Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 15:54

What does 1 Corinthians 15:54 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 15:54 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 15:54 means

When the perishable has put on the imperishable and the mortal has put on immortality, then Scripture’s promise is fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” The image is total defeat; death is not negotiated with but devoured. The resurrection completes the triumph begun in Christ’s rising. Believers’ transformation is the moment when death’s apparent successes are reversed forever. This verse turns theology into doxology, inviting the church to celebrate God’s faithfulness to His word. The grave’s boasting ends because God’s life overwhelms it through Jesus Christ, fulfilling His long-declared purpose to redeem His people completely.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when this has taken place, then that which was said in the Writings will come true, Death is overcome by life.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and when this corruptible may have put on incorruption, and this mortal may have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the word that hath been written, `The Death was swallowed up--to victory;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when this mortal hath put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when this corruptible shall have put on incorruptibility, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the word written: Death has been swallowed up in victory.

Context

Following the necessity of transformation (v. 53), Paul celebrates the fulfillment of Scripture at the resurrection (v. 54) and taunts death’s lost sting (v. 55). This marks the crescendo of the chapter’s argument: from gospel facts to logical defense, to ordered hope, to nature of the body, to final victory. The context readies the thanksgiving of v. 57 and the exhortation of v. 58.

v.53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

v.54This passage

v.55O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:10

    when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day.

  • Hebrews 2:14

    Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

  • Luke 20:36

    for neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.

  • Revelation 20:14

    And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, eventhe lake of fire.

  • Romans 8:11

    But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

  • Revelation 21:4

    and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away.

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