Bible Dictionary
CELESTIAL
Celestial means heavenly or belonging above the earth. Paul contrasts celestial and earthly bodies when describing resurrection and the heavenly state of those who are in Christ.
Definition
Celestial means heavenly or above the sky. In Paul’s teaching it is contrasted with terrestrial and is associated with heavenly bodies, heavenly places, and the spiritual state beyond mortal earthly life.
Biblical Usage
Paul uses the term in discussing resurrection and the distinction between celestial and terrestrial bodies. It includes the resurrection body of Jesus and of the saints, and indicates the redeemed soul’s continued life and immortality in heaven.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>se-les'-chal (epouranios, "above the sky," "heavenly"): Peculiar to Paul's majestic argument on the resurrection: celestial verses terrestrial bodies (1Co 15:40) with reference possibly to sun and moon, etc., but more probably to the bodies of angels in distinction from those of beasts and mortal men (compare Christ's words, Mt 22:30; Lu 20:36); including also doubtless in the apostle's thought the resurrection-body of Jesus and of the saints already taken-into glory. Light is thrown on its meaning by the rendering of the same Greek original as "heavenly places" (Eph 1:3,20; 2:6; 3:10); "heavenly" (1Co 15:48). Hence, "celestial" as used by Paul indicates the soul's continued life beyond the grave, the spiritual body of the redeemed in heaven, who, in Christ, have put on immortality.</p><p>Dwight M. Pratt</p>