1 Corinthians 15:46

46 However that which is spiritual was not first, but that which is natural, and afterward 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. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
45 And so it is written: "The first man Adam was made a living soul." The last Adam was made a quickening Spirit.
46 However that which is spiritual was not first, but that which is natural, and afterward that which is spiritual.
47 The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second Man is the Lord from 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.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.