1 Corinthians 15:57

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

τοῦ which G3588
τοῦ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ But G1161
δὲ But
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 15
but, and, etc
θεῷ be to God G2316
θεῷ be to God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 3 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
χάρις thanks G5485
χάρις thanks
Strong's: G5485
Word #: 4 of 15
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τοῦ which G3588
τοῦ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διδόντι giveth G1325
διδόντι giveth
Strong's: G1325
Word #: 6 of 15
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἡμῖν us G2254
ἡμῖν us
Strong's: G2254
Word #: 7 of 15
to (or for, with, by) us
τοῦ which G3588
τοῦ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νῖκος the victory G3534
νῖκος the victory
Strong's: G3534
Word #: 9 of 15
a conquest (concretely), i.e., (by implication) triumph
διὰ through G1223
διὰ through
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 10 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ which G3588
τοῦ which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου Lord G2962
κυρίου Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 12 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἡμῶν our G2257
ἡμῶν our
Strong's: G2257
Word #: 13 of 15
of (or from) us
Ἰησοῦ Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦ Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 14 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Χριστοῦ Christ G5547
Χριστοῦ Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 15 of 15
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Analysis & Commentary

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (τῷ δὲ θεῷ χάρις τῷ διδόντι ἡμῖν τὸ νῖκος διὰ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ)—The word charis (χάρις, "grace, thanks") is doxological exclamation. The present participle didonti (διδόντι, "giving") indicates God's ongoing gift of victory—not merely past or future but present reality. The noun nikos (νῖκος, "victory") is definite—the victory, the triumph over sin, death, and Satan.

The preposition dia (διά, "through") with genitive indicates agency—victory comes through our Lord Jesus Christ. Not through human effort, wisdom, or strength, but through Christ's death and resurrection. This is grace from beginning to end—God initiates, accomplishes, and applies victory. Believers receive it as gift, not achievement. The full Trinitarian title tou kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou (τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, "our Lord Jesus Christ") emphasizes His deity, messiahship, and personal relationship with believers.

Historical Context

This doxology concludes Paul's resurrection argument with worship. Theological argumentation climaxes in praise—fitting response to resurrection truth is not merely intellectual assent but grateful worship. Early Christian worship was Trinitarian: the Father gives victory through the Son's work, applied by the Spirit (implied in chapter 12).

Questions for Reflection

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