From G2759 root (kenteo, 'to prick/goad'). Kentron refers to a sharp point used for goading animals, a bee's sting, or any piercing point. Used powerfully in the resurrection triumph of 1 Corinthians 15.
Paul's resurrection doxology in 1 Corinthians 15:55โ56 taunts death with its own powerlessness: 'O death, where is thy sting (kentron)?' A bee whose sting has been removed is harmless. Christ, in dying, drew death's kentron โ received the full puncture of sin's penalty โ and in rising, disarmed death permanently. The kentron of death is sin; the strength of sin is the law (v.56). But Christ perfectly fulfilled the law and paid sin's penalty, removing both the legal basis and the lethal power of death. Also notably, Jesus tells Paul on the Damascus road: 'It is hard for thee to kick against the kentra' โ God's goading purposes cannot be resisted.