For God so loved the world, He gave His Son
To bear the weight of sin, He bled for us
From Heaven's highest place, He took the fall
And there was just one life, laid down for all
Death, where is your sting?
Grave, where is your victory?
He's alive, He's alive
He is risen!
Behold the vacant tomb that held our Lord
That grave became the stage for Heaven's glory
And behold the Risen King in open skies
He is the Resurrection, He is the life
Death, where is your sting?
Grave, where is your victory?
He's alive, He's alive
He is risen!
No weapon formed against us will prosper
The gates of hell won't stand
Your Church will rise from glory to glory
In the name of Jesus
No weapon formed against us will prosper
The gates of hell won't stand
Your Church will rise from glory to glory
In the name of Jesus
Death, where is your sting?
Grave, where is your victory?
He's alive, He's alive
He is risen!
Death, where is your sting?
Grave, where is your victory?
He's alive, He's alive
He is risen!
Death Where Is Your Sting (Official Lyric Video)
Death Where Is Your Sting Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Cory Asbury’s song "Death Where Is Your Sting," released with its official lyric video on January 25, 2018, steps directly into one of the most profound declarations of Christian faith: the defeat of death. Rather than dwelling on the fear or finality often associated with death, the song boldly challenges its power, echoing ancient prophetic and apostolic pronouncements. The essence of the piece is a celebration of Christ's resurrection and the victory it secures for those who believe, transforming death from a terrifying end into a conquered foe.
The heart of this song is anchored in the powerful question originally posed in Scripture. It draws heavily from 1 Corinthians 15, particularly verses 54 through 57, where the Apostle Paul, quoting from Hosea 13:14, declares, "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." This biblical passage serves as the foundational text, explaining *why* death has lost its sting – because sin, which gives death its power, has been overcome through Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. The song translates this theological truth into a personal and collective anthem of triumph. It reminds anyone listening that because Christ died and rose again, death is not the end of the story, but a passage through which believers are led into eternal life with Him. This isn't just abstract doctrine; it's the basis for hope in the face of loss and the promise of future resurrection.
Musically, the song builds a sense of quiet reflection into powerful, confident declaration. It often begins with a more somber or thoughtful tone, perhaps acknowledging the reality of death, before swelling into an anthemic chorus that resonates with the assurance of victory. The melody and instrumentation typically support this journey from contemplation to exultation, creating an atmosphere that is both reverent and triumphant. This musical arc mirrors the biblical narrative: the somber reality of the cross followed by the glorious dawn of the resurrection. The repeated questioning of death and the grave isn't born of doubt, but of absolute certainty in Christ's finished work, turning an ancient taunt into a resounding testimony of deliverance from mortality's grip and the fear it instills.
Overall, "Death Where Is Your Sting" functions not just as a song, but as a statement of faith. It compels individuals to consider the profound implications of the resurrection – that because Jesus lives, the ultimate enemy has been disarmed. It serves as a powerful reminder, particularly in moments of grief or uncertainty about the future, that the believer's hope is secured not in human strength or earthly promises, but in the irrefutable victory won on Easter morning. Through its direct connection to foundational Scripture and its stirring musical expression, the song effectively communicates a message of enduring hope and the profound peace found in knowing that for those in Christ, death is not an ending, but an entry into eternal life, its sting forever removed by the love and power of God.
