OET interlinear 1COR 15:20

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: grammar-connect-logic-contrast

νυνὶ δὲ

now but

Here, But now introduces what is true in contrast with the false situations Paul has discussed in the previous verses (15:13–19). The word now does not refer to time here, but introduces his conclusion. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express But now with a word or phrase that introduces reality in contrast to what is not true. Alternate translation: [In reality, though,] or [As it really is,]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / activepassive

Χριστὸς ἐγήγερται

Christ /has_been/_raised

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Paul uses the passive here to focus on Christ, who was raised, rather than focusing on the one doing the “raising.” If you must state who did the action, Paul implies that “God” did it. Alternate translation: [God raised Christ]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / nominaladj

νεκρῶν

/the/_dead

Paul is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to refer to people who are dead. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: [the dead people] or [the corpses]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

ἀπαρχὴ τῶν κεκοιμημένων

first-fruit ˱of˲_the_‹ones› /having_been/_fallen_asleep

Here, firstfruits refers to what farmers first gathered from their fields. Often, these firstfruits were offered to God to thank him for providing food. What Paul emphasizes here is that firstfruits implies that there will be more “fruits”, that is, crops or produce. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express that Paul uses firstfruits to emphasize that Jesus’ resurrection implies more resurrections with an analogy or express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: [and he is like the firstfruits, since his resurrection means that more of those who have fallen asleep will be raised] or [the guarantee that those who have fallen asleep will be raised]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / euphemism

τῶν κεκοιμημένων

˱of˲_the_‹ones› /having_been/_fallen_asleep

Here Paul is referring to people who have died as the ones having fallen asleep. This is a polite way of referring to something unpleasant. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the ones having fallen asleep with a different polite way of referring to those who have died, or you could express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: [those who have passed away] or [those who are dead]