What Does the Bible Say About Death?
What Does the Bible Say About Death? The Bible teaches that physical death entered the world through sin, but through Christ, believers have the hope of resurrection and eternal life.
Key verse: 1 Corinthians 15:55-56 (KJV)
The Bible teaches that physical death entered the world through sin, but through Christ, believers have the hope of resurrection and eternal life.
The Bible teaches that physical death entered the world through sin, but through Christ, believers have the hope of resurrection and eternal life.
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law." — 1 Corinthians 15:55-56 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Death is one of the Bible's most addressed topics. Scripture teaches that death was not part of God's original creation — it entered through Adam's sin (Romans 5:12). Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body, while spiritual death is separation from God. For unbelievers, death leads to judgment (Hebrews 9:27). But for believers, death has been transformed by Christ's resurrection. Paul writes, 'O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?' (1 Corinthians 15:55). Jesus called Himself 'the resurrection, and the life' and promised that whoever believes in Him 'shall never die' (John 11:25-26). For Christians, death is described as being 'absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord' (2 Corinthians 5:8). The final enemy to be destroyed is death itself — at Christ's return, believers will receive glorified, immortal bodies, and death will be no more (Revelation 21:4).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Death?
Biblical perspective on death, the afterlife, and the hope of eternal life through Christ.
Key Scripture References
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law."
"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die."
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Happens When You Die According to the Bible?
The Bible teaches that after death, believers are present with the Lord, while unbelievers face judgment.
Is Heaven a Real Place?
Yes — Jesus explicitly said He was going to prepare a place for believers, and Revelation describes heaven in vivid detail.
What Does the Bible Say About Hell?
Hell is described as a place of eternal separation from God, characterized by suffering, darkness, and fire.
What is the New Jerusalem?
The New Jerusalem is the heavenly city described in Revelation 21-22 that will descend from heaven as God's eternal dwelling place with His people.
What does the Bible say about heaven?
Heaven is described as God's dwelling place, a realm of perfect joy, no suffering, and eternal fellowship with God — the ultimate hope for all believers.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Bible Verses About Death
10 curated KJV verses
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 1 Corinthians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Corinthians on day 324 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Death?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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