And correctly leads the reader to expect that the theme of sowing will be continued, and also that something new will be said about it. In fact, it is in this verse that Paul begins to turn to the central theme of contrast between the earthly body and the risen body.

Body: see comment on verse 35.

Not the body which is to be (Good News Bible “not the full-bodied plant”) can be rendered as “not the full-grown plant.”

Bare means literally “naked.” However, in some languages it may be unnatural to speak of a “bare seed” (Good News Bible) or a “naked seed,” in which case an expression meaning “just a seed” may be chosen.

Some other grain: grain is implied. New English Bible has “some other kind,” New International Version “something else,” but Revised Standard Version and Good News Bible are clearer.

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 .