What does 1 Corinthians 15:58 mean?
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
‘Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because… your labor in the Lord is not in vain’—the resurrection makes our work matter.
This caps the great resurrection chapter: because Christ is risen and we will be too, our efforts for him have lasting significance.
We are urged to stand firm and work wholeheartedly, knowing nothing done ‘in the Lord’ is wasted.
Why is our labor ‘not in vain’?
Because of the resurrection—Christ’s victory over death means work done for him has eternal value and is never wasted.
Original BibleDawn explanation · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.