sôma

What it means

The body, a person as a physical being. In this letter it is a major word (47 times): Paul argues that the body belongs to the Lord (6:13-20), that the church is Christ's body (12), and that the body will be raised (15). It is not just a shell but the person.

Range of meaning

• BodyThe physical body.
• SelfThe whole person.
• The churchThe body of Christ.

In 1 Corinthians

• Chapter 6

  "The body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord" (6:13-20).

• Chapter 12

  "The body is one and has many members" (12:12-27).

• Chapter 15

  "With what kind of body do they come?" (15:35-44).