1 Corinthians 15:56
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κέντρον
The sting
G2759
κέντρον
The sting
Strong's:
G2759
Word #:
3 of 14
a point ("center"), i.e., a sting (figuratively, poison) or goad (figuratively, divine impulse)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θανάτου
of death
G2288
θανάτου
of death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
5 of 14
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δύναμις
the strength
G1411
δύναμις
the strength
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
10 of 14
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 4:15Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 5:20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:John 8:24I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.John 8:21Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.Hebrews 9:27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:Proverbs 14:32The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.Romans 5:15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.Romans 5:17For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Historical Context
Paul's theology connects sin, law, and death in Romans 5-7. The law, though holy (Romans 7:12), cannot save—it reveals sin and pronounces death sentence. Christ fulfills the law's demands and bears its curse (Galatians 3:13), liberating believers from condemnation. Resurrection vindicates Christ's atonement—death's sting is removed because sin's penalty is paid.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding sin as death's 'sting' help us see why atonement is necessary for resurrection?
- In what sense does the law give sin its power—why can't law save?
- How does Christ's fulfillment of the law remove death's sting for believers?
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Analysis & Commentary
The sting of death is sin (τὸ δὲ κέντρον τοῦ θανάτου ἡ ἁμαρτία)—Paul explains death's venom: hamartia (ἁμαρτία, "sin"). Death's power derives from sin—"the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23, Genesis 2:17). Sin gives death its lethal authority. Without sin, death has no claim on humanity. Christ's atonement removes sin, thus neutralizing death's sting. Justified believers face physical death but not eternal death—sin's penalty is paid (Romans 8:1).
And the strength of sin is the law (ἡ δὲ δύναμις τῆς ἁμαρτίας ὁ νόμος)—The word dynamis (δύναμις, "power, strength") indicates sin's authority derives from nomos (νόμος, "law"). God's law reveals sin (Romans 3:20, 7:7), defines it, and pronounces its penalty (death). The law gives sin its condemning power. Apart from law, sin is undefined; with law, sin becomes "sinful beyond measure" (Romans 7:13). The gospel frees believers from law's condemnation through Christ's fulfillment (Romans 10:4, Galatians 3:13).