- Home
- Bible
- 1 Corinthians
- Chapter 15
- Verse 15
1 Corinthians 15:55
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? - Που σου, Θανατε, το κεντρον· που σου, ᾁδη, το νικος· These words are generally supposed to be taken from Hos 13:14, where the Hebrew text stands thus: אהי דבריך מות אהי קטבך שאול ehi debareyca maueth; ehikatabca sheol: which we translate, O death! I will be thy plagues; O grave! I will be thy destruction; and which the Septuagint translate very nearly as the apostle, που ἡ δικη σου, Θαντε; που το κεντρον σον, ᾁδη; O death, where is thy revenge, or judicial process? O grave, where is thy sting? And it may be remarked that almost all the MSS., versions, and many of the fathers, interchange the two members of this sentence as they appear in the Septuagint, attributing victory to death; and the sting, to hades or the grave; only the Septuagint, probably by mistake or corruption of copyists, have δικη, dike, revenge or a judicial process, for νικος, nikos, victory: a mistake which the similarity of the words, both in letters and sound, might readily produce. We may observe, also, that the אהי ehi (I will be) of the Hebrew text the Septuagint, and the apostle following them, have translated που, where, as if the word had been written איה where, the two last letters interchanged; but אהי ehi, is rendered where in other places; and our translators, in the 10th verse of this same chapter (Hos 13:10) render אהי מלך ehi malca, "I will be thy king," but have this note in the margin, "Rather, where is thy king? King Hoshea being then in prison." The apostle, therefore, and the Septuagint, are sufficiently vindicated by the use of the word elsewhere: and the best Jewish commentators allow this use of the word. The Targum, Syriac, Arabic, Vulgate, and some MSS. of Kennicott and De Rossi, confirm this reading. Having vindicated the translation, it is necessary to inquire into the meaning of the apostle's expressions. Both Death and Hades are here personified: Death is represented as having a sting, dagger, or goad, by which, like the driver of oxen, he is continually irritating and urging on; (these irritations are the diseases by which men are urged on till they fall into Hades, the empire of Death); to Hades, victory is attributed, having overcome and conquered all human life, and subdued all to its own empire. By the transposition of these two members of the sentence, the victory is given to Death, who has extinguished all human life; and the sting is given to Hades, as in his empire the evil of death is fully displayed by the extinction of all animal life, and the destruction of all human bodies. We have often seen a personification of death in ancient paintings - a skeleton crowned, with a dart in his hand; probably taken from the apostle's description. The Jews represent the angel of death as having a sword, from which deadly drops of gall fall into the mouths of all men. Hades, which we here translate grave, is generally understood to be the place of separate spirits. See the note on Mat 11:23.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Quoted from Hos 13:14, substantially; but freely used by the warrant of the Spirit by which Paul wrote. The Hebrew may be translated, "O death, where are thy plagues? Where, O Hades, is thy destruction?" The Septuagint, "Where is thy victory (literally, in a lawsuit), O death? Where is thy sting, O Hades? . . . Sting" answers to the Hebrew "plagues," namely, a poisoned sting causing plagues. Appropriate, as to the old serpent (Gen 3:14-15; Num 21:6). "Victory" answers to the Hebrew "destruction." Compare Isa 25:7, "destroy . . . veil . . . over all nations," namely, victoriously destroy it; and to "in victory" (Co1 15:54), which he triumphantly repeats. The "where" implies their past victorious destroying power and sting, now gone for ever; obtained through Satan's triumph over man in Eden, which enlisted God's law on the side of Satan and death against man (Rom 5:12, Rom 5:17, Rom 5:21). The souls in Hades being freed by the resurrection, death's sting and victory are gone. For "O grave," the oldest manuscripts and versions read, "O death," the second time.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore my beloved brethren,.... This is the conclusion of the whole, and contains the use the apostle makes of the above doctrine, addressing the saints at Corinth in the most tender and affectionate manner; owning the spiritual relation they stood in to him, and expressing the great love he had for them, which filled him with a concern for them, that they might be both sound in principle, and right in practice, and continue so: be ye steadfast, unmoveable; in all the doctrines of the Gospel, and particularly in this of the resurrection of the dead, which he had been labouring throughout the whole chapter: always abounding in the work of the Lord; going on in it, being more and more in the practice of it; either in the work of the ministry, which some of them were in, to which the Lord had called them, and for which he had fitted and qualified them, and in which his glory was greatly concerned, and therefore called his work; or any other work, even all good works, which the Lord commands, requires, calls his people to, and strengthens them to perform: which when they do they may be said to abound, and to be fruitful in every good work: and for their encouragement it is added, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord; the labour of such who were in the ministry was not in vain, but was by the Lord made useful for the conversion of sinners, and the edification of saints, who would be their joy, and crown of rejoicing another day; and which must be no small encouragement to labour; and labour in any kind of good work has here its usefulness: it is profitable unto men, and though not meritorious of eternal life, yet the good works of the saints will follow them; Christ will not forget their work and labour of love which they have shown to his name and people, but will take notice of them as fruits of his own grace, and bestow his rewards upon them, though not in a way of debt, but of grace; which the doctrine of the resurrection assures of, and encourages to hope for; and so must he a friend to the practice of good works, as the contrary doctrine must be an obstruction to them. Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 16
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:55 This quotation (Hos 13:14) assures believers that they have nothing to fear from death. • Death is like the sting of a scorpion.
1 Corinthians 15:55
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?”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Seven Words From the Cross - Submission
By Warren Wiersbe4.0K35:00PSA 31:2MAT 26:45MAT 26:50LUK 23:44ACT 2:231CO 15:55In this sermon, the speaker discusses the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. He highlights the significance of the three statements Jesus made before his death: "I thirst," "It is finished," and "Father into thy hands I commend my spirit." These statements represent the suffering of Jesus' body, the completion of his sacrifice for sin, and the release of his spirit. The speaker also mentions the miracles that occurred during Jesus' crucifixion, such as the darkness and the tearing of the temple veil. He emphasizes that these events were not accidental but part of God's plan. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that Jesus' death solved the problems of sin, law, and death, and that through him, believers have victory over these challenges.
a.w. Tozer Reading Poetry
By A.W. Tozer2.9K08:19PoetryPSA 95:6ISA 53:51CO 15:55EPH 4:8PHP 2:9COL 2:15REV 5:12The sermon transcript is a prayer-like invocation to God, asking for His guidance and power. The speaker asks for strength to overcome sin and to spread the message of salvation. The sermon emphasizes the victory of Christ over death and the power of His sacrifice to free believers from sin. The speaker also prays for the preacher, asking for protection from the devil and for his words to be impactful in convicting sinners. The sermon concludes with a plea for God to intervene in the lives of those who are on the path to destruction.
Bristol Conference 1964 (Apostasy) - Part 3
By William MacDonald2.5K1:06:16ApostasyJHN 14:21CO 15:521CO 15:551TH 4:131TH 4:16REV 21:4REV 22:20The video is a recording of a sermon where the congregation is singing a song called "Oh, What a Day You Are." The song praises God and expresses excitement for the day when Jesus, the King, will come and bring all believers to their eternal home. The congregation sings the song multiple times, with the ladies and gentlemen taking turns. The sermon also reminds the congregation about a meeting in the morning and emphasizes the importance of trusting in Jesus for everlasting life.
Teach Us to Number Our Days Part 1
By Keith Daniel1.7K47:47PSA 116:15ROM 8:1ROM 8:221CO 15:261CO 15:55HEB 2:9HEB 9:271JN 3:14REV 14:13This sermon delves into the inevitability of death and the importance of being prepared for the afterlife. It emphasizes the brevity of life, the reality of facing judgment after death, and the need for faith in Jesus Christ to overcome the fear of death and find eternal peace. The speaker shares personal stories and biblical truths to highlight the significance of being saved and living with the assurance of salvation.
Spurgeon a New Biography #7
By C.H. Spurgeon1.6K35:12MAT 24:44JHN 3:16JHN 14:61CO 15:55EPH 2:8PHP 1:23HEB 9:27The sermon transcripts describe the funeral service and interment of a pastor named Spurgeon. The sermon was preached by Dr. Pearson, who spoke of Spurgeon's genius in the intellectual, moral, and spiritual spheres. The transcripts also mention the impact Spurgeon had on others, infusing his love for souls into the hearts of missionary workers and inspiring them to bring members to the church. The sermon emphasizes Spurgeon's ability to meet people where they were and bring them to a place of joy and redemption.
The Resurrection Credible
By C.H. Spurgeon1.4K51:50EXO 8:23JHN 5:28JHN 6:40JHN 10:261CO 15:552CO 5:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incomprehensible nature of the word of God and the difficulty in fully understanding it. He argues that there are no perfect analogies in nature to support the truth of the word of God. While some may compare sleep to death and awakening to resurrection, the analogy falls short as sleep still involves life. The preacher acknowledges the sorrow and tears that come with death, but encourages believers to rejoice in the promise of eternal rest for the faithful. He concludes by urging listeners to hold on to the truth of God's word and to separate themselves from those who reject it.
How Satan Destroys a Church - Part 2 (How Satan Destroys by Dividing)
By Don Courville1.3K55:05Spiritual WarfareGEN 3:8JDG 7:19MAT 6:33ROM 8:371CO 15:55EPH 5:211PE 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and agreement in relationships. He uses the analogy of a car engine to illustrate the need to address any issues or disagreements immediately, as they can lead to bigger problems down the road. The preacher also discusses the concept of rebellion, stating that any disobedience or non-submission is considered rebellion against God. He then delves into how Satan tries to destroy the church by dividing believers, using the example of the enemy's tactics in the Genesis account. The sermon concludes with a prayer expressing gratitude for God's love and the hope that comes from experiencing trials and hardships.
Mid South Conference 1981-03 the People of Israel
By Aldy Fam Fanous93938:32IsraelMAT 11:28JHN 1:231CO 15:552CO 3:18EPH 1:142TH 2:131JN 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that believers are called to obtain the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. He compares the temporary joy people experience when winning money to the eternal glory that believers are called to obtain. The speaker also mentions the positive reception of their broadcast throughout the Arab world, with millions of people listening to each program. He highlights the importance of spending time in fellowship with the Lord to show His glory both in the present and in the future. The speaker also briefly discusses the concept of being created in God's image, using the analogy of looking at oneself in a mirror.
The Other Side of the Stone
By Gary Wilkerson0MAT 27:59JHN 10:10JHN 20:19ROM 8:11ROM 8:371CO 15:552CO 5:17HEB 12:21PE 5:81JN 4:4Gary Wilkerson preaches about the hopelessness felt by Jesus' followers after His crucifixion, emphasizing how they saw only defeat and despair with the stone sealing the tomb. He reflects on the disciples' doubt and fear, not knowing the end of the story, and how many Christians today face trials feeling like there's no hope beyond their circumstances. Wilkerson highlights the unseen work of God on the other side of the stone, where Jesus is actively bringing victory, healing, and restoration in the midst of darkness and despair.
That Through Death He Might Destroy Him
By C.H. Spurgeon0Hope in EternityVictory over Death1CO 15:55HEB 2:14C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that for the child of God, death has lost its sting because Christ has conquered it, urging believers to embrace death with joy rather than fear. He encourages a deep understanding of Jesus' sacrifice to find strength in facing death, portraying it as a sweet return home rather than a banishment. Spurgeon reassures that the transition from life to eternity is instantaneous, comparing it to a ship swiftly reaching its haven after a storm. He reminds believers that death is merely a passage to glory, where they will be present with the Lord. Ultimately, he calls on Christians to view death as a covenant blessing and a joyful reunion with loved ones in heaven.
The Flock Passing Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death
By John MacDuff0PSA 23:4ROM 8:381CO 15:552CO 5:8HEB 13:5REV 21:4John MacDuff preaches on the well-known verse from Psalms 23:4, highlighting the comforting imagery of walking through the valley of the shadow of death with God's presence as a Shepherd guiding and comforting believers. He delves into the symbolism of the valley, the assurance of God's presence, and the twofold support of faith and God's promises that provide comfort in facing death. MacDuff emphasizes the victory over death through Christ's sacrifice, the importance of seeking God's companionship throughout life, and the hope of entering into eternal life beyond the valley of death.
Rev. 20:14. Death and the Grave
By Horatius Bonar0Hope of ResurrectionVictory over DeathPSA 6:5SNG 8:6ISA 38:18HOS 13:14JHN 11:25ROM 5:121CO 15:551TH 4:142TI 1:10REV 20:14Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 20:14, emphasizing God's ultimate victory over death and the grave, which are personified as twin enemies of humanity. He explains that death and the grave, having caused immense suffering and sorrow, will be cast into the lake of fire, symbolizing God's abhorrence of these forces and His determination to abolish them forever. Bonar highlights that God shares our disdain for death, viewing it as a criminal that disrupts His creation and inflicts pain upon His people. The sermon reassures believers of the hope of resurrection and eternal life, affirming that through Christ's victory, death will be rendered powerless. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a celebration of life and the promise of resurrection, as God will redeem His people from the clutches of death.
Thoughts on 1 Corinthians 15.
By William Kelly0ROM 5:8ROM 8:371CO 15:55EPH 2:41PE 1:31JN 4:9William Kelly preaches about the profound significance of Christ's death and resurrection, emphasizing that sin was not a mere accident but a deliberate act of God's enemy to oppose Him. Despite the evil in the world, God allowed it to showcase His depths of love, grace, and goodness in the midst of darkness. Through Christ's victory over sin and death, believers stand on the imperishable rock of ages, experiencing God's compassion and mercy amidst trials and tribulations, with the assurance of future glory and eternal blessings.
On the Believer's Aim and Hope
By Thomas Reade0JHN 14:151CO 15:55PHP 1:21COL 3:171JN 2:61JN 3:2Thomas Reade preaches about the believer's aim and hope, emphasizing the beauty and glory of human redemption through Jesus Christ. He highlights the importance of living a life devoted to Christ, seeking to promote His glory in all aspects. Reade encourages believers to set their minds on Christ, follow His example, and eagerly anticipate the eternal joy and gain that comes with being in His presence. He also discusses the believer's journey towards holiness, the victory over sin through the power of Christ, and the ultimate hope of everlasting happiness in heaven.
Daily Dying Takes the Place of Final Death.
By Francois Fenelon0LUK 9:231CO 15:55GAL 2:20PHP 2:3Francois Fenelon emphasizes the concept of daily dying as a means to prepare for the final death. He highlights the importance of bearing our crosses, with self being the greatest one, and the need to rid ourselves of selfishness by learning to tolerate and support ourselves and others. Fenelon encourages daily self-reflection and humility to diminish the fear of death and anxieties driven by self-love, ultimately leading to a peaceful acceptance of the final transition.
Aaron's Rod That Budded
By George Warnock0EXO 7:10NUM 16:1NUM 17:1ROM 6:51CO 15:55George Warnock preaches about the controversy in Israel over the authority of God's priests, highlighting how God vindicated Moses and Aaron by opening the ground to swallow the gainsayers and sending a plague on the murmurers. He emphasizes that God always vindicates His chosen ones and gives authority to His servants who least desire it. Moses ordained a test with rods to settle the matter, where Aaron's rod miraculously brought forth buds, blossoms, and almonds overnight, symbolizing resurrection life in Christ and His people.
Iv. the Catacombs
By Martyrs of the Catacombs0PSA 23:4JHN 8:12ROM 8:381CO 15:55REV 21:4In the sermon 'No light, but rather darkness visible,' the preacher explores the journey of Marcellus, a Roman soldier, as he ventures into the catacombs to seek out the persecuted Christians. Despite the darkness and danger, Marcellus is drawn by a desire to uncover the secrets of these Christians and is moved by their unwavering faith and hope even in the face of death. As he witnesses a Christian gathering in the catacombs, Marcellus is touched by their songs of praise, prayers for forgiveness, and belief in the victory over death through Jesus Christ. The preacher delves into Marcellus' internal struggle as he grapples with the newfound revelations and the profound impact of encountering the persecuted Christians in the depths of the catacombs.
The Resurrection (Mark Xvi, 1-14)
By Seth Rees0EXO 14:13PSA 34:17MRK 16:14ROM 8:311CO 15:552CO 12:91TH 4:16HEB 1:14Seth Rees preaches about the devotion and love of the women who journeyed to the sepulcher to anoint Jesus, facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles like the great stone, Hebrew seal, and Roman Guard, which represent the difficulties in our Christian lives. He emphasizes that just as the stone was rolled away from the tomb, God can remove all our obstacles and challenges, no matter how great they may seem, through the resurrected Christ. Rees encourages believers to trust in God's power to overcome inert obstacles, break authority, and defeat living forces that hinder their progress, reminding them that God is always faithful to deliver at the right time.
The Funeral
By Thomas Brooks0Victory over DeathEternal LifePSA 116:15ISA 25:8JHN 11:25ROM 8:181CO 15:552CO 5:1PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 2:14REV 21:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for a Christian, death signifies the end of all earthly struggles such as sins, sorrows, and afflictions, while simultaneously marking the beginning of eternal joys and the fulfillment of hopes. He highlights that death leads to a deeper and more perfect communion with God, allowing believers to triumph over the fear of death. This understanding inspires Christians to boldly proclaim the victory over death, echoing the words, 'O death! where is your sting? O grave! where is your victory?'
No Real Death
By D.L. Moody0Victory over DeathEternal LifePSA 91:16JHN 11:25JHN 14:19ROM 8:381CO 15:552CO 5:1PHP 3:201TH 4:14HEB 2:14REV 21:4D.L. Moody emphasizes that through Jesus Christ, death has been conquered, and believers can confidently proclaim that they will never truly die. He reflects on the promise of eternal life, asserting that physical death is merely a transition to a glorious existence with Christ. Moody encourages his listeners to understand that their true life is secure in Christ, and even when they hear of a believer's death, it is simply a movement to a higher, immortal state. He draws parallels with biblical figures like Moses and Elijah, who experienced transformation and glorification, reinforcing the hope of a new, incorruptible body for all who are in Christ.
The Soul in Prison
By John Henry Jowett0PSA 107:13PSA 142:7ISA 61:1JHN 11:251CO 15:55John Henry Jowett preaches about the different 'prison-houses' we may find ourselves in: the prison-house of sin, sorrow, and death. He emphasizes that only the Lord has the power to deliver us from these dark and suffocating places, whether it be the haunting shapes of our iniquities, the cold walls of grief, or the gate of death. Jowett encourages trust in the Lord as the one who can bring us out of these prisons and lead us into the realm of eternal day.
Exposition on Psalm 126
By St. Augustine0PSA 125:1MAT 15:10LUK 10:30LUK 10:35ROM 7:141CO 15:55St. Augustine preaches about how man came into captivity through sin, being sold under sin by their own consent. However, redemption comes through faith in righteousness, as innocent blood was shed for the redemption of sinners. The Lord's act of turning back the captivity of Sion symbolizes the joy and comfort believers experience when freed from sin and restored to righteousness. He emphasizes the importance of guarding the heart and sowing good works in tears, knowing that they will reap joy in due time.
Christ and the Fear of Death
By George H. Morrison0PSA 23:4JHN 11:25ROM 8:11CO 15:552CO 5:8George H. Morrison delves into the two primary feelings evoked by the thought of death: curiosity and fear. He explores how curiosity about the unknown beyond death and the universal fear of dying have been ingrained in human hearts since ancient times. Morrison emphasizes that while the fear of death may lie dormant during times of joy or passion, it resurfaces in moments of crisis, serving a purpose in God's plan. He highlights how Jesus Christ addresses and alleviates the fear of death by offering comfort, assurance of eternal life beyond the grave, and freedom from the dread of judgment through His sacrificial love.
What Will You Do in the Last Conflict?
By James Smith0JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 8:371CO 15:55HEB 9:27James Smith preaches about the final conflict of death that each person must face alone, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to conquer death through faith in Jesus Christ. He contrasts the victory of a believer who relies on the blood, word, and presence of Jesus to the dreadful fate of an unsaved sinner who faces death without a Savior. Smith urges sinners to submit, accept God's invitation, confess sins, and believe in Jesus for salvation without delay, highlighting the urgency of being prepared for the last conflict.
Lxix. to a Christian Gentlewoman, on Her Death-Bed
By Samuel Rutherford0ROM 8:381CO 15:55PHP 1:211TH 4:17REV 21:4Samuel Rutherford preaches about the comforting assurance of Christ's presence in the face of death, emphasizing that for believers, death is a friendly dissolution and a passage to be with Jesus. He encourages the congregation to find joy in the thought of being with Christ in the afterlife, where they will experience His magnificence and love in ways beyond earthly comprehension. Rutherford assures them that in death, they will not lose anything of value, but gain the sweetest fellowship with Christ, free from the pains of this world.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? - Που σου, Θανατε, το κεντρον· που σου, ᾁδη, το νικος· These words are generally supposed to be taken from Hos 13:14, where the Hebrew text stands thus: אהי דבריך מות אהי קטבך שאול ehi debareyca maueth; ehikatabca sheol: which we translate, O death! I will be thy plagues; O grave! I will be thy destruction; and which the Septuagint translate very nearly as the apostle, που ἡ δικη σου, Θαντε; που το κεντρον σον, ᾁδη; O death, where is thy revenge, or judicial process? O grave, where is thy sting? And it may be remarked that almost all the MSS., versions, and many of the fathers, interchange the two members of this sentence as they appear in the Septuagint, attributing victory to death; and the sting, to hades or the grave; only the Septuagint, probably by mistake or corruption of copyists, have δικη, dike, revenge or a judicial process, for νικος, nikos, victory: a mistake which the similarity of the words, both in letters and sound, might readily produce. We may observe, also, that the אהי ehi (I will be) of the Hebrew text the Septuagint, and the apostle following them, have translated που, where, as if the word had been written איה where, the two last letters interchanged; but אהי ehi, is rendered where in other places; and our translators, in the 10th verse of this same chapter (Hos 13:10) render אהי מלך ehi malca, "I will be thy king," but have this note in the margin, "Rather, where is thy king? King Hoshea being then in prison." The apostle, therefore, and the Septuagint, are sufficiently vindicated by the use of the word elsewhere: and the best Jewish commentators allow this use of the word. The Targum, Syriac, Arabic, Vulgate, and some MSS. of Kennicott and De Rossi, confirm this reading. Having vindicated the translation, it is necessary to inquire into the meaning of the apostle's expressions. Both Death and Hades are here personified: Death is represented as having a sting, dagger, or goad, by which, like the driver of oxen, he is continually irritating and urging on; (these irritations are the diseases by which men are urged on till they fall into Hades, the empire of Death); to Hades, victory is attributed, having overcome and conquered all human life, and subdued all to its own empire. By the transposition of these two members of the sentence, the victory is given to Death, who has extinguished all human life; and the sting is given to Hades, as in his empire the evil of death is fully displayed by the extinction of all animal life, and the destruction of all human bodies. We have often seen a personification of death in ancient paintings - a skeleton crowned, with a dart in his hand; probably taken from the apostle's description. The Jews represent the angel of death as having a sword, from which deadly drops of gall fall into the mouths of all men. Hades, which we here translate grave, is generally understood to be the place of separate spirits. See the note on Mat 11:23.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Quoted from Hos 13:14, substantially; but freely used by the warrant of the Spirit by which Paul wrote. The Hebrew may be translated, "O death, where are thy plagues? Where, O Hades, is thy destruction?" The Septuagint, "Where is thy victory (literally, in a lawsuit), O death? Where is thy sting, O Hades? . . . Sting" answers to the Hebrew "plagues," namely, a poisoned sting causing plagues. Appropriate, as to the old serpent (Gen 3:14-15; Num 21:6). "Victory" answers to the Hebrew "destruction." Compare Isa 25:7, "destroy . . . veil . . . over all nations," namely, victoriously destroy it; and to "in victory" (Co1 15:54), which he triumphantly repeats. The "where" implies their past victorious destroying power and sting, now gone for ever; obtained through Satan's triumph over man in Eden, which enlisted God's law on the side of Satan and death against man (Rom 5:12, Rom 5:17, Rom 5:21). The souls in Hades being freed by the resurrection, death's sting and victory are gone. For "O grave," the oldest manuscripts and versions read, "O death," the second time.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore my beloved brethren,.... This is the conclusion of the whole, and contains the use the apostle makes of the above doctrine, addressing the saints at Corinth in the most tender and affectionate manner; owning the spiritual relation they stood in to him, and expressing the great love he had for them, which filled him with a concern for them, that they might be both sound in principle, and right in practice, and continue so: be ye steadfast, unmoveable; in all the doctrines of the Gospel, and particularly in this of the resurrection of the dead, which he had been labouring throughout the whole chapter: always abounding in the work of the Lord; going on in it, being more and more in the practice of it; either in the work of the ministry, which some of them were in, to which the Lord had called them, and for which he had fitted and qualified them, and in which his glory was greatly concerned, and therefore called his work; or any other work, even all good works, which the Lord commands, requires, calls his people to, and strengthens them to perform: which when they do they may be said to abound, and to be fruitful in every good work: and for their encouragement it is added, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord; the labour of such who were in the ministry was not in vain, but was by the Lord made useful for the conversion of sinners, and the edification of saints, who would be their joy, and crown of rejoicing another day; and which must be no small encouragement to labour; and labour in any kind of good work has here its usefulness: it is profitable unto men, and though not meritorious of eternal life, yet the good works of the saints will follow them; Christ will not forget their work and labour of love which they have shown to his name and people, but will take notice of them as fruits of his own grace, and bestow his rewards upon them, though not in a way of debt, but of grace; which the doctrine of the resurrection assures of, and encourages to hope for; and so must he a friend to the practice of good works, as the contrary doctrine must be an obstruction to them. Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 16
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:55 This quotation (Hos 13:14) assures believers that they have nothing to fear from death. • Death is like the sting of a scorpion.