1 Corinthians 15:55

KJV

O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory?

KJV (with Strong's)

O death {G2288}, where {G4226} is thy {G4675} sting {G2759}? O grave {G86}, where {G4226} is thy {G4675} victory {G3534}?

Complete Jewish Bible

“Death, where is your victory?
Death, where is your sting?”

Berean Standard Bible

“Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?”

American Standard Version

O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The apostle Paul's triumphant rhetorical questions in 1 Corinthians 15:55 serve as a climactic declaration of the ultimate defeat of death and the grave, a victory secured definitively through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This verse encapsulates the Christian hope, transforming death from a terrifying end into a conquered foe, and proclaiming the eschatological triumph of life over mortality, rooted in Christ's finished work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") is Paul's most extensive theological discourse on the resurrection, forming the bedrock of Christian eschatology. He begins by establishing the historical fact of [Christ's resurrection](/1_corinthians/15-3-8 "1 Corinthians 15:3-8 - The Resurrection of Christ") as the foundation of the gospel, arguing that without it, Christian faith is futile and preaching is in vain. He then transitions to the future resurrection of believers, emphasizing that just as Christ was raised as the "firstfruits," so too will all who are in Him be raised ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). The immediate verses leading up to [1 Corinthians 15:55](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55 - Death's Defeat") describe the transformation of the perishable into the imperishable and the mortal into immortality, culminating in the fulfillment of the prophecy, "Death is swallowed up in victory" ([1 Corinthians 15:54](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54 - Death Swallowed Up in Victory"), quoting [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - Death Swallowed Up")). This verse, therefore, is the triumphant exclamation point to Paul's meticulous theological argument, celebrating the ultimate outcome of Christ's resurrection for all believers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, diverse metropolis, deeply influenced by Greco-Roman philosophies. Many Corinthians, particularly those influenced by Hellenistic thought, struggled with the concept of a bodily resurrection, often viewing the physical body as inferior or even a prison for the soul. Some Greek philosophical schools, like Platonism, emphasized the immortality of the soul but denied a bodily resurrection, considering the physical realm as transient and imperfect. Paul's robust defense of the bodily resurrection in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection of the Dead") directly confronts these prevailing cultural attitudes, asserting a distinctly Jewish and Christian understanding of human destiny, where the body is integral to identity and salvation. His rhetorical questions in [1 Corinthians 15:55](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55 - Paul's Triumph Over Death") would have been a shocking and counter-cultural declaration to many, challenging their ingrained assumptions about death and the afterlife.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 15:55](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55 - The Victory Over Death") powerfully articulates several core themes central to Paul's theology and the Christian faith. Foremost is the **Triumph Over Death**, portraying death not as an inevitable victor but as a defeated enemy whose power has been utterly broken. This theme is inextricably linked to the **Resurrection Hope**, which assures believers of a future bodily resurrection and eternal life with God, transforming the fear of death into confident expectation. The verse also underscores **Christ's Decisive Victory**, emphasizing that this triumph over death and the grave is not achieved by human effort or merit, but is solely the result of Jesus Christ's atoning death and glorious resurrection. As Paul clarifies in the subsequent verse, [1 Corinthians 15:56](/1_corinthians/15-56 "1 Corinthians 15:56 - Sin, the Sting of Death"), the "sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law," highlighting that Christ's victory over sin is what disarms death. Finally, this profound truth leads to **Freedom from Fear**, empowering believers to live without the dread of death, knowing that their ultimate destiny is secure in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** From *thnesko*, meaning "to die." This term refers to the cessation of physical life, but in a theological sense, it also denotes spiritual separation from God. Here, *thánatos* is personified as an enemy that once held dominion but is now stripped of its power. The question "O death, where is thy sting?" directly challenges its former authority, implying its incapacitation.
* **sting (Greek, _kéntron'_):** From a root meaning "to prick." This word literally refers to a sharp point, like a goad used to drive animals or the venomous sting of a scorpion. Figuratively, it denotes something that inflicts pain, harm, or death. Paul immediately clarifies in [1 Corinthians 15:56](/1_corinthians/15-56 "1 Corinthians 15:56 - Sin, the Sting of Death") that "the sting of death is sin," revealing that sin is the power by which death inflicts its fatal wound. The rhetorical question implies that this "sting" has been removed or rendered harmless.
* **grave (Greek, _háidēs'_):** From *a* (negative particle) and *eido* (to see), meaning "unseen." This term refers to Hades, the realm of the dead, or the underworld. In the Old Testament, its Hebrew equivalent, Sheol, refers to the common abode of the dead, a place of shadows and silence. By challenging the "grave" for its "victory," Paul asserts that even this final resting place for the body has lost its power to hold the dead permanently, especially those who belong to Christ.
* **victory (Greek, _nîkos'_):** From *nike*, meaning "conquest." This term signifies a complete triumph, a decisive win over an opponent. When Paul asks, "O grave, where is thy victory?", he is declaring that the grave, once the undisputed victor over all humanity, has been utterly defeated. This victory is not merely a partial success but a total conquest, implying that the grave's power to hold bodies captive has been broken by the resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O death, where [is] thy sting?":** This clause directly challenges death, personifying it as an entity that once possessed a lethal "sting." The rhetorical question implies that this sting, which Paul identifies as sin in the subsequent verse, has been removed or neutralized. It declares death's power to inflict ultimate harm has been disarmed, rendering it powerless over believers.
* **"O grave, where [is] thy victory?":** This parallel clause addresses the grave (Hades), personifying it as a conqueror. The question asserts that the grave's former "victory"—its ability to hold humanity captive in its domain—has been decisively overturned. It proclaims that the grave has lost its power to maintain its conquest, signifying that the dead in Christ will not remain perpetually in its grasp.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several **literary devices** to heighten the impact of [1 Corinthians 15:55](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55 - Paul's Triumphant Declaration"). The most prominent is **Personification**, where death and the grave (Hades) are addressed as living entities capable of possessing a "sting" and achieving "victory." This makes the abstract concepts of mortality and the afterlife tangible adversaries that are now being mocked and challenged. Closely related are the **Rhetorical Questions** ("O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"). These are not questions seeking information but powerful declarations of triumph, designed to emphasize the absolute certainty of death's defeat and to evoke a sense of exultation in the reader. The use of **Apostrophe** is also evident, as Paul directly addresses death and the grave as if they were present and listening. Furthermore, the verse exhibits strong **Parallelism** in its structure, with the two clauses mirroring each other in their address to a defeated foe and their challenge to its former power, creating a rhythmic and memorable declaration of victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 15:55](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55 - The Ultimate Victory") stands as a profound theological statement on the ultimate defeat of death and the grave, a victory secured through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This verse encapsulates the eschatological hope of the Christian faith, where the final enemy, death, is rendered powerless. It transforms the human experience of mortality from one of dread and finality to one of confident expectation and triumph. The "sting" of death, identified as sin, and the "victory" of the grave, representing its dominion over humanity, are both disarmed by Christ's atoning work on the cross and His subsequent resurrection. This means that for believers, death is not an end but a transition, a conquered foe rather than a terrifying master, leading to eternal life with God.

* [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - Death Swallowed Up in Victory"): "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."
* [Hosea 13:14](/hosea/13-14 "Hosea 13:14 - Redemption from Sheol"): "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes." (Paul quotes this in [1 Corinthians 15:55](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55 - Paul's Citation of Hosea"))
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Tears"): "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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 15:55](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55 - Hope in the Face of Death") offers immense comfort and profound hope to believers, transforming our perspective on life, death, and eternity. Understanding that death's ultimate power has been broken by Christ's resurrection allows us to face life's challenges, and even death itself, with courage rather than dread. In moments of grief, this verse provides solace, confirming that those who die in Christ are not lost but will live again, experiencing a glorious resurrection. This triumphant truth should motivate us to live lives that reflect the victory we have in Christ, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Stand Firm in the Lord")). It affirms God's ultimate sovereignty, demonstrating His power to bring life out of death and to fulfill His promises, extending to the future new heaven and new earth where death will be no more ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God's Promise of No More Death")). This hope liberates us to live boldly for Christ, unhindered by the fear of what was once the greatest human terror.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that death has lost its "sting" and the grave its "victory" impact your daily life and your perspective on future events?**
* **In what ways does the resurrection hope, highlighted in this verse, provide comfort or strength during times of loss or fear?**
* **Considering that sin is the "sting" of death, how does living a life of obedience to Christ diminish death's power in your experience?**
* **How can you share the triumphant message of [1 Corinthians 15:55](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55 - Sharing the Resurrection Hope") with someone who is struggling with the fear of death or the reality of loss?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for death to have lost its "sting" and the grave its "victory"?**

Answer: For death to have lost its "sting" means that its power to inflict ultimate, eternal harm has been neutralized. Paul clarifies in [1 Corinthians 15:56](/1_corinthians/15-56 "1 Corinthians 15:56 - Sin, the Sting of Death") that "the sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law." This means that sin is what gives death its power to condemn and separate humanity from God. Through Christ's atoning death and resurrection, the power of sin has been broken, and its penalty paid. Therefore, for believers, death is no longer a permanent separation from God or a final judgment, but a transition to eternal life. Similarly, for the grave to have lost its "victory" means that its dominion over the physical body is no longer absolute. The grave, or Hades, was once the final resting place for all, holding them captive. However, Christ's resurrection from the dead demonstrates His triumph over the grave, guaranteeing that all who are in Him will also be raised to new, imperishable bodies ([1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1_corinthians/15-42-44 "1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - The Resurrection Body")). Thus, the grave no longer holds its "victory" over believers; it is merely a temporary passage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 15:55](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55 - Christ's Triumph") finds its complete and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The rhetorical questions posed by Paul are not merely theological musings but triumphant declarations rooted in the historical reality of Christ's resurrection. It was through His voluntary death on the cross that Jesus "tasted death for everyone" ([Hebrews 2:9](/hebrews/2-9 "Hebrews 2:9 - Jesus Tasted Death")), bearing the full penalty of sin—the very "sting" that gave death its power ([1 Corinthians 15:56](/1_corinthians/15-56 "1 Corinthians 15:56 - Sin, the Sting of Death")). His subsequent resurrection from the grave on the third day decisively broke the power of both sin and death, demonstrating His absolute victory over them. As the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), Christ's resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of all who believe in Him. He has "destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" ([2 Timothy 1:10](/2_timothy/1-10 "2 Timothy 1:10 - Christ Abolished Death")). Therefore, the ultimate defeat of death and the grave, so powerfully proclaimed in [1 Corinthians 15:55](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55 - The Victory of Christ"), is entirely a Christ-centered reality, secured by His finished work and extended to all who are united with Him by faith.

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

Hosea 13:14

I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

Acts 2:27

Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Romans 5:14

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

Psalms 89:48

What man [is he that] liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.

Ecclesiastes 2:15

Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also [is] vanity.

Ecclesiastes 2:16

For [there is] no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now [is] in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise [man]? as the fool.

Acts 9:5

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks.