King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:56 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:56 in the King James Version says “The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 15:56 · KJV

Strength

Context

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.

58

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Read 1 Corinthians 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sting of death is sin (τὸ δὲ κέντρον τοῦ θανάτου ἡ ἁμαρτία)—Paul explains death's venom: hamartia (ἁμαρτία, "sin"). Death's power derives from sin—"the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23, Genesis 2:17). Sin gives death its lethal authority. Without sin, death has no claim on humanity. Christ's atonement removes sin, thus neutralizing death's sting. Justified believers face physical death but not eternal death—sin's penalty is paid (Romans 8:1).

And the strength of sin is the law (ἡ δὲ δύναμις τῆς ἁμαρτίας ὁ νόμος)—The word dynamis (δύναμις, "power, strength") indicates sin's authority derives from nomos (νόμος, "law"). God's law reveals sin (Romans 3:20, 7:7), defines it, and pronounces its penalty (death). The law gives sin its condemning power. Apart from law, sin is undefined; with law, sin becomes "sinful beyond measure" (Romans 7:13). The gospel frees believers from law's condemnation through Christ's fulfillment (Romans 10:4, Galatians 3:13).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's theology connects sin, law, and death in Romans 5-7. The law, though holy (Romans 7:12), cannot save—it reveals sin and pronounces death sentence. Christ fulfills the law's demands and bears its curse (Galatians 3:13), liberating believers from condemnation. Resurrection vindicates Christ's atonement—death's sting is removed because sin's penalty is paid.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding sin as death's 'sting' help us see why atonement is necessary for resurrection?
  2. In what sense does the law give sin its power—why can't law save?
  3. How does Christ's fulfillment of the law remove death's sting for believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
τὸ1 of 14
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 14

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

κέντρον3 of 14

“The sting”

G2759

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

τοῦ4 of 14
G3588

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

θανάτου5 of 14

“of death”

G2288

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

ἡ6 of 14
G3588

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

ἁμαρτίας7 of 14

“is sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ἡ8 of 14
G3588

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

δὲ9 of 14

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

δύναμις10 of 14

“the strength”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

τῆς11 of 14
G3588

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

ἁμαρτίας12 of 14

“is sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ὁ13 of 14
G3588

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

νόμος·14 of 14

“is the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

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 15:56 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 15:56 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 4:15Galatians 3:10-13Romans 7:5-13Romans 6:23John 8:24Romans 5:12-13

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