1 Corinthians 15:36 - Exposition

Thou fool. The expression is too strong, and it is unfortunate that in English it seems to run contrary to the distinct censure of such language by our Lord. But here the Greek word is aphron, "O unreasonable!" (the nominative is used for the vocative); Vulgate, insipiens; Wickliffe, "unwise man." It is merely a reproach for neglecting to exercise the understanding. The word "fool! " ( more ) forbidden by our Lord ( Matthew 5:22 ) has quite a different meaning, and implies quite a different tone. It involves moral depravity or obstinacy ( Matthew 7:26 ; Matthew 23:1-39 . 17, etc.). The milder aphron is used in 2 Corinthians 11:16 , 2 Corinthians 11:19 ; 2 Corinthians 12:11 ; Ephesians 5:17 ; and by our Lord himself. That which thou sowest. The "thou" is emphatic. It merely means "Even the analogy of human sowing ought to remove thy difficulty." The growth of the seed shows that there may be personal identity under a complete change of material conditions. Is not quickened, except it die. The metaphor is used by our Lord ( John 12:24 , "Except a grain of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth by itself alone; but if it die, it beareth much fruit"). It is also found in the Talmud.