1 Corinthians 15:46

46 Howbeit that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; then that which is spiritual.

1 Corinthians 15:46 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 15:46

Howbeit, that was not first which is spiritual
As the apostle before proves the distinction of a natural and spiritual body, and gives instances of both in the two principal men in the world, the first and the last; and points out the difference between them, the one being animated, and having life given unto it, the other animating, and giving life to others; proceeds to observe the order of these, how that one was before the other; the spiritual body, though the more perfect and most excellent, yet was not first in being:

but that which is natural;
Adam's animal body was before Christ's spiritual body:

and afterwards that which is spiritual;
yea, even Christ's animal, or natural body, was before his spiritual one; his body taken from the virgin, and formed in her womb, and in which he lived here on earth, was an animal body, as before observed; and upon his resurrection, it commenced a spiritual one; being the same in substance as the former, only different in qualities; and just so it is, and will be, with the bodies of the saints'; which is the apostle's design and view, in observing this order; the natural body is first, and then the spiritual; it is first a natural body, as generated and nourished, as weak and dying, and it is afterwards a spiritual one, when raised from the dead.

1 Corinthians 15:46 In-Context

44 it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual [body].

45 So also it is written, The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam [became] a life-giving spirit.

46 Howbeit that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; then that which is spiritual.

47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is of heaven.

48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.