1 Corinthians 15:54

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G1161} when {G3752} this {G5124} corruptible {G5349} shall have put on {G1746} incorruption {G861}, and {G2532} this {G5124} mortal {G2349} shall have put on {G1746} immortality {G110}, then {G5119} shall be brought to pass {G1096} the saying {G3056} that is written {G1125}, Death {G2288} is swallowed up {G2666} in {G1519} victory {G3534}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When what decays puts on imperishability and what is mortal puts on immortality, then this passage in the Tanakh will be fulfilled:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.

Berean Standard Bible

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 15:54 powerfully declares the ultimate victory over death achieved through Christ's resurrection, a triumph that transforms the perishable and mortal human body into an imperishable and immortal state. This verse encapsulates the glorious future awaiting believers, where the consequences of sin are utterly conquered by divine power, thereby fulfilling ancient prophecy and serving as a foundational cornerstone of Christian hope regarding the resurrection body and eternal life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic declaration within Paul's most extensive theological discourse on the resurrection of the dead, found in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"). Paul has systematically built his argument from the historical fact of Christ's resurrection as the "firstfruits" of those who have fallen asleep ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), to the order of resurrection, Christ's reign, and the eventual subjection of all things to God ([1 Corinthians 15:23-28](/1_corinthians/15-23-28 "1 Corinthians 15:23-28 - The Order of Resurrection and Christ's Reign")). He then addresses the nature of the resurrection body, contrasting the "natural body" with the "spiritual body" ([1 Corinthians 15:44](/1_corinthians/15-44 "1 Corinthians 15:44 - The Spiritual Body")), and explaining the necessary transformation from earthly to heavenly. Verse 54 follows immediately after Paul's explanation of the "mystery" of not all sleeping but all being changed at the sound of the last trumpet ([1 Corinthians 15:51-53](/1_corinthians/15-51-53 "1 Corinthians 15:51-53 - The Mystery of Transformation")), serving as the triumphant culmination of this profound theological exposition.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Corinth, a vibrant and cosmopolitan Roman city, was a melting pot of diverse philosophical and religious ideas. Within this environment, some members of the Corinthian church, possibly influenced by Greek philosophical traditions (such as Platonism, which often devalued the physical body in favor of the immortal soul, or Epicureanism, which denied an afterlife), were denying the future bodily resurrection of the dead. This denial was a significant threat to the core of Christian belief, as it undermined the very hope of salvation and eternal life. Paul's letter, therefore, serves as a robust defense of the bodily resurrection, asserting its foundational importance to the Christian faith. He argues that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ Himself has not been raised, rendering Christian faith futile and preaching meaningless ([1 Corinthians 15:14](/1_corinthians/15-14 "1 Corinthians 15:14 - The Futility of Faith Without Resurrection")). This chapter aims to correct this theological error and ground the Corinthians' hope in the tangible, future reality of resurrection.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") and, by extension, verse 54, is the **Resurrection of the Dead**. Paul emphasizes the **Glorious Transformation** that awaits believers, where the perishable human body will be changed into an imperishable one, and the mortal into an immortal one. This transformation is not merely a resuscitation but a fundamental change in nature, making the body fit for eternity and highlighting God's power to renew and perfect. Another crucial theme is the **Ultimate Victory Over Death**. Death, humanity's greatest enemy and the ultimate consequence of sin ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")), is declared to be completely vanquished, "swallowed up in victory," signifying its utter annihilation and loss of power over believers. Finally, the verse highlights the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Paul explicitly states that this event brings to pass "the saying that is written," directly referencing the Old Testament prophecy found in [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - God Swallows Up Death Forever"), which underscores the divine plan and continuity across covenants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Corruptible (Greek, _phthartós'_):** From G5349, this term refers to that which is perishable, subject to decay, ruin, and ultimately, death. It emphasizes the transient and decaying nature of our current physical bodies, highlighting their susceptibility to corruption and dissolution.
* **Immortality (Greek, _athanasía'_):** From G110, this word is derived from a compound meaning "deathlessness." It signifies the state of being deathless, undying, or possessing everlasting life. In the context of the verse, it describes the new, eternal quality that the resurrected body will possess, free from the power of death.
* **Swallowed up (Greek, _katapínō'_):** From G2666, this powerful verb (here in the aorist passive indicative) means to drink down, gulp entire, or be completely consumed, absorbed, or abolished. It paints a vivid picture of death being utterly defeated, engulfed, and annihilated by victory, having no existence or power left.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption":** This clause speaks of a necessary and decisive transformation of the present, perishable human body. The verb "put on" (G1746, _endýō_) metaphorically describes the act of being clothed or invested with a new nature. The "corruptible" (G5349, _phthartós_) refers to our current bodies, which are subject to decay and death. This body will be divinely transformed, taking on "incorruption" (G861, _aphtharsía_), meaning imperishability and freedom from decay, a state fit for eternity.
* **"and this mortal shall have put on immortality":** This parallel clause reiterates and reinforces the profound nature of the transformation. "Mortal" (G2349, _thnētós_) denotes that which is subject to death, destined to die. This dying nature will be replaced by "immortality" (G110, _athanasía_), the state of being deathless. Together, these two parallel phrases emphasize the complete reversal of humanity's fallen state, where decay and death are replaced by eternal life and imperishability.
* **"then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written":** This phrase signals the fulfillment of ancient prophecy. "Then" (G5119, _tóte_) marks the definitive moment of this eschatological event. "Shall be brought to pass" (G1096, _gínomai_) indicates that something will come into being or be fulfilled. Paul is explicitly pointing to a specific Old Testament scripture, confirming that the resurrection and the defeat of death are part of God's predetermined plan.
* **"Death is swallowed up in victory."**: This is the prophetic declaration itself, directly quoted from [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - God Swallows Up Death Forever"). "Death" (G2288, _thánatos_), humanity's ultimate enemy, is depicted as being utterly consumed and abolished. The phrase "swallowed up" (G2666, _katapínō_) conveys a sense of complete annihilation, leaving no trace or power. This overwhelming defeat occurs "in victory" (G3534, _nîkos_), signifying a decisive, triumphant conquest, not merely an escape or avoidance of death, but its utter and final subjugation.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this verse to convey his triumphant message. **Antithesis** is prominent, contrasting "corruptible" with "incorruption" and "mortal" with "immortality." This stark opposition highlights the radical and complete nature of the transformation that occurs at the resurrection, emphasizing the divine power that reverses the effects of sin and decay. **Personification** is used when "Death" is depicted as an entity that can be "swallowed up," giving it an active role as an enemy that is decisively defeated. This personification makes the victory over death more tangible and dramatic. Finally, the phrase "the saying that is written" is a direct **Allusion** to the Old Testament, specifically [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - God Swallows Up Death Forever"). This allusion grounds Paul's eschatological teaching in the continuity of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that the ultimate triumph over death is not a new idea but a long-foretold divine promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 15:54 stands as a profound theological declaration, affirming the ultimate triumph of God's life-giving power over the destructive force of death, which entered the world through sin. This verse underscores the Christian understanding of resurrection not merely as a resuscitation but as a glorious transformation into an eternal, incorruptible state, mirroring the resurrected body of Christ. It is a powerful affirmation of the sovereignty of God, who not only created life but also has the power to reclaim it from the clutches of death, fulfilling His ancient promises and securing the eternal destiny of His people. The victory over death is intrinsically linked to the defeat of sin, as "the sting of death is sin" ([1 Corinthians 15:56](/1_corinthians/15-56 "1 Corinthians 15:56 - The Sting of Death is Sin")), making this verse a celebration of salvation's comprehensive scope.

* [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - God Swallows Up Death Forever")
* [Hosea 13:14](/hosea/13-14 "Hosea 13:14 - Victory Over Death and Grave")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 1 Corinthians 15:54 offers immense hope, comfort, and a profound reorientation of perspective. It assures us that physical death, while a reality in this fallen world, is not the ultimate end for those in Christ, but rather a transition to an eternal, perfected existence with God. This promise provides deep comfort in times of grief, reminding us that those who die in Christ are not eternally lost but will experience a glorious resurrection, free from decay and mortality. Furthermore, knowing that death's sting has been removed and its power vanquished should instill courage in our daily lives. We are freed from the ultimate fear of death, enabling us to live with boldness, purpose, and dedication to God's work, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Steadfastness in the Lord")). The hope of resurrection and eternal life should inspire us to live lives that honor God, seeking holiness and pursuing righteousness, as our future is secured in the triumph of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of our corruptible bodies putting on incorruption impact your view of your present physical self and its limitations?**
* **In what ways does the assurance that "Death is swallowed up in victory" free you from fear or anxiety in your daily life?**
* **How should the hope of resurrection motivate your actions, priorities, and witness as a believer today?**

### FAQ

**What is "the saying that is written" that Paul refers to?**

Answer: The phrase "the saying that is written" refers directly to the Old Testament prophecy found in [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - God Swallows Up Death Forever"). In this passage, the prophet Isaiah declares, "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it." Paul's quotation confirms that the ultimate triumph over death, realized through Christ's resurrection and the future resurrection of believers, is part of God's long-foretold divine plan, demonstrating the continuity between the Old Testament promises and their New Testament fulfillment.

**What does it mean for "Death to be swallowed up in victory"?**

Answer: To be "swallowed up in victory" signifies a complete and decisive annihilation of death. It's not merely that death is overcome or avoided, but that it is utterly consumed, absorbed, and abolished, losing all its power and existence. This powerful imagery conveys a total and irreversible defeat of humanity's greatest enemy. For believers, it means that death no longer holds its sting or its finality. Because of Christ's resurrection, death is transformed from a terrifying end into a conquered foe, a mere transition to eternal life. This ultimate victory ensures that believers will experience a bodily resurrection into an incorruptible and immortal state, forever free from the power of decay and death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 15:54 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). His resurrection from the dead is the singular event that guarantees the future resurrection of all believers and the ultimate defeat of death. Jesus, by His death and resurrection, disarmed the powers of sin and death, fulfilling the prophecy that death would be "swallowed up in victory." He is the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), and because He lives, believers will also live ([John 14:19](/john/14-19 "John 14:19 - Because I Live, You Also Will Live")). The transformation from corruptible to incorruptible, and mortal to immortal, is made possible only through union with Christ, who conquered the grave. He is the divine agent through whom God's ancient promise of victory over death is brought to pass, offering believers the glorious hope of a future resurrection body like His own ([Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Our Transformed Body")). Thus, 1 Corinthians 15:54 is not merely a statement about a future event, but a triumphant declaration rooted in the accomplished work of Jesus Christ, the Victor over death.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 25:8

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it].

Revelation 20:14

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Hebrews 2:14

¶ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Hebrews 2:15

And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Revelation 21:4

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Luke 20:36

Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

2 Corinthians 4:11

For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.