1 Corinthians 15:57

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} thanks {G5485} be to God {G2316}, which {G3588} giveth {G1325} us {G2254} the victory {G3534} through {G1223} our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah!

Berean Standard Bible

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

American Standard Version

but thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 15:57 serves as a triumphant doxology, concluding Paul's extensive discourse on the resurrection. It declares that the ultimate victory over death and sin is not achieved through human effort or merit but is a gracious gift from God, bestowed upon believers solely through the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, our Lord. This verse encapsulates the profound gratitude and assured hope that characterize the Christian faith in the face of mortality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as the climactic exclamation point of [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"), which is arguably the most comprehensive biblical treatment of the resurrection. Paul has meticulously built his argument from the historical reality of Christ's resurrection (vv. [1-11](/1_corinthians/15-1-11 "1 Corinthians 15:1-11 - The Resurrection of Christ")), to its necessity for Christian faith (vv. [12-19](/1_corinthians/15-12-19 "1 Corinthians 15:12-19 - If Christ Has Not Been Raised")), the order of resurrection (vv. [20-28](/1_corinthians/15-20-28 "1 Corinthians 15:20-28 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), the nature of the resurrected body (vv. [35-49](/1_corinthians/15-35-49 "1 Corinthians 15:35-49 - The Resurrected Body")), and the transformation of believers at Christ's return (vv. [50-53](/1_corinthians/15-50-53 "1 Corinthians 15:50-53 - The Mystery of Transformation")). Immediately preceding [verse 57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory Through Christ"), Paul issues a defiant challenge to death, personifying it and mocking its power in light of Christ's triumph, asking, "[O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?](/1_corinthians/15-55 "1 Corinthians 15:55 - Death's Sting Removed")" and explaining that "[the sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law](/1_corinthians/15-56 "1 Corinthians 15:56 - Sin, Law, and Death's Sting")". Thus, [1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - The Victory Declaration") serves as the resounding answer and a declaration of profound gratitude for the victory just proclaimed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a diverse community, grappling with various theological and ethical issues. Among them were doubts or misunderstandings regarding the resurrection of the dead, possibly influenced by Greek philosophical thought which often disdained the idea of bodily resurrection. Some Gnostic-leaning ideas, which emphasized the spiritual over the material, may have also contributed to skepticism about a physical resurrection. Paul's extensive argument in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection of the Dead") directly confronts these challenges, asserting the historical and theological necessity of Christ's bodily resurrection as the foundation and guarantee for the future resurrection of believers. The concept of "victory" (Greek: *nikē*) would have resonated strongly in a culture familiar with athletic contests, military conquests, and the worship of deities associated with triumph. Paul redefines this "victory" in a spiritual and eschatological sense, attributing it solely to God through Christ, rather than to human prowess or pagan gods.
* **Key Themes:** [First Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") is dominated by the theme of the **resurrection**, specifically the resurrection of Christ as the "firstfruits" and the subsequent resurrection of believers. This chapter also highlights the **sovereignty of God** in orchestrating salvation and the defeat of humanity's greatest enemies: sin and death. The **centrality of Jesus Christ** is paramount, as He is presented as the sole means by which this ultimate victory is secured. Furthermore, the chapter underscores the **transformative power of the Gospel**, which not only offers future hope but also impacts present living, leading to steadfastness and fruitful labor for the Lord, as encouraged in [1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Steadfastness in the Lord"). [Verse 57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - A Doxology of Victory") beautifully summarizes these themes, shifting from theological exposition to heartfelt doxology.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **thanks (Greek, _cháris'_):** This word, often translated as "grace," carries the meaning of graciousness, favor, or a gift. In this context, it specifically denotes gratitude or thanksgiving. Paul's use of *cháris* here emphasizes that the victory is entirely an unmerited favor, a divine gift that elicits profound appreciation and praise from the recipient. It underscores the idea that this triumph is not earned but freely bestowed by God.
* **giveth (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb means "to give," "bestow," or "grant." It highlights God's active role as the benevolent giver of this victory. The present tense implies a continuous or ongoing reality—God is perpetually the source of this triumph. It reinforces the concept of the victory being a divine provision, originating from God's power and will, rather than a human achievement.
* **victory (Greek, _nîkos'_):** Derived from *nikē*, this term signifies a conquest or triumph. In the biblical context, it denotes a decisive and complete defeat of an enemy. Here, *nîkos* refers specifically to the ultimate triumph over death and sin, which Paul has just personified and mocked in the preceding verses. It conveys the absolute and irreversible nature of Christ's conquest, ensuring a definitive and eternal triumph for believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thanks be to God":** This opening phrase functions as a powerful doxology, a spontaneous outburst of gratitude and praise. The conjunction "But" (G1161, *dé*) serves as a strong adversative, contrasting the preceding rhetorical questions about death's defeat with the glorious reality of God's provision. It shifts the focus from the vanquished enemies (death and sin) to the Divine Victor, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of this triumph. It is an expression of profound relief and worship for the immense gift received.
* **"which giveth us the victory":** This clause identifies God as the active agent and giver of the victory. The "victory" (G3534, *nîkos*) refers primarily to the conquest over death and sin, which are presented as the ultimate enemies of humanity. The use of "us" signifies that this victory is not merely a theoretical concept but a personal reality for believers, shared by grace. The present tense of "giveth" (G1325, *dídōmi*) suggests that God is continually bestowing this triumph, implying both a past decisive event (Christ's resurrection) and an ongoing spiritual reality for believers.
* **"through our Lord Jesus Christ":** This final phrase specifies the indispensable means by which God grants this victory. Jesus Christ is not merely an instrument but the very channel and embodiment of this triumph. His sacrificial death conquered sin, and His glorious resurrection conquered death. The title "Lord Jesus Christ" emphasizes His divine authority, His saving work, and His messianic identity, underscoring that the entire redemptive plan, culminating in this victory, is centered on Him. It is through His finished work that believers are united to His triumph.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - A Declaration of Victory"). The most prominent is **Doxology**, an expression of praise and glory to God, which serves as the very structure of the verse, beginning with "But thanks be to God." This immediate shift from a triumphant challenge to death to an outpouring of gratitude underscores the divine source of the victory. There is also strong **Antithesis** at play, as the verse stands in stark contrast to the preceding rhetorical questions that mock death's power, providing the definitive answer to those challenges. The phrase "giveth us the victory" demonstrates **Divine Agency**, highlighting God's active role as the ultimate bestower of triumph, rather than human effort. Finally, the verse is an example of **Climax**, serving as the triumphant conclusion to Paul's extensive theological argument on the resurrection in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"), bringing the entire discourse to a glorious and worshipful peak.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the core of Christian theology, affirming God's sovereign power and benevolent character in securing humanity's ultimate salvation. It underscores the finished work of Jesus Christ as the singular means of victory over sin and death, which are presented as humanity's greatest adversaries. Theologically, it highlights the concept of **imputed righteousness** and **union with Christ**, where believers participate in Christ's triumph not by their own merit but by grace through faith. The victory is not merely a future hope but a present reality, transforming the believer's perspective on mortality and suffering. It is a powerful affirmation of the Gospel's power to overcome the most formidable obstacles.

* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")
* [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")
* [Revelation 12:11](/revelation/12-11 "Revelation 12:11 - Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory in Christ") offers profound comfort and an unshakeable foundation for Christian hope. In a world constantly confronting loss, suffering, and the inevitability of death, this verse reminds us that the final word is not despair but divine triumph. It calls believers to live with a posture of profound gratitude, recognizing that our greatest battles—those against sin's dominion and death's finality—have already been decisively won for us by Christ. This assurance should empower us to face daily challenges with courage, knowing that the God who conquered death is also at work in our lives, enabling us to overcome lesser struggles. It motivates us to live lives worthy of this immense gift, pursuing holiness and steadfastness, as the very next verse encourages. Our thanksgiving should not be a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated conviction that shapes our worship, our witness, and our daily walk.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of Christ's victory over death and sin impact your daily fears or anxieties?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to remember that God "giveth us the victory"?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for the victory secured through Jesus Christ?**
* **What does it mean practically to live in light of this assured victory, as encouraged by Paul in the verses immediately following?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "the victory" in this verse?**

Answer: In [1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - The Meaning of Victory"), "the victory" (Greek: *nîkos*) refers primarily to the decisive and ultimate triumph over death and sin. Paul has just declared in [1 Corinthians 15:56](/1_corinthians/15-56 "1 Corinthians 15:56 - The Sting of Death is Sin") that "the sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law." Therefore, the victory encompasses both the breaking of sin's condemning power and the conquest of death's finality. It is the complete and irreversible defeat of humanity's greatest enemies, secured by Christ's resurrection. This victory ensures that death is not the end for believers but a conquered foe, leading to eternal life and resurrection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Christ, Our Victory") finds its complete and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely the channel of victory, but the very embodiment of it. His incarnation, sinless life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection constitute the definitive triumph over sin and death. As the "last Adam," Christ reversed the curse brought by the first Adam, securing life where there was only death ([1 Corinthians 15:21-22](/1_corinthians/15-21-22 "1 Corinthians 15:21-22 - Adam, Christ, and Resurrection")). His resurrection is the "firstfruits" of all who are to be raised ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), guaranteeing the future resurrection of believers. Through His death, He "destroyed him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Believers, united with Christ by faith, are co-crucified and co-resurrected with Him ([Romans 6:4-11](/romans/6-4-11 "Romans 6:4-11 - Buried and Raised with Christ")), participating in His victory. Thus, the "victory" spoken of in [1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory Through Our Lord") is entirely a Christ-secured, Christ-centered, and Christ-imparted reality, making Him the ultimate object of our thanks and praise.

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

2 Corinthians 2:14

Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Romans 8:37

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

1 John 5:4

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.

1 John 5:5

Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Proverbs 21:31

The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.

Revelation 12:11

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.