The Meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:6 Explained

1 Corinthians 15:6

KJV: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

YLT: afterwards he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain till now, and certain also did fall asleep;

Darby: Then he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the most remain until now, but some also have fallen asleep.

ASV: then he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain until now, but some are fallen asleep;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

After that,  he was seen  of above  five hundred  brethren  at once;  of  whom  the greater part  remain  unto  this present,  but  some  are fallen asleep. 

What does 1 Corinthians 15:6 Mean?

Verse Meaning

This is the only record of this particular appearance in the New Testament. That Jesus appeared to so many people at one time is evidence that His resurrection body was not a spirit. Many people testified that they had seen Him on this single occasion. Since the Resurrection took place about23years before Paul wrote this epistle, it is reasonable that the majority of this group of witnesses was still alive. Any skeptical Corinthians could check with them.

Context Summary

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 - The Gospel: Christ Died And Rose Again
If 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 is a psalm of love, this chapter is a psalm of hope-a hope that cannot be ashamed. It is the most memorable argument in existence for the resurrection of the body. We need hardly stay to distinguish between this and the immortality of the soul. The former is distinctly a Christian teaching; the latter has been held by vast numbers outside of the Christian pale.
Notice that the Resurrection was primarily not a doctrine but a fact. It is not necessary to argue it, but simply to say that Christ arose, therefore all will arise, because Christ is the Son of man. Other religions rest on foundations of philosophy and metaphysics, but the empty grave in Joseph's garden is the keystone of the arch. If that cannot be maintained, as it was in the primitive Church, the whole superstructure crumbles like a mass of clouds. But it can be maintained. There is even more evidence for it than for any fact of modern history. Men may as soon refuse to believe in the battle of Waterloo as in our Lord's resurrection. The testimony of Paul is most important, because he knew all that could be alleged or argued against it by the Pharisees. Indeed, he had himself opposed it. Note that the words, not I, 1 Corinthians 15:10, are also in 1 Corinthians 7:10 and Galatians 2:20. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Corinthians 15

1  By Christ's resurrection,
12  he proves the necessity of our resurrection,
16  against all such as deny the resurrection of the body
21  The fruit,
35  and the manner thereof;
51  and of the resurrection of those who shall be found alive at the last day

Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 15:6

To above five hundred brethren at once [επανω πεντακοσιοις αδελποις επαπαχ]
Επανω — Epanō here is just an adverb with no effect on the case. As a preposition with the ablative see Matthew 5:14. This incident is the one described in Matthew 28:16 the prearranged meeting on the mountain in Galilee. The strength of this witness lies in the fact that the majority (οι πλειους — hoi pleious) of them were still living when Paul wrote this Epistle, say spring of a.d. 54 or 55, not over 25 years after Christ‘s resurrection. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 15:6

Matthew 28:17 But some doubted [οι δε εδιστασαν]
From δις — dis (in two, divided in mind). Cf. Matthew 14:31. The reference is not to the eleven who were all now convinced after some doubt, but to the others present. Paul states that over five hundred were present, most of whom were still alive when he wrote (1 Corinthians 15:6). It is natural that some should hesitate to believe so great a thing at the first appearance of Jesus to them. Their very doubt makes it easier for us to believe. This was the mountain where Jesus had promised to meet them. This fact explains the large number present. Time and place were arranged beforehand. It was the climax of the various appearances and in Galilee where were so many believers. They worshipped He is now their Risen Lord and Saviour. [source]
John 20:21 Even so send I you [καγω πεμπω υμας]
Jesus has often spoken of the Father‘s sending him using both αποστελλω — apostellō and πεμπω — pempō Here he employs both words in practically the same sense. Jesus still bears the Commission of the Father (perfect active indicative). For this balanced contention (as … so) see John 6:57; John 10:15. This is the first of the three commissions given by the Risen Christ (another on the mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20; 1 Corinthians 15:6), another on the Mount of Olives (Luke 24:44-51; Acts 1:3-11). [source]
Acts 1:2 Was received up [ανελημπτη]
First aorist passive indicative of αναλαμβανω — analambanō Common verb to lift anything up (Acts 10:16) or person as Paul (Acts 20:13). Several times of the Ascension of Jesus to heaven (Mark 16:19; Acts 1:2, Acts 1:11, Acts 1:22; 1 Timothy 3:16) with or without “into heaven” This same verb is used of Elijah‘s translation to heaven in the lxx (2 Kings 2:11). The same idea, though not this word, is in Luke 24:51. See note on Luke 9:51 for αναλημπσις — analēmpsis of the Ascension. Had given commandment (εντειλαμενος — enteilamenos). First aorist middle participle of εντελλω — entellō (from εν — en and τελλω — tellō to accomplish), usually in the middle, old verb, to enjoin. This special commandment refers directly to what we call the commission given the apostles before Christ ascended on high (John 20:21-23; Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18; 1 Corinthians 15:6; Luke 24:44-49). He had given commands to them when they were first chosen and when they were sent out on the tour of Galilee, but the immediate reference is as above. Through the Holy Spirit In his human life Jesus was under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This applies to the choice of the apostles (Luke 6:13) and to these special commands before the Ascension. Whom he had chosen (ους εχελεχατο — hous exelexato). Aorist middle indicative, not past perfect. The same verb (εκλεχαμενος — eklexamenos) was used by Luke in describing the choice of the twelve by Jesus (Luke 6:13). But the aorist does not stand “for” our English pluperfect as Hackett says. That is explaining Greek by English. The Western text here adds: “And ordered to proclaim the gospel.” [source]
Acts 1:2 Had given commandment [εντειλαμενος]
First aorist middle participle of εντελλω — entellō (from εν — en and τελλω — tellō to accomplish), usually in the middle, old verb, to enjoin. This special commandment refers directly to what we call the commission given the apostles before Christ ascended on high (John 20:21-23; Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18; 1 Corinthians 15:6; Luke 24:44-49). He had given commands to them when they were first chosen and when they were sent out on the tour of Galilee, but the immediate reference is as above. [source]
Acts 2:32 Whereof [ου]
Or “of whom.” Either makes sense and both are true. Peter claims the whole 120 as personal witnesses to the fact of the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead and they are all present as Peter calls them to witness on the point. In Galilee over 500 had seen the Risen Christ at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6) most of whom were still living when Paul wrote. Thus the direct evidence for the resurrection of Jesus piles up in cumulative force. [source]
Acts 1:3 Shewed himself alive [παρεστησεν εαυτον ζωντα]
To the disciples the first Sunday evening (Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25), the second Sunday evening (John 20:26-29), at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-23), on the mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18; 1 Corinthians 15:6), to the disciples in Jerusalem and Olivet (Luke 24:44-53; Mark 16:19.; Acts 1:1-11). Luke uses this verb παριστημι — paristēmi 13 times in the Acts both transitively and intransitively. It is rendered by various English words (present, furnish, provide, assist, commend). The early disciples including Paul never doubted the fact of the Resurrection, once they were convinced by personal experience. At first some doubted like Thomas (Mark 16:14; Luke 24:41; John 20:24.; Matthew 28:17). But after that they never wavered in their testimony to their own experience with the Risen Christ, “whereof we are witnesses” Peter said (Acts 3:15). They doubted at first, that we may believe, but at last they risked life itself in defence of this firm faith. After his passion (μετα το πατειν αυτον — meta to pathein auton). Neat Greek idiom, μετα — meta with the articular infinitive (second aorist active of πασχω — paschō) and the accusative of general reference, “after the suffering as to him.” For πατειν — pathein used absolutely of Christ‘s suffering see also Acts 17:3; Acts 26:23. By many proofs Literally, “in many proofs.” Τεκμηριον — Tekmērion is only here in the N.T., though an old and common word in ancient Greek and occurring in the Koiné{[28928]}š (papyri, etc.). The verb τεκμαιρω — tekmairō to prove by sure signs, is from τεκμαρ — tekmar a sign. Luke does not hesitate to apply the definite word “proofs” to the evidence for the Resurrection of Christ after full investigation on the part of this scientific historian. Aristotle makes a distinction between τεκμηριον — tekmērion (proof) and σημειον — sēmeion (sign) as does Galen the medical writer. Appearing (οπτανομενος — optanomenos). Present middle participle from late verb οπτανω — optanō late Koiné{[28928]}š verb from root οπτω — optō seen in οπσομαι ωπτην — opsomaiοπτασια — ōphthēn In lxx, papyri of second century b.c. (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 83). Only here in the N.T. For δι ημερων τεσσερακοντα — optasia for vision, see note on Acts 26:19; Luke 1:22; Luke 24:23. By the space of forty days At intervals In the Gospel of Luke 24 this separation of forty days between the Resurrection and the Ascension is not drawn. The things concerning the Kingdom of God (ευαγγελιον — ta peri tēs basileias tou theou). This phrase appears 33 times in Luke‘s Gospel, 15 times in Mark, 4 times in Matthew who elsewhere has “the kingdom of heaven,” once in John, and 6 times in Acts. No essential distinction is to be drawn between the two for the Jews often used “heaven” rather than “God” to avoid using the Tetragrammaton. But it is noticeable how the word kingdom drops out of Acts. Other words like gospel (τα περι — euaggelion) take the place of “kingdom.” Jesus was fond of the word “kingdom” and Luke is fond of the idiom “the things concerning” (ta peri). Certainly with Jesus the term “kingdom” applies to the present and the future and covers so much that it is not strange that the disciples with their notions of a political Messianic kingdom (Acts 1:6) were slow to comprehend the spiritual nature of the reign of God. [source]
Acts 13:36 The counsel of God [τηι του τεου βουληι]
So here, either the dative, the object of υπηρετησας — hupēretēsas if γενεαι — geneāi is locative, or the instrumental case “by the counsel of God” which again may be construed either with υπηρετησας — hupēretēsas (having served) or after εκοιμητη — ekoimēthē (fell on sleep). Either of the three ways is grammatical and makes good sense. Κοιμαομαι — Koimaomai for death we have already had (Acts 7:60). So Jesus (John 11:11) and Paul (1 Corinthians 15:6, 1 Corinthians 15:51). Was laid (προσετετη — prosetethē). Was added unto (first aorist passive indicative of προστιτημι — prostithēmi). See the verb in Acts 2:47; Acts 5:14. This figure for death probably arose from the custom of burying families together (Genesis 15:15; Jud Genesis 2:10). Saw corruption As Jesus did not (Acts 2:31) as he shows in Acts 13:37. [source]
1 Thessalonians 4:13 Them which are asleep [τῶν κοιμωμένων]
Or, who are sleeping. See on Acts 7:60; see on 2 Peter 3:4, and comp. 1 Corinthians 7:39; 1 Corinthians 11:30; 1 Corinthians 15:6, 1 Corinthians 15:18, 1 Corinthians 15:20, 1 Corinthians 15:51; John 11:11, etc. The dead members of the Thessalonian church. [source]
1 John 2:9 Until now [ἕως ἄρτι]
Though the light has been increasing, and though he may claim that he has been in the light from the first. The phrase occurs in John 2:10; John 5:17; John 16:24; and is used by Paul, 1 Corinthians 4:13; 1 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Corinthians 15:6. [source]
1 John 2:9 His brother [τὸν ἀδελφόν]
His fellow-Christian. The singular, brother, is characteristic of this Epistle. See 1 John 2:10, 1 John 2:11; 1 John 3:10, 1 John 3:15, 1 John 3:17; 1 John 4:20, 1 John 4:21; 1 John 5:16. Christians are called in the New Testament, Christians (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16), mainly by those outside of the Christian circle. Disciples, applied to all followers of Christ (John 2:11; John 6:61) and strictly to the twelve (John 13:5sqq.). In Acts 19:1, to those who had received only John's baptism. Not found in John's Epistles nor in Revelation. Brethren. The first title given to the body of believers after the Ascension (Acts 1:15, where the true reading is ἀδελφῶν brethrenfor μαθητῶν disciples). See Acts 9:30; Acts 10:23; Acts 11:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 John 3:14; 3 John 1:5, 3 John 1:10; John 21:23. Peter has ἡ ἀδελφότης thebrotherhood (1 Peter 2:17; 1 Peter 5:9). The believers. Under three forms: The believers ( οἱ πιστοί ; Acts 10:45; 1 Timothy 4:12); they that believe ( οἱ πιστεύοντες ; 1 Peter 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:7; Ephesians 1:19); they that believed ( οἱ πιστεύσαντες ; Acts 2:44; Acts 4:32; Hebrews 4:3). The saints ( οἱ ἅγιοι ); characteristic of Paul and Revelation. Four times in the Acts (Acts 9:13, Acts 9:32, Acts 9:41; Acts 26:10), and once in Jude (Judges 1:3). Also Hebrews 6:10; Hebrews 13:24. In Paul, 1 Corinthians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Ephesians 1:1, Ephesians 1:15, etc. In Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3, Revelation 8:4; Revelation 11:18, etc.|Until now ( ἕως ἄρτι )|Though the light has been increasing, and though he may claim that he has been in the light from the first. The phrase occurs in John 2:10; John 5:17; John 16:24; and is used by Paul, 1 Corinthians 4:13; 1 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Corinthians 15:6.| [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Corinthians 15:6 mean?

Thereafter He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once of whom the greater part remain until now some however have fallen asleep
ἔπειτα ὤφθη ἐπάνω πεντακοσίοις ἀδελφοῖς ἐφάπαξ ἐξ ὧν οἱ πλείονες μένουσιν ἕως ἄρτι τινὲς δὲ ἐκοιμήθησαν

ἔπειτα  Thereafter 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἔπειτα  
Sense: thereupon, thereafter, then, afterwards.
ὤφθη  He  appeared 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἶδον 
Sense: to see with the eyes.
ἐπάνω  to  more  than 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἐπάνω  
Sense: above.
πεντακοσίοις  five  hundred 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: πεντακόσιοι  
Sense: five hundred.
ἀδελφοῖς  brothers 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀδελφός  
Sense: a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother.
ἐφάπαξ  at  once 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἐφάπαξ  
Sense: once, at once.
ὧν  whom 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: ὅς 
Sense: who, which, what, that.
πλείονες  greater  part 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Plural, Comparative
Root: πολύς  
Sense: greater in quantity.
μένουσιν  remain 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: μένω  
Sense: to remain, abide.
ἕως  until 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἕως  
Sense: till, until.
ἄρτι  now 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἄρτι  
Sense: just now, this moment.
τινὲς  some 
Parse: Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: τὶς  
Sense: a certain, a certain one.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
ἐκοιμήθησαν  have  fallen  asleep 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Plural
Root: κοιμάω  
Sense: to cause to sleep, put to sleep.