Terrestrial Bodies

TERRESTRIAL BODIES (σώματα ἐπίγεια). The term is used only in 1 Corinthians 15:40, where Paul contrasted celestial, or heavenly, bodies with terrestrial, or earthly, bodies. It is uncertain whether by “celestial bodies” he meant angelic beings or the sun, moon, and stars; there is no doubt, however, that by “terrestrial bodies” he meant bodies that exist on earth. Paul was trying to show that there are various kinds of bodies, and one should therefore not think it strange that the resurrection body should have its own uniqueness.