King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:55 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:55 in the King James Version says “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? grave: or, hell” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? grave: or, hell”

1 Corinthians 15:55 · KJV

Context

53

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

55

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? grave: or, hell

56

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Read 1 Corinthians 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (ποῦ σου, θάνατε, τὸ κέντρον; ποῦ σου, ᾅδη, τὸ νῖκος;)—Paul quotes Hosea 13:14, transforming it from threat to taunt. The word kentron (κέντρον, "sting, goad") refers to a scorpion's or insect's venomous stinger—death's power to kill. The word nikos (νῖκος, "victory") in manuscripts varies with Hadēs (ᾅδης, "grave, realm of the dead") or thanatos (θάνατος, "death").

This is resurrection's triumphant cry—death's sting is removed, the grave has no victory. The rhetorical questions expect answer: "Nowhere! Death has lost its power!" This isn't denial of death's reality but proclamation of its defeat. Christians die, but death no longer has dominion (Romans 6:9). Resurrection neutralizes death's venom. The grave cannot hold believers—Christ has conquered it.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Hosea 13:14 in context is threat against rebellious Israel: "O death, where are your plagues? O Sheol, where is your sting?"—God summons death as judgment. Paul reinterprets it as taunt against defeated death. This illustrates apostolic hermeneutic—Old Testament texts fulfill in Christ in ways original context didn't envision. Christ's resurrection transforms God's threats into promises.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does turning Hosea's threat into taunt demonstrate resurrection's transformative power?
  2. What is death's 'sting' that has been removed—why is death no longer fatal for believers?
  3. How should Christians 'taunt' death—what does bold confidence in resurrection look like practically?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ποῦ1 of 10

“where”

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

σου2 of 10

“is thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

θάνατε3 of 10

“O death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

τὸ4 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κέντρον5 of 10

“sting”

G2759

a point ("center"), i.e., a sting (figuratively, poison) or goad (figuratively, divine impulse)

ποῦ6 of 10

“where”

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

σου7 of 10

“is thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

ᾅδη,8 of 10

“O grave”

G86

properly, unseen, i.e., "hades" or the place (state) of departed souls

τὸ9 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νῖκος10 of 10

“victory”

G3534

a conquest (concretely), i.e., (by implication) triumph

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 15:55 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 15:55 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 13:14Psalms 89:48Acts 2:27Romans 5:14Psalms 49:8-15Ecclesiastes 2:15-16

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 15 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes