The strong But with which the verse opens appears to have a double function. (1) It marks the transition between the resurrection itself and how it would happen. (2) It may also imply a narrower contrast between “some of you” in verse 34, who are absolutely condemned, and others at Corinth who have genuine difficulties. Function (1) is fulfilled by the section heading and the paragraphing of a modern translation. Function (2) is adequately expressed by the repetition of “some” in verse 34 and this verse, referring to two separate groups of people. Good News Bible uses “Someone” for the second occurrence of “some.” Paul, however, almost certainly has no particular individual in mind. He is simply answering a typical objection. One may also translate some in the present verse as “other people.” As the punctuation note in the UBS text, third edition, shows, it is uncertain whether the rest of the verse consists of one or two questions. By placing the two questions side by side, without any connecting “and,” Revised Standard Version and Good News Bible imply, probably rightly, that the two questions are similar in meaning, the second making the first more specific.
Revised Standard Version‘s translation How are the dead raised? seems more accurate than Good News Bible‘s “How can the dead be raised to life?” Paul is asking a hypothetical question about the means used in raising the dead, not casting doubt on whether it is possible for the dead to be raised. Other possible renderings are “Someone will ask, ‘How are dead people raised to life?’ ” or “… ‘How will God raise dead people to life?’ ” or “… ‘In what way will God…?’ ”
Body: see comments on 5.3. In this verse Paul is speaking of a literal body. Paul does not intend a contrast between body in verses 35-38, 40-44, and “flesh” in verse 39. In some languages it may be necessary to translate both terms in the same way. On the other hand, in other languages translations will need separate terms for the body of a human being, an animal, a plant, and “celestial bodies” such as the sun. A footnote may then be added stating that only one term is used in Greek.
Do they come: the future is implied. It is uncertain whether Paul means “come out of these tombs” or “go up to heaven.” Therefore Good News Bible‘s neutral translation “What kind of body will they have?” is appropriate.
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 .