1 Corinthians 15:25

KJV

For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} he {G846} must {G1163} reign {G936}, till {G891}{G3739} he hath put {G302}{G5087} all {G3956} enemies {G2190} under {G5259} his {G846} feet {G4228}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he has to rule until he puts all his enemies under his feet.

Berean Standard Bible

For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.

American Standard Version

For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Declares the divine necessity and duration of Christ's present reign, asserting that He "must reign" until all opposing forces, including sin, spiritual powers, and ultimately death, are completely subdued and placed "under his feet." This verse is a foundational statement within Paul's comprehensive argument for the bodily resurrection of Christ and its implications for the future resurrection of believers, emphasizing Christ's active, sovereign authority as a crucial phase in God's redemptive plan that culminates in the full subjection of all things to the Father.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical component of Paul's extensive theological treatise on the resurrection in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter"). Having established the historical reality of Christ's resurrection as the "firstfruits of those who sleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as Firstfruits")), Paul proceeds to explain the cosmic order and ultimate trajectory of God's redemptive plan. The preceding verses ([1 Corinthians 15:21-24](/1_corinthians/15-21-24 "1 Corinthians 15:21-24 - Adam, Christ, and the End")) describe the parallel between Adam's bringing death and Christ's bringing life, leading to the ultimate "end" when Christ delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying all rule, authority, and power. Verse 25 then elaborates on the *reason* and *duration* of Christ's reign preceding this ultimate surrender, highlighting its necessity for the complete subjugation of all enemies. It sets the stage for the identification of death as the "last enemy" in [1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - Death, the Last Enemy").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience in Corinth was a diverse group, including both Jews and Gentiles, living in a major Roman provincial capital. The concept of resurrection was contentious; some Greek philosophical traditions, like Platonism, viewed the body as a prison and saw no value in its resurrection. Jewish thought, while generally affirming resurrection, had various interpretations. Paul's argument for a *bodily* resurrection was therefore counter-cultural to some, yet rooted in Old Testament prophetic expectations. The imagery of placing enemies "under his feet" ([Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah's Reign")) was a common ancient Near Eastern idiom signifying total conquest, humiliation, and dominion. Victorious kings would literally place their foot on the necks of defeated foes. This imagery would have been instantly recognizable to Paul's audience as a symbol of absolute triumph and sovereignty, connecting Christ's reign to the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") is saturated with several profound themes. The primary theme is the **Resurrection of the Dead**, both Christ's and that of believers, as central to Christian faith and hope. This verse contributes to the theme of **Christ's Present Reign and Sovereignty**, affirming His active rule from His ascension until the consummation of all things. It underscores the **Necessity of God's Redemptive Plan**, emphasizing that Christ's reign is not optional but a divinely ordained prerequisite for the ultimate defeat of all evil. Furthermore, it highlights the **Ultimate Victory Over All Enemies**, especially sin, spiritual powers, and death, which is explicitly named as the "last enemy" in [1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - Death, the Last Enemy"). This cosmic victory ensures the restoration of God's rightful order and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **must (Greek, _deî'_):** From G1163, this word signifies a divine necessity or obligation. It indicates that Christ's reign is not merely a possibility or a temporary state, but an essential, preordained, and unchangeable part of God's eternal purpose and redemptive plan. It conveys a sense of divine imperative and destiny.
* **reign (Greek, _basileúō'_):** From G936, meaning "to rule" or "to be king." This term emphasizes Christ's active, authoritative, and sovereign rule from His ascension. It is not a passive or symbolic reign, but one of dynamic power and effective governance over all creation, specifically directed towards the subjugation of all opposing forces.
* **enemies (Greek, _echthrós'_):** From G2190, denoting someone hateful or hostile, an adversary. In this context, "enemies" encompasses all forces that oppose God's will and kingdom, including sin, spiritual powers (demons, Satan), and ultimately, death itself, as clarified in the subsequent verse. It represents everything that stands in opposition to God's life-giving and righteous reign.
* **put (Greek, _títhēmi'_):** From G5087, meaning "to place" or "to set." Here, it implies an active, decisive act of subjugation. Christ is not merely waiting for enemies to be defeated, but actively placing them under His authority, signifying a complete and forceful conquest. The imagery of "putting under his feet" reinforces this active, triumphant action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he must reign,"**: This opening clause establishes the absolute necessity and divine imperative of Christ's kingship. The Greek word `deî` (must) underscores that Christ's reign is not optional but is a fundamental, preordained aspect of God's plan for cosmic redemption and the defeat of all evil. It speaks to the ongoing, active, and authoritative rule of the ascended Christ.
* **"till he hath put all enemies"**: This phrase specifies the duration and purpose of Christ's reign. It is a reign with a specific objective and a defined endpoint: the complete and utter subjugation of every opposing force. "All enemies" is comprehensive, encompassing everything that stands in rebellion against God's sovereignty, including spiritual powers, human systems, and the ultimate adversary, death.
* **"under his feet."**: This powerful idiom, deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern and Old Testament imagery (e.g., [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah's Reign")), signifies total conquest, humiliation, and absolute dominion. It means that Christ will decisively and completely overcome, defeat, and bring into submission every single enemy, leaving no opposition standing. It portrays a final, definitive victory.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Allusion** is central, as the phrase "till he hath put all enemies under his feet" is a direct and powerful echo of [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah's Reign"), a foundational Messianic prophecy. This allusion connects Christ's reign directly to Old Testament expectations of the conquering Messiah, affirming His divine authority and destiny. **Metaphor** is evident in the imagery of placing enemies "under his feet," which is not to be taken literally but symbolically represents total subjugation, absolute victory, and complete dominion. This **Symbolism** of the footstool conveys humiliation for the defeated and ultimate triumph for the victor. The use of "must" (Greek, `deî`) functions as a **Divine Imperative**, highlighting the theological necessity and unshakeable certainty of Christ's reign and ultimate victory, underscoring God's sovereign plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - The Reign of Christ") is a profound theological statement affirming Christ's active, sovereign reign as an essential phase in God's redemptive history. It underscores the ongoing cosmic battle against evil and the assured victory of God through His Son. This reign is not merely a passive sitting at the Father's right hand but an active process of bringing all things into subjection, culminating in the ultimate defeat of death. It speaks to the absolute certainty of God's plan, where Christ's present authority ensures the final and complete eradication of all opposition to His kingdom, leading to the ultimate glorification of God the Father.

* [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed King")
* [Ephesians 1:22](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22 - Christ's Headship Over All Things")
* [Hebrews 10:12-13](/hebrews/10-12-13 "Hebrews 10:12-13 - Christ's Completed Sacrifice and Waiting Reign")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers immense comfort and profound challenge to believers. In a world still marked by suffering, injustice, and the pervasive reality of death, [1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - The Reign of Christ") serves as a powerful reminder that our King is on the throne, actively reigning. His victory is not a future hope alone, but a present reality that guarantees the ultimate triumph over every foe, including our deepest fears and the finality of death. This truth should instill an unshakeable confidence in God's sovereign plan, motivating us to live with courage and perseverance, knowing that no enemy—whether spiritual, systemic, or personal—can ultimately thwart the purposes of Christ. It calls us to align our lives with His kingdom, participating in His ongoing work of subduing evil and proclaiming His reign, even as we await the glorious consummation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of Christ's present and active reign impact your perspective on current world events or personal struggles?**
* **What "enemies" (internal or external) in your life do you need to trust Christ to ultimately conquer?**
* **How does the certainty of Christ's ultimate victory encourage you to persevere in faith and obedience?**

### FAQ
**What does "he must reign" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "he must reign" (Greek: `deî basileúein`) signifies a divine necessity or imperative. It means that Christ's reign is not optional or merely a temporary state, but a preordained and essential part of God's eternal plan for the universe. It highlights that Christ's active, sovereign rule from His ascension is a crucial phase in bringing about the complete defeat of all opposition and the full establishment of God's kingdom, as described throughout [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter").

**Who are the "enemies" that Christ must put under His feet?**

Answer: The "enemies" are all forces that stand in opposition to God's righteous rule and redemptive purposes. While this includes spiritual powers (like Satan and demons, as seen in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")), human rebellion, and all forms of evil, Paul explicitly identifies "death" as the "last enemy" in the very next verse ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - Death, the Last Enemy")). Therefore, the ultimate enemy to be conquered is death itself, which entered the world through sin ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - The Reign of Christ") finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing, active, and sovereign reign of the ascended Jesus. This verse directly echoes the Messianic prophecy of [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah's Reign"), which the New Testament consistently applies to Christ's post-resurrection exaltation. Having accomplished redemption through His death and resurrection, Christ is now seated at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Exaltation")), actively reigning as King of kings and Lord of lords. His reign is not passive; it is a dynamic process of bringing all things into subjection to Himself, systematically dismantling every opposing power and authority ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Authority Over All")). This culminates in the ultimate defeat of death, the "last enemy," a victory secured by His own triumph over the grave ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Thus, Christ's reign is the necessary and divinely ordained means by which God's redemptive plan is brought to its glorious consummation, preparing for the day when Christ will deliver the kingdom to God the Father, and God will be "all in all" ([1 Corinthians 15:28](/1_corinthians/15-28 "1 Corinthians 15:28 - God All in All")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 10:12

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

Hebrews 10:13

From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

Psalms 110:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Matthew 22:44

The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?

Psalms 2:6

Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

Psalms 2:10

¶ Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

Hebrews 1:13

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?