1 Corinthians 15:56 Meaning and Explanation
“The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Sin gives death its sting, and the law gives sin its strength.
What Does 1 Corinthians 15:56 Mean?
Paul pauses to explain what gave death its power. The sting of death is sin, for it is sin that makes death fearful and final. And the strength of sin is the law, which exposes wrongdoing and brings its sentence. He traces the deadly chain to its root.
Understanding this makes the victory shine all the brighter. If sin is death's sting, then the One who deals with sin removes the sting itself. For the reader, this verse names the enemy precisely so the triumph can be felt fully. Christ has addressed sin, and so death's sharpest weapon is taken away. The next verse will burst into thanks for that very victory.
1 Corinthians 15:56 in the Original Language
hamartia (ἁμαρτία), 'sin' -- wrongdoing, the missing of the mark, which gives death its sting.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians 15:56
What does 1 Corinthians 15:56 mean?
Sin gives death its sting, and the law gives sin its strength.