1 Corinthians 15:44 (ASV)

Passage

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

Nearby Context

1 Corinthians 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

1 Corinthians 15:43 it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

1 Corinthians 15:44 it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual [body].

1 Corinthians 15:45 So also it is written, The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam [became] a life-giving spirit.

1 Corinthians 15:46 Howbeit that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; then that which is spiritual.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "Spirit", "sown", "natural", "body", "raised", and "spiritual". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "Spirit" and "sown", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 43's "it is sown in dishonor it is..." into verse 45's "So also it is written The first...", so "Spirit" and "sown" belong inside that flow. In 1 Corinthians context, the local focus is Christ, faith, and discipleship.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "Spirit" and "sown" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.