The phrase “Neither does corruption inherit incorruption” comes from 1 Corinthians 15:50 (KJV):
“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.”
Let’s break this down to understand its meaning and context, especially in light of Paul’s teaching on resurrection and eternal life.
📖 Context: 1 Corinthians 15
Paul is writing about the resurrection of the dead and the transformation that will happen when Christ returns. He’s explaining how our current, physical bodies—marked by mortality, weakness, and decay—are not fit for the eternal, glorious kingdom of God without change.
🔍 Phrase Breakdown
✨ “Corruption”
- Refers to our mortal, dying bodies—subject to decay, sin, and weakness.
- “Corruptible” means perishable, temporary, flawed by nature.
✨ “Incorruption”
- Refers to the eternal, resurrected state—free from death, decay, or sin.
- “Incorruptible” means imperishable, holy, and glorified.
✨ “Neither does corruption inherit incorruption”
- In other words: What is mortal and decaying cannot receive what is immortal and eternal.
- Our current human bodies, as they are, cannot enter heaven.
- A transformation is needed—a resurrection body must replace the earthly one.
🔄 Paul’s Main Point
This verse is part of his larger teaching:
“We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed…” (v. 51)
- When Christ returns, the dead will be raised imperishable, and the living will be transformed.
- Only then can we enter the fullness of the kingdom of God.
🧠 Spiritual Application
- You can’t inherit eternal life through your human strength, effort, or body — you must be made new.
- Salvation brings a new spiritual birth now, and one day, a new resurrection body.
- The promise of incorruption gives us hope in the face of aging, death, and physical weakness.
📖 Cross-Reference Verses
- 1 Corinthians 15:42–44 – “So is the resurrection of the dead… it is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.”
- Philippians 3:20–21 – “He will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.”
- Romans 8:23 – “We wait eagerly for… the redemption of our bodies.”
🙏 Summary
“Corruption does not inherit incorruption” reminds us that eternal life isn’t possible without transformation. Through Christ’s resurrection, we are promised a future where our broken, corruptible bodies will be replaced with eternal, incorruptible ones—fitted for heaven.