1 Corinthians 15:26

The last enemy [that] shall be destroyed [is] death.

The last {G2078} enemy {G2190} that shall be destroyed {G2673} is death {G2288}.

The last enemy to be done away with will be death,

The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

The last enemy that shall be abolished is death.

1 Corinthians 15:26 is a powerful declaration within Paul's extensive argument for the resurrection of the dead, emphasizing the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ over all opposing forces.

Context

This verse is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 15, often referred to as the "Resurrection Chapter." Paul is addressing skepticism and false teachings within the Corinthian church concerning the bodily resurrection of believers. He first establishes the historical reality of Christ's resurrection as the "firstfruits of them that slept," guaranteeing the future resurrection of all who are in Christ. The verses immediately preceding 15:26 describe Christ's reign until He has put all enemies under His feet, culminating in the destruction of death itself.

Key Themes

  • Death as an Enemy: Paul explicitly identifies death as an "enemy," not a natural or neutral part of existence. It is a consequence of sin, as seen in Romans 5:12, and therefore hostile to God's life-giving purposes.
  • Christ's Ultimate Victory: The verse highlights the absolute sovereignty of Christ. His reign is not complete until every adversary, including death, is utterly defeated. This signifies the comprehensive nature of His redemptive work and His final triumph over all things.
  • Hope in the Resurrection: For believers, the destruction of death means the ultimate fulfillment of the promise of eternal life. It assures that the sting of death, which is sin, will be removed, and mortality will be "swallowed up of life."

Linguistic Insights

The word "destroyed" in Greek is katargeitai (καταργεῖται), which means to render inoperative, abolish, bring to naught, or make void. It implies a complete nullification of death's power and dominion, rather than mere defeat. Death will cease to have any sway or existence in the new creation.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense comfort and assurance to all who follow Christ. For those who fear death or mourn loved ones, it proclaims a future where death itself is no more. It solidifies the hope of the resurrection and the eternal life promised through Christ. It encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that their ultimate destiny is not the grave but glorious life with their resurrected Lord, in a world where there will be "no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying."

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Timothy 1:10

    But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

  • Revelation 21:4

    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.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:55

    O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory?

  • Revelation 20:14

    And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

  • Isaiah 25:8

    He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it].

  • Hebrews 2:14

    ¶ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

  • Hosea 13:14

    I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

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