Biblical theme · Major biblical concepts

Resurrection in the Bible

Hope beyond death in the Old Testament, people raised by Elijah and Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus, and what the New Testament says about the resurrection of believers.

Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition

Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.

Introduction

The Old Testament glimpses a hope beyond death: Daniel speaks of many who sleep in the dust awakening. The New Testament is built on the resurrection of Jesus. Daniel 12:2 1 Corinthians 15:3–8

Paul calls the risen Christ “the first fruits” of those who have died, and the New Testament speaks of believers being raised with transformed bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:20–23 1 Corinthians 15:42–44

Central passages

Daniel 12:2–3
Many who sleep in the dust will awake, some to everlasting life.
1 Corinthians 15:3–8
Christ died, was buried and was raised on the third day, and appeared to many witnesses.
John 11:25–26
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies.”
1 Corinthians 15:12–22
If Christ has not been raised, faith is vain; but Christ has been raised, the first fruits.
1 Corinthians 15:42–57
Sown perishable, raised imperishable; “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
Romans 6:4–11
United with Christ in his death and resurrection, believers walk in newness of life.
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
The dead in Christ will rise; encourage one another with these words.

Across Scripture

Each passage is labelled with why it belongs: central teaching, narrative example, supporting passage, comparison, contrast or interpretive connection.

Glimpses in the Old Testament

A few passages speak of life beyond death; others use resurrection language for the restoration of the nation.

Daniel 12:2–3 Central teaching
Many who sleep in the dust will awake, some to everlasting life.
Isaiah 26:19 Supporting passage
“Your dead shall live; my dead bodies shall arise.”
Job 19:25–27 Interpretive connection (an interpretation, not a statement of the text)
“In my flesh shall I see God.” Many read this as hope of resurrection; the meaning of the Hebrew is debated.
Ezekiel 37:1–14 Comparison
The valley of dry bones is a vision of Israel restored from exile (37:11), told in the language of bodies raised.

Raised to life again

Before Jesus’ resurrection, the Bible records people brought back to life who would later die again.

1 Kings 17:17–24 Narrative example
Elijah prays and the widow of Zarephath’s son lives again.
Mark 5:35–43 Narrative example
Jesus takes Jairus’ daughter by the hand: “Little girl, I tell you, get up!”
John 11:38–44 Narrative example
Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb after four days.

Jesus is raised

The Gospels and Paul testify that Jesus rose bodily from the dead.

Luke 24:36–43 Narrative example
The risen Jesus shows his hands and feet and eats in front of his disciples.
1 Corinthians 15:3–8 Central teaching
Christ died, was buried and was raised on the third day, and appeared to many witnesses.

The resurrection of believers

The New Testament explains what Jesus’ resurrection means for those who belong to him.

John 11:25–26 Central teaching
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies.”
1 Corinthians 15:12–22 Central teaching
If Christ has not been raised, faith is vain; but Christ has been raised, the first fruits.
1 Corinthians 15:42–57 Central teaching
Sown perishable, raised imperishable; “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
Romans 6:4–11 Central teaching
United with Christ in his death and resurrection, believers walk in newness of life.
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 Central teaching
The dead in Christ will rise; encourage one another with these words.

Stories that show this theme

The Resurrection of Jesus Illustrates the theme
The accounts of the empty tomb and the appearances. Luke 24:6
The Raising of Lazarus
Jesus calls himself the resurrection and the life. John 11:25

People associated with this theme

Lazarus
Lazarus is raised after four days in the tomb. John 11:44

Distinctions and questions of interpretation

Raised to die again, and raised to new life: Lazarus and Jairus’ daughter returned to ordinary life and would die again. Paul says Christ, raised from the dead, will never die again. Romans 6:9
Resurrection and life after death: The New Testament emphasises bodily resurrection and also speaks of being with Christ after death. Christians understand how these fit together in different ways. 1 Corinthians 15:35–44 Philippians 1:21–23 Luke 23:43

Related themes

Hope
Hope beyond death rests on resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:20

Life situations

Grief and Loss
Grieving with the hope of resurrection. 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14

Questions for reflection

Written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.

What does Daniel 12:2 expect?
How is Jesus’ resurrection different from the raising of Lazarus (Romans 6:9)?
Why does Paul say faith is useless if Christ has not been raised (1 Corinthians 15:14-17)?
What does 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 say about the resurrection body?