1 Corinthians 15:56

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1 Corinthians 15:56 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

The sting of death is sin; and the power of sin is the law:

Bible in Basic English BBE

The pain of death is sin; and the power of sin is the law:

Free Bible Version FBV

The sting that causes death is sin; and the power of sin is the law;

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

The sting of death is sinne: and ye strength of sinne is the Lawe.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the sting of the death [is] the sin, and the power of the sin the law;

World English Bible WEB

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Now the sting of death is sin: and the power of sin is the law.

Translation for Translators T4T

It is because we sin [MET] that we die, and it is because we have God’s laws that we know that we have sinned.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 15:56

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Corinthians 15:56 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK το δε κεντρον του θανατου η αμαρτια η δε δυναμις της αμαρτιας ο νομος

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSN

δε de G1161 then Conj

κεντρον kentron G2759 sting Noun-NSN

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

θανατου thanatos G2288 death Noun-GSM

η ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSF

αμαρτια hamartia G266 sin Noun-NSF

η ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSF

δε de G1161 then Conj

δυναμις dunamis G1411 power Noun-NSF

της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF

αμαρτιας hamartia G266 sin Noun-GSF

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

νομος nomos G3551 law Noun-NSM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 15:56

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

κεντρον kentron G2759 "sting" Noun-NSN

This word refers to a sting or a sharp point, as seen in Revelation 9:10 and 1 Corinthians 15:55. It can also describe a goad, or a sharp stick used to guide animals, as seen in Acts 26:14. The Bible uses this word to describe both physical and spiritual pain.

Definition: κέντρον, -ου, τό (εκντέω, to prick), [in LXX: Pro.26:3 (מֶתֶג), Hos.13:14 (קֹטֶב), Hos.5:12, Sir.38:25, 4Ma.14:19 * ;] __1. a sting (4Mac, l.with): Rev.9:10. Metaphorical (as Hos.13:14): τ. θανάτου, 1Co.15:55 (LXX), 1Co.15:56, __2. a goad: pl., Act.26:14.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: prick, sting See also: 1 Corinthians 15:55; Acts 26:14; Revelation 9:10.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θανατου thanatos G2288 "death" Noun-GSM

This word means death, whether it's physical or spiritual. It's used in many places, like John 11:13 and Romans 8:38, to describe the end of life or separation from God. It's the opposite of life.

Definition: θάνατος, -ου, ὁ (θνήσκω), [in LXX chiefly for מָוֶת ,מוּת, sometimes דֶּבֶר ;] death; __1. of the death of the body, whether natural or violent: Jhn.11:13, Php.2:27, Heb.7:23, al; opposite to ζωή, Rom.8:38, Php.1:20; of the death of Christ, Rom.5:10, Php.3:10, Heb.2:9; ῥυέσθαι (σώζειν) ἐκ θ., 2Co.1:10, Heb.5:7; περίλυπος ἕως θανάτου, Mat.26:38, Mrk.14:34; μέχρι (ἄχρι), Php.2:8, Rev.2:10; πληγὴ θανάτου, a deadly wound. Rev.13:3; ἰδεῖν θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; γεύεσθαι θανάτου, Mrk.9:1; ἔνοχος θανάτου, Mrk.14:64; θανάτῳ τελευτᾶν ( Exo.21:17, מוּת יוּמָת), Mrk.7:10; death personified, Rom.6:9, 1Co.15:26, Rev.21:4; pl., of deadly perils, 2Co.11:23. __2. Of spiritual death: Jhn.5:24 8:51, Rom.7:10, Jas.1:15, 5:20, 1Jn.3:14 5:16, al.; of eternal death, Rom.1:32 7:5, al.; ὁ θ. ὁ δεύτερος, Rev.2:11 21:8 (cf. Cremer, 283ff.; DB, iii, 114ff.; DCG, i, 791f.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 106 NT verses. KJV: X deadly, (be…) death See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; Mark 7:10; Hebrews 2:9.

η ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

αμαρτια hamartia G266 "sin" Noun-NSF

In the Bible, sin refers to missing the mark or falling short of God's standards, as seen in Romans. It's a principle of action that leads to guilt and fault. Jesus teaches about sin in various parables.

Definition: ἁμαρτία, -ας, ἡ (ἁμαρτάνω, which see), [in LXX chiefly for חַטָּאת and cogn. forms, also for פֶּשַׁע ,עָוֹן, etc. ;] prop. a missing the mark; in cl. (see reff. to CR in MM, VGT, see word); __(a) guilt, sin (Plat., Arist., al.); __(b) more freq., from Æsch. down, a fault, failure. In NT (as LXX) always in ethical sense; __1. as a principle and quality of action, = τὸ ἁμαρτάνειν, a sinning, sin: Rom.5:12, 13 20; ὑφ᾽ ἁμαρτίαν εἶναι, Rom.3:9; ἐπιμένειν, Rom.6:1; ἀποθνήσκειν, νεκρὸν εἶναι τῇ ἁ., Rom.6:2, 11; τὴν ἀ. γινώσκειν, Rom.7:7; σῶμα τῆς ἁ., Rom.6:6; ἀπάτη τῆς ἁ., Heb.3:13; personified as a ruling principle, ἁ. βασιλεύει, κυριεύει, etc., Rom.5:21 6:12, 14 7:17, 20; δουλεύειν, Rom.6:6; δοῦλος τῆς ἁ., ib. 17; νόμος τῆς ἁ., Rom.7:23 8:2; δύναμις τῆς ἁ., 1Co.15:56 (cf. Gen.4:7). __2. As a generic term (disting. fr. the specific terms ἁμάρτημα, which see, etc.) for concrete wrongdoing, violation of the divine law, sin: Jhn.8:46, Jas.1:15, al.; ποιεῖν (τὴν) ἁ., Jhn.8:34, 2Co.11:7, 1Jn.3:8; εἴχειν ἁ., Jhn.9:41 15:22, 24 19:11, 1Jn.1:8; in pl. ἁμαρτίαι, sin in the aggregate, 1Th.2:16 (see Milligan, in l.); ποιεῖν ἁμαρτίας, Jas.5:15; πλῆθος ἁμαρτιῶν, Jas.5:20, 1Pe.4:8; ἄφεσις ἁμαρτιῶν, Mat.26:28, Mrk.1:4, al.; ἐν ἁμαρτίαις εἶναι, 1Co.15:17; collectively, αἴρειν τὴν ἁ. τ. κόσμου, Jhn.1:29; ἀποθνήσκειν ἐν τῇ ἁ., Jhn.8:21. __3. = ἁμάρτημα, a sinful deed, a sin: Mat.12:31, Act.7:60, 1Jn.5:16. SYN.: see: ἁμάρτημα. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 151 NT verses. KJV: offence, sin(-ful) See also: 1 Corinthians 15:3; John 8:34; 1 Peter 2:22.

η ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

δυναμις dunamis G1411 "power" Noun-NSF

Power or strength, like miraculous ability, as seen in Matthew 25:15 and Acts 3:12, referring to the power to perform miracles or great deeds.

Definition: δύναμις, -εως, ἡ (δύναμαι), [in LXX for עֹז ,גּבוּרָה ,צָבָה ,(חֵיל) חַיִל, etc.; 35 words in all ;] power, might, strength; relatively, ability, power to perform: Mat.25:15, Act.3:12, Heb.11:11; κατὰ δ., 2Co.8:3; παρὰ δ., ib.; ὑπὲρ δ., 2Co.1:8; of pecuniary ability, 2Co.8:3, Rev.18:3; absol., power, might: Luk.24:49, Act.1:8; opposite to ἀσθένεια, 1Co.15:43; ἡ δ. τ. ἁμαρτίας, 1Co.15:56; of power in action, Rom.1:16, 20 1Co.1:18, Php.3:10, al.; ἡ δ. τ. θεοῦ, Mat.22:29, Mrk.12:24, Rom.1:20, al.; opposite to μόρφωσις, 2Ti.3:5; in doxologies, Rev.4:11 7:12, al.; ἐν δ., Mrk.9:1, Luk.4:36, Rom.1:4, al.; of the power of performing miracles, Act.6:8, 2Th.2:9; pl., Mat.13:54, Mrk.6:14, Gal.3:5, al.; of the force or meaning of a word (Plat., al.), 1Co.14:11. By meton., of persons or things; __(a) of God, Mat.26:64, Mrk.14:62 (Dalman, Words, 200ff.); __(b) of angels, Rom.8:38, Eph.1:21, 1Pe.3:22; __(with) of armies, pl. [LXX for צְבָאוֹת ], metaphorically, of the stars, Mat.24:29, Mrk.13:25, Luk.21:26; __(d) of that wh. manifests God's power: Christ, 1Co.1:24; τ. εὐαγγέλλιον, Rom.1:16; ἡ δ. τ. κυρίου, 1Co.5:4; __(e) of mighty works (Tr., Syn., §xci), δ. ποιεῖν, Mrk.6:5 9:39; pl., Mat.7:22, Mrk.6:2, Luk.10:13, al.; σημεῖακ. δ., Act.8:13; δ. κ. τέρατα κ. σημεῖα, Act.2:22, 2Co.12:12. SYN.: βία, ἐνέργεια, ἐξουσία, ἰσχύς, κράτος (see Tr., l.with; Cremer, 218, 236; DB, i, 616; iv, 29; DCG, i, 607; ii, 188). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 116 NT verses. KJV: ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work See also: 1 Corinthians 1:18; Luke 1:17; 1 Peter 1:5.

της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

αμαρτιας hamartia G266 "sin" Noun-GSF

Usage: Occurs in 151 NT verses. KJV: offence, sin(-ful) See also: 1 Corinthians 15:3; John 8:34; 1 Peter 2:22.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

νομος nomos G3551 "law" Noun-NSM

The Greek word for law, referring to a set of rules or regulations, such as Moses' law or the law of Christ in Galatians 6:2.

Definition: νόμος, -ου, ὁ (νέμω, to deal out, distribute), [in LXX chiefly for תּוֹרָה, also for חֻקָּה, etc. ;] that which is assigned, hence, usage, custom, then law; in NT (only in Mt, Jo, Ja, and the Lucan and Pauline bks.); __1. of law in general: Rom.3:27 5:13b; pl., of divine laws, Heb.8:10 10:16; ὁ ν. τ. Χριστοῦ, Gal.6:2; (τ.) ἐλευθερίας, Jas.1:25 2:12; βασιλικιός (Hort., in l.; Deiss., LAE, 267:3), Jas.2:8. __2. Of a force or influence impelling to action: Rom.7:21, 23a, 25 8:2. __3. Of the Mosaic law: Mat.5:18, Luk.2:27, Jhn.1:17, Act.6:13, Rom.2:15, 1Co.9:8, 1Ti.1:8, Heb.7:19; al.; Μωυσέως, Luk.2:22, Jhn.7:23, Act.15:5, al.; κυρίου, Luk.2:39; κατὰ τὸν ν., Act.22:12, Heb.7:5 9:22. __4. As printed, Abbott-Smith mistakenly numbers this as 3.Anarthrous (Bl, §46, 8; ICC on Rom.2:12, 13), νόμος, __(a) of law in general: Rom.2:12, 14b 3:20, 21 4:15, al.; __(b) of the Mosaic law in its quality as law: Rom.2:14a 5:20 10:4, Gal.2:19, al.; οἱ ἐκ ν., Rom.4:14; ὑπὸ νόμον, 1Co.9:20, Gal.4:5; ν. πράσσειν (πληροῦν), Rom.2:25 13:8. __5. Of Christian teaching: ν. πίστεως, Rom.3:27; τ. Χριστοῦ, Gal.6:2. __6. By meton., of the books which contain the law; __(a) of the Pentateuch: Mat.12:5, Jhn.1:45, al.; ὁ ν. καὶ οἱ προφῆται, Mat.5:17, Luk.16:16, al.; ὁ ν. καὶ προφῆται κ. ψαλμοί, Luk.24:44. __(b) of the OT Scriptures in general (as Heb. תּוֹרָה): Jhn.10:34 12:34 15:25, 1Co.14:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 157 NT verses. KJV: law See also: 1 Corinthians 7:39; John 7:51; Hebrews 7:5.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 15:56

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Context — Where, O Death, Is Your Victory?

54When 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.” 55“Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?”

56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Romans 4:15	because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression.
2	Galatians 3:10–13	All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” The law, however, is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
3	Romans 7:5–13	For when we lived according to the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, bearing fruit for death. But now, having died to what bound us, we have been released from the law, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been mindful of sin if not for the law. For I would not have been aware of coveting if the law had not said, “Do not covet.” But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from the law, sin is dead. Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. So I discovered that the very commandment that was meant to bring life actually brought death. For sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through the commandment put me to death. So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good. Did that which is good, then, become death to me? Certainly not! But in order that sin might be exposed as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.
4	Romans 6:23	For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
5	John 8:24	That is why I told you that you would die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
6	Romans 5:20	The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more,
7	Romans 5:12–13	Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned. For sin was in the world before the law was given; but sin is not taken into account when there is no law.
8	John 8:21	Again He said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for Me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.”
9	Romans 5:17	For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive an abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
10	Romans 3:19–20	Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.

1 Corinthians 15:56 Summary

This verse explains that the reason death has power over us is because of sin. The law, which is like a set of rules, shows us what sin is and makes us aware of our guilt. But the good news is that through Jesus Christ, we can be free from sin's power, as seen in Romans 8:2. By trusting in Jesus, we can have victory over sin and death, and live a life that honors God, as we see in 1 Corinthians 15:57, 'thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that 'the sting of death is sin'?

This means that sin is the underlying cause of death's power to harm us, as seen in Romans 6:23, which says 'the wages of sin is death'.

How does the law give power to sin?

The law, as mentioned in this verse, reveals our sin and makes us aware of our guilt before God, as stated in Romans 3:20, 'through the law we become conscious of our sin'

Is sin still powerful for believers in Jesus Christ?

While sin still exists, its power over believers has been broken through Jesus Christ, as stated in Romans 8:2, 'the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death'

What role does the law play in the life of a Christian?

The law serves as a guide for living a righteous life, as seen in Psalm 119:105, 'Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path', but it is no longer the basis for our relationship with God, which is now based on faith in Jesus Christ, as in Romans 3:28

Reflection Questions

How does recognizing the 'sting of death' as sin affect my daily life and relationships?
In what ways do I see the power of sin operating in my own life, and how can I surrender those areas to God?
How does understanding the role of the law in giving power to sin help me appreciate the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ?
What are some ways I can cooperate with the Holy Spirit to overcome sin's power in my life?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 15:56

The sting of death is sin,.... Death has a sting, and which was originally in it, and that is sin; sin is the cause of death, it is what has given rise and being to it; it entered into the world by

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 15:56

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. If there were no sin, there would be no death. Man's transgression of the law gives death its lawful power. Strength of sin is the law.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:56

The sting of death is sin; if it were not for sin, death could have no power over man; sin is that which giveth death a power to hurt the children of men: The wages of sin is death, . And the strength of sin is the law; and without the law there could be no transgression. The law is so far from taking away the guilt of sin, that, through the corruption of our natures, strongly inclining us to what is forbidden, it addeth strength to sin; sin taking occasion by the commandment, and working in us all manner of concupiscence.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:56

56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. Ver. 56. The sting of death is sin] Christ having unstinged death, and as it were disarmed it, we may safely now put it into our bosoms, as we may a snake whose sting is pulled out. If it shoot forth now a sting at us, it is but an enchanted sting, as was that of the sorcerers’ serpents. Buzz it may about our ears, as a drone bee; but sting us it cannot. Christ, as he hath taken away not sin itself, but the guilt of sin; so not death itself, but the sting of death.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:56

(56) The sting of death is sin.—Death is pictured as a monster, and it is armed with a sting. Its sting is sin. If there were no sin, death would not be capable of inflicting pain, and the strength of sin springs from the fact that it is the violation of God’s law. (See this thought fully brought out, Romans 5:12; Romans 7:7.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:56

Verse 56. The sting of death is sin] The apostle explains himself particularly here: death could not have entered into the world if sin had not entered first; it was sin that not only introduced death, but has armed him with all his destroying force; the goad or dagger of death is sin; by this both body and soul are slain. The strength of sin is the law.] The law of God forbids all transgression, and sentences those who commit it to temporal and eternal death. Sin has its controlling and binding power from the law. The law curses the transgressor, and provides no help for him; and if nothing else intervene, he must, through it, continue ever under the empire of death.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 15:56

56. the strength of sin is the law] That the sting of death should be sin is very easy to understand. It is not so easy at first sight to account for the introduction here of St Paul’s favourite doctrine (see Romans 7) that ‘the strength of sin is the law.’ Yet the sequence of thought may be discovered. What gives sin its power at that supreme moment is the fact that it is the transgression of the righteous Law of an all-wise and all-holy being. (Romans 7:12; Romans 7:14; 1 Timothy 1:8.)

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 15:56

The sting of death - The sting which death bears; that with which he effects his purpose; that which is made use of to inflict death; or that which is the cause of death. There would be no death without sin.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:56

56. Sting of death is sin—Before Adam’s sin the destroyer slew the lower orders of creation, but had no sting for man; man would attain the resurrection state without death or hades. Note, 1 Corinthians 15:51.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 15:56

	Sermon	Description
	(Gospel in the Book of Esther) 2. Esther at the Court for Her People by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living moment by moment in God's love and receiving life from above. He shares a personal story of a woman who experienced
	The Snare of the Folwer by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a bird caught in a snare to illustrate the predicament of Israel and humanity as a whole. The bird represents humanity, trapped in t
	Faith and Works - Part 2 by Derek Prince	This sermon delves into the essence of sin as the refusal to depend on God, highlighting the root problem of humanity's self-reliance and reluctance to trust in God. It emphasizes
	Thoughts on the Last Battle by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the preacher describes a conqueror on his deathbed, a man who has lived a life of glory and violence. The preacher warns that even in his dying moments, the conquer
	(The Book of Ruth) 4. Boaz and the Nearer Kinsman by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of Jesus' blood to redeem and transform our lives. He emphasizes that Jesus can make something beautiful out of our brokenness and
	Freedom From Sin - Part 4 by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the struggle between a person's self-centered nature and their desire to follow spiritual laws. The speaker emphasizes the importance of good
	Exposition on Psalm 6 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches on Psalm 6, reflecting on the day of judgment and the importance of turning to God in repentance. He delves into the symbolism of the number eight, represent