htm">Adam and Christ</a></b><br>Paul contrasts the first man, Adam, with Christ, the "last Adam," to illustrate the transition from the natural to the spiritual.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/order_of_creation.htm">Order of Creation</a></b><br>The natural precedes the spiritual, reflecting God's design in creation and redemption. Understanding this order helps us appreciate the process of spiritual growth and transformation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_transformation.htm">Spiritual Transformation</a></b><br>Just as the natural body is sown and the spiritual body is raised, believers are called to undergo a transformation through the Holy Spirit, moving from a life dominated by the flesh to one led by the Spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_resurrection.htm">Hope in Resurrection</a></b><br>The promise of resurrection assures believers that their current natural state is not the end. There is a future spiritual reality that awaits, providing hope and motivation for holy living.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_the_present.htm">Living in the Present</a></b><br>While we await the full realization of our spiritual transformation, we are called to live out our faith in the natural world, reflecting Christ's character and love.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_happens_at_the_last_trumpet.htm">What events occur during the last trumpet's sounding?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_the_virgin_mary.htm">Who was the Virgin Mary?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_christian_weapons.htm">What are Christian Weapons?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_spiritual_authority.htm">What defines spiritual authority?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(46) <span class= "bld">Howbeit that was not first which is</span> <span class= "bld">spiritual.</span>--Here a further thought is introduced. There is not only a variety of bodies--and that variety regulated by adaptability to their state of existence--but there is an ordered sequence in that variety. As the Adam was first from whom we derive the natural body and soul, and the Adam was last from whom comes our spiritual nature, so there will be the like order in regard to our bodies. The natural body first in this life--the spiritual body afterwards in the next life.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 46.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">That was not first which is spiritual.</span> The imperfect precedes the perfect. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/15-46.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">The</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spiritual,</span><br /><span class="grk">πνευματικὸν</span> <span class="translit">(pneumatikon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4152.htm">Strong's 4152: </a> </span><span class="str2">Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">however,</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἀλλ’</span> <span class="translit">(All’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[was] not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐ</span> <span class="translit">(ou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">first,</span><br /><span class="grk">πρῶτον</span> <span class="translit">(prōton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Superlative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4412.htm">Strong's 4412: </a> </span><span class="str2">First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">natural,</span><br /><span class="grk">ψυχικόν</span> <span class="translit">(psychikon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5591.htm">Strong's 5591: </a> </span><span class="str2">Animal, natural, sensuous. From psuche; sensitive, i.e. Animate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and then</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔπειτα</span> <span class="translit">(epeita)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1899.htm">Strong's 1899: </a> </span><span class="str2">Then, thereafter, afterwards. From epi and eita; thereafter.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spiritual.</span><br /><span class="grk">πνευματικόν</span> <span class="translit">(pneumatikon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4152.htm">Strong's 4152: </a> </span><span class="str2">Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/15-46.htm">1 Corinthians 15:46 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/15-46.htm">1 Corinthians 15:46 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/15-46.htm">1 Corinthians 15:46 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/15-46.htm">1 Corinthians 15:46 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/15-46.htm">1 Corinthians 15:46 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/15-46.htm">1 Corinthians 15:46 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/15-46.htm">1 Corinthians 15:46 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/15-46.htm">1 Corinthians 15:46 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/15-46.htm">1 Corinthians 15:46 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/15-46.htm">1 Corinthians 15:46 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/15-46.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 15:46 However that which is spiritual isn't first (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-45.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 15:45"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 15:45" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-47.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 15:47"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 15:47" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>