SPIRITUAL BODY (σῶμα πνευματικόν). This phrase is found only in 1 Corinthians 15:44, 45, where it characterizes the resurrection body. According to some, “spiritual” refers to its substance: spirit, or “spirit matter.” This cannot be true, for two reasons: a. The resurrection body will consist of (glorified) flesh (see Resurrection); b. “Spiritual” in the NT when used of the things of God or of believers, invariably denotes a relation to the Holy Spirit, e.g. Spirit-given; Spirit-filled, etc. (Rom 1:11; 7:14; 15:27; 1 Cor 2:15; 3:1; 9:11; 10:3, 4; 14:37; Gal 6:1; Eph 1:3; 5:19; Col 1:9; 1 Pet 2:5). Therefore the resurrection body will be spiritual, since it is a perfect instrument for the Holy Spirit, Spirit-filled in its fullest sense, and endowed with Spirit-given power, holiness, and glory.

Bibliography R. C. Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament, s.v. pneumatikos (1953); B. Kenrick, The New Humanity, Ch. IV (1958); E. Schweitzer, TWNT VI, s.v. “Pneuma” (1959); J. A. Schep, The Nature of the Resurrection Body, Ch. VI (1964). See Bibliography, s.v. Resurrection.