Log inSign up

1 Corinthians 15 · a question people ask

"Or else what will they do who are baptized for the dead?" (15:29). What does that mean?

In the text

The verse runs, "Or else what will they do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead aren’t raised at all, why then are they baptized for the dead?" (15:29). The letter doesn't explain it further. It doesn't say who they are or what was done, and these notes don't guess.

The verses

“Or else what will they do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead aren’t raised at all, why then are they baptized for the dead?”
1 Corinthians 15:29 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of 1 Corinthians 15

1 Corinthians 15: Not in vain

In 1 Corinthians 15, "His grace which was given to me was not futile" (15:10), "your faith also is in vain" if Christ has not been raised (15:14), and the chapter ends, "your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (15:58): in the Greek, one word. And the Greek word behind the dead comes 14 times in the letter, every one of them in this chapter (counted in RP2018).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free week1 Corinthians 15 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about 1 Corinthians 15

All questions about 1 Corinthians →

Did we miss something?

We're a small team, and we can make mistakes. If something here looks wrong or unclear, tell us and we'll check it against the text.

Tell us

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

The best way to study the Bible.

Your small group or your church can use Favor for Bible study, or you can read by yourself.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions