1 Corinthians 15:20

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An Exegetical Analysis of ἀπαρχή in 1 Corinthians 15:20

This exegetical study of ‘απαρχ in 1 Cor 15.20′ is based on a b-greek discussion from August 15, 2004. The initial inquiry focused on the grammatical function of the term ἀπαρχή (firstfruits) in 1 Corinthians 15:20, questioning the common understanding of it as standing in simple apposition to Χριστός (Christ). The initial assessment noted that certain criteria for simple apposition, such as adjacency and identical syntactical relation, appeared not to be fully met by the construction in this verse. Furthermore, a strict appositional reading seemed to yield a somewhat forced theological sense within the broader argument of Christ’s resurrection.

The main exegetical issue at hand is the precise grammatical and semantic relationship between Χριστός and ἀπαρχή in 1 Corinthians 15:20. While a traditional appositional reading identifies Christ as the firstfruits, the discussion explores whether a more dynamic interpretation, such as an adverbial or resultant complementary function, better captures the theological significance of Christ’s resurrection as the inauguration and guarantee of future resurrection for believers. This distinction directly impacts how the passage is understood to convey the causal and consequential nature of Christ’s triumph over death in relation to the eschatological hope of the Church.

Νυνὶ δὲ Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται ἐκ νεκρῶν, ἀπαρχὴ τῶν κεκοιμημένων.

(Nestle 1904)

• Key differences with SBLGNT (2010): No significant textual differences affect 1 Corinthians 15:20 between the Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010 editions.

Textual Criticism and Lexical Notes

The critical apparatus of NA28 (Novum Testamentum Graece, 28th ed.) for 1 Corinthians 15:20 indicates no significant textual variants that would materially alter the reading or grammatical function of ἀπαρχή. The Greek text as presented is consistently attested across the major manuscript traditions relevant to critical editions.

Lexically, the term ἀπαρχή (aparchē) carries substantial theological weight. KITTEL (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Vol. 1, pp. 482-485) elaborates that ἀπαρχή primarily refers to “first-fruits” in an agricultural or sacrificial context, signifying the initial harvest or offering presented to God. This term inherently implies a beginning, a pledge, and a representative portion of a greater whole that is yet to come. In a transferred sense, it can denote the first converts to a movement or the inaugural event in a sequence, often imbued with a sense of consecration. BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed., p. 103) similarly defines it as “first part of a series” or “firstfruit(s),” applicable both literally and metaphorically. In the context of 1 Corinthians 15, ἀπαρχή metaphorically positions Christ’s resurrection as the initial event that prefigures and guarantees the future resurrection of all believers. This lexical understanding highlights the consequential nature of Christ’s resurrection as the paradigm for all future resurrections.

Translation Variants and Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The grammatical analysis of ἀπαρχή in 1 Corinthians 15:20 centers on its relationship to Χριστὸς. A common interpretation views ἀπαρχή as a simple appositive, identifying Christ directly as “the firstfruits.” This leads to translations such as “But now, Christ, that is, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, has been raised from the dead.” However, the discussion noted several challenges to this straightforward appositional reading: the lack of strict adjacency between Χριστὸς and ἀπαρχή, the potential for differing syntactical relations within the clause, and the absence of typical appositional patterns (e.g., an anarthrous initial noun followed by an articular appositive). Rhetorically, treating ἀπαρχή as a mere identification could make the statement somewhat redundant, implying that Christ’s status as firstfruits is already known rather than being a significant outcome of his resurrection.

An alternative, more dynamic interpretation, strongly supported within the b-greek discussion, posits that ἀπαρχή functions in an adverbial or resultant complementary capacity, describing the consequence or manner of Christ’s resurrection. This perspective draws parallels with object-complement constructions where a noun or adjective specifies the state or role that results from the verb’s action. For example, Isaiah 45:13 (LXX) states, “I raised him up with righteousness βασιλέα (as king),” where βασιλέα describes the resulting status. The hypothesis proposed is that when a verb capable of taking an object-complement construction (such as ἐγείρω, to raise) is used in the passive voice, the accusative complement converts to a nominative, retaining a similar semantic force. Thus, Christ is raised *as* firstfruits, meaning his resurrection constitutes him in this role. This interpretation finds support in other passages within 1 Corinthians 15, such as 15:52, where the dead are raised ἄφθαρτοι (imperishable), and 15:44, where the body is sown ψυχικὸν (natural) and raised πνευματικὸν (spiritual). In these instances, the adjectives describe the resultant state rather than an inherent quality prior to the action.

From a rhetorical standpoint, this “adverbial complement” reading significantly enhances the passage’s force. It asserts that Christ’s resurrection is not merely an event but a transformative act with profound eschatological and causal implications: by being raised, he becomes the firstfruits, thereby guaranteeing and initiating the future resurrection of all who sleep. This underscores the sequential and representative nature of Christ’s resurrection, establishing him as the inaugurator of a new order of resurrected life.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

Based on a thorough grammatical and rhetorical analysis, interpreting ἀπαρχή as an adverbial or resultant complement provides a more semantically rich and contextually appropriate understanding of 1 Corinthians 15:20 than a restrictive appositional reading. This approach highlights the transformative impact of Christ’s resurrection, presenting it as the foundational act that establishes him in a new, consequential role as the first of many to be raised. The internal consistency with other related constructions in 1 Corinthians 15 further validates this interpretation, showcasing a pattern where a noun or adjective describes the state or role resulting from a verb’s action.

1. But now, Christ has been raised from the dead as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
   This translation captures the resultant or adverbial sense, emphasizing that Christ’s resurrection makes him the firstfruits and establishes his new role.
2. But now, Christ has been raised from the dead, thereby becoming the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
   This option explicitly articulates the transformative consequence, highlighting that his resurrection initiated his role as the inaugurator of future resurrection.
3. But now, Christ, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, has been raised from the dead.
   This rendering maintains a syntactically appositional structure but allows for an implied consequential nuance, where “the firstfruits” is understood not merely as an identifier but as a title earned or conferred by the resurrection event. This is closer to traditional translations while acknowledging the underlying dynamism.