κέντρον

Strong’s Definition

a point ("center"), i.e., a sting (figuratively, poison) or goad (figuratively, divine impulse)

Etymology & Derivation

from κεντέω (to prick)

KJV Usage

prick, sting

Detailed Definition

From Thayer’s Greek Lexicon outline.

• 1.a sting, as that of bees, scorpions, locusts
• 2.hence the proverb, "to kick against the goad", i.e., to offer vain and perilous or ruinous resistance
• 3.an iron goad, for urging on oxen, horses and other beasts of burden

Scholarly Notes

since animals wound by their sting and even cause death, paul attributes death, personified as a sting, i.e., a deadly weapon.