“Anastasis” Defined
“42 So will it be with the resurrection [anastasis] of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body” (1 Cor. 15:42-44).
Opponents of preterism argue the Greek word “anastasis”[1] (in 1 Cor. 15:42) refers to physical resurrection. However, there’s no need to take it that way.
First, while the word “anastasis” can refer to physical resurrection, it doesn’t have to. Notice how Luke uses it:
“Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising [anastasis] of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against” (Luke 2:34).
The word “anastasis” obviously doesn’t refer to physical resurrection in this passage.
Second, the Septuagint (LXX)[2] uses “anastasis” in contexts that are non‑physical and often eschatological or symbolic. Here are four examples:
“To the director; an ode; a psalm of rising up [anastasis]” (Ps. 66:1).
Note: the word “anastasis” is a poetic or prophetic designation that refers to the restoration of Israel.
“61 You heard their scorning, all their devices against me; 62 the lips of ones rising up against me, and their meditations against me the entire day; 63 their sitting down, and their rising up [anastasis]” (Lam 3:61-63).
Note: the word “anastasis” has nothing to do with physical resurrection.
“19 And he shall turn his face unto the strength of his land. And he shall weaken, and shall fall, and shall not be found. 20 And shall rise up [anastasis] from out of his root a plant of a kingdom, unto his preparation, casting aside, exacting glory of the kingdom. And in those days he shall be broken, and not in faces, nor in war” (Dan. 11:19-20).
Note: “Anastasis” refers to the restoration of God’s kingdom.
“On account of this wait for me, says the lord, for the day of my rising up [anastasis], for a testimony! For my judgment shall be for a gathering of nations, to take kings, to pour out upon them all of my anger, the anger of my rage. For all the earth shall be consumed by the fire of my zeal” (Zeph. 3:8).
Note: Anastasis refers to a prophetic vision of restoration.
None of these uses of “anastasis” refers to the bodily resurrection of individuals, but rather, to collective divine restoration of people.
As with just about all other words, context is key to determining the definition of “anastasis.”
For more information about 1 Corinthians 15, please see The Bible Fulfilled’s “Resurrection” page. Or, for more detailed information of the subject, please check out my book The End Is Here: How the New Testament’s Prophecies Were Fulfilled, available NOW on Amazon.
By Alex Polyak, The Bible Fulfilled, 8/5/26
[1] NAS Exhaustive Concordance definition of “anastasis”: a standing up, i.e. a resurrection, a raising up, rising.
[2] The Septuagint (LXX) is the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, which was used in the early church and quoted by New Testament authors.
