The clause But if there is no resurrection of the dead largely repeats the content of verse 12b. The form, however, is different. In verse 12 the “if” clause means “if, as is the case, Christ is preached as raised from the dead.” In verses 13, 14, 16, 17, and 19 Paul is speaking about what would happen if things were different, and all the “if” clauses in these verses mean “if…, which is not the case….” Throughout this passage Paul uses repetition to emphasize the different elements of his argument. Good News Bible translates this sentence as “If that is true” to avoid the repetition. This is good style in English, but each group of translators must decide whether in their language repetition of this kind adds emphasis or merely makes the sentence heavier.

No resurrection of the dead: see the comment on verse 12.

Then may be translated as “it means” (Good News Bible). This interpretation is implied by the fact that verse 13b follows logically from verse 13a: “If no one is raised from the dead, then Christ was not raised either.”

Christ has not been raised may be expressed in the active voice: “then God has not raised Christ from death either.”

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .