1 Corinthians 15:16

16 For if [those that are] dead are not raised, neither is Christ raised;

1 Corinthians 15:16 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 15:16

For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised.
] This is a repetition of the argument in ( 1 Corinthians 15:13 ) made partly to show the importance of it, and partly to observe other absurdities, following upon the conclusion of it.

1 Corinthians 15:16 In-Context

14 but if Christ is not raised, then, indeed, vain also [is] our preaching, and vain also your faith.

15 And we are found also false witnesses of God; for we have witnessed concerning God that he raised the Christ, whom he has not raised if indeed [those that are] dead are not raised.

16 For if [those that are] dead are not raised, neither is Christ raised;

17 but if Christ be not raised, your faith [is] vain; ye are yet in your sins.

18 Then indeed also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

Footnotes

• [a] 'Are not raised,' vers. 15,16, applies to the abstract fact whenever it may be; the doctrinal fact as to dead people; 'he (Christ) is raised,' vers. 12,13,16,20, is an accomplished but continuing fact. The English tenses do not always secure this distinction. I have not put 'do not rise,' because then the thought of being raised by God is lost.