1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Study Note
Study Note
'Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.' This exhortation concludes 1 Corinthians 15's extended resurrection chapter, showing that the theological argument about resurrection has direct ethical consequences: because the body will be raised, work done in the body has permanent significance. The phrase 'not in vain' (ouk estin kenon) responds to the Epicurean implication of 'let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die' (15:32): if resurrection is true, effort invested in the Lord's service is cosmically preserved. This verse has grounded Christian ethics of labor, creation care, and service across centuries of theology.
Other Translations
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.
so that, my brethren beloved, become ye stedfast, unmovable, abounding in the work of the Lord at all times, knowing that your labour is not vain in the Lord.
For this cause, my dear brothers, be strong in purpose and unmoved, ever giving yourselves to the work of the Lord, because you are certain that your work is not without effect in the Lord.
Cross References
Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness …
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of …
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run …
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.