1 Corinthians 15:26

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

American Standard Version

The last enemy that shall be abolished is death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 15:26 stands as a triumphant declaration within Paul's comprehensive defense of the resurrection, asserting the ultimate and decisive victory of Jesus Christ over the final adversary: death itself. This verse encapsulates the eschatological hope of believers, signifying that Christ's redemptive work culminates not merely in the defeat of sin's power but in the complete abolition of its ultimate consequence, assuring a future where mortality is forever overcome by eternal life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Corinthians 15, often hailed as the "Resurrection Chapter," where Paul meticulously constructs an argument for the bodily resurrection of believers. Having established the historical reality of Christ's resurrection as the "firstfruits" and guarantee of future resurrection for those in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), Paul then describes the order of events: Christ's resurrection, then the resurrection of His people at His coming ([1 Corinthians 15:23](/1_corinthians/15-23 "1 Corinthians 15:23 - Order of Resurrection")). The verses immediately preceding 15:26 (specifically [1 Corinthians 15:24-25](/1_corinthians/15-24-25 "1 Corinthians 15:24-25 - Christ's Reign and Subjection of Enemies")) depict Christ's ongoing reign, during which He "must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet." Verse 26 then identifies death as the *last* of these enemies to be utterly destroyed, marking the climax of Christ's cosmic triumph before He hands the kingdom over to God the Father.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church faced significant internal challenges, including divisions, moral issues, and theological disputes. Among these was a faction that denied the resurrection of the dead, possibly influenced by prevailing Greek philosophical thought which often viewed the body as a prison and saw the idea of a bodily resurrection as absurd or undesirable. In contrast, Jewish thought, from which Christianity emerged, held a strong belief in a future bodily resurrection, as seen in texts like [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection of the Dead"). Paul's emphatic declaration in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") directly confronts these Hellenistic philosophical objections by asserting the physical reality and theological necessity of the resurrection, grounding it in the historical resurrection of Christ and projecting it forward to the ultimate defeat of death itself. For a community grappling with the implications of their faith in a pagan world, this affirmation of victory over death provided profound hope and a distinct worldview.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") is the **Resurrection of the Dead**, and 1 Corinthians 15:26 serves as its powerful culmination. Paul establishes that Christ's resurrection is not an isolated event but the foundational promise and firstfruit of a general resurrection for all believers. This leads to the theme of **Christ's Ultimate Sovereignty and Victory**, where death, the final and most formidable consequence of sin, is definitively conquered. This defeat of death underscores the comprehensive nature of Christ's redemptive work, which extends beyond individual salvation to the cosmic restoration of all things under His dominion. Furthermore, the verse highlights **Death as an Enemy**, portraying it not as a natural or neutral part of existence but as a hostile intruder, a consequence of the Fall ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Death Through Sin")), and thus an adversary to God's life-giving purposes. The destruction of this enemy provides profound **Hope and Assurance** for believers, transforming the fear of mortality into the certainty of eternal life and a future free from sorrow and decay ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **enemy (Greek, _echthrós'_):** From a primary root meaning "to hate," this word signifies someone or something that is hateful, hostile, or an adversary. Paul's choice to label death as an "enemy" is deliberate and powerful. It is not a natural part of God's original creation but a hostile intruder, a consequence of sin that entered the world ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Death Through Sin")). By identifying death as an enemy, Paul emphasizes its opposition to God's life-giving purposes and its ultimate defeat by Christ.
* **destroyed (Greek, _katargéō'_):** This verb means "to be (render) entirely idle (useless)," "to abolish," "to cease," "to cumber," "to deliver," "to destroy," "to do away," "to become (make) of no (none, without) effect," "to fail," "to loose," "to bring (come) to naught," "to put away (down)," or "to vanish away," "to make void." The translation "destroyed" captures the essence of its meaning in this context: death will be rendered utterly inoperative, its power nullified, its dominion completely abolished. It implies a total cessation of death's existence and influence, not merely a temporary defeat.
* **death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** This term refers to death, literally or figuratively. In 1 Corinthians 15:26, it refers to physical death, the separation of soul and body, which is the ultimate consequence and "wages" of sin ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - Wages of Sin")). Paul personifies death as the final, formidable foe that stands against God's plan for eternal life. Its destruction signifies the complete reversal of the Fall's effects and the full realization of God's redemptive purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The last enemy":** This phrase emphasizes the chronological and climactic nature of death's defeat. Paul has just described Christ's reign until all enemies are under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ's Reign Over Enemies")). Death is not just *an* enemy, but the *final* one, representing the culmination of all hostile forces that oppose God's kingdom and His people. Its destruction marks the end of the current age and the full establishment of God's eternal reign.
* **"that shall be destroyed":** This active voice construction, using the verb _katargéō_ (discussed above), signifies a definitive and complete abolition. It is a divine act, executed by Christ's sovereign power. Death will not merely be subdued or rendered powerless for a time, but utterly nullified, brought to naught, and made of no effect for eternity. This speaks to the permanence of Christ's victory.
* **"is death":** This simple declarative statement identifies the final enemy with absolute clarity. Death, in all its forms—physical, spiritual, and eternal—is the ultimate adversary that stands between humanity and the full enjoyment of God's presence and life. Its destruction is the ultimate triumph of life over non-existence, of God's creative and redemptive power over the destructive consequences of sin.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this concise declaration. **Personification** is prominent, as death is not merely an abstract concept but is presented as an active "enemy" with agency, capable of being "destroyed" and placed "under Christ's feet" ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ's Reign Over Enemies")). This makes the struggle and ultimate victory more vivid and relatable. The use of "last" functions as a form of **Climax**, building anticipation and emphasizing the finality and significance of this particular enemy's defeat. It positions death as the ultimate hurdle, the final obstacle to be overcome before the full realization of God's kingdom. Furthermore, the entire statement serves as a powerful **Proclamation** or **Declaration**, a definitive theological truth stated with authority, reinforcing the certainty of Christ's absolute sovereignty and the believer's future hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 15:26 is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, revealing the comprehensive scope of Christ's redemptive work. It teaches that salvation is not merely the forgiveness of sins or the promise of eternal life for the soul, but a cosmic victory that includes the complete subjugation and abolition of all forces hostile to God, culminating in the destruction of death itself. This ultimate triumph over death assures believers that their hope in Christ is not just for a spiritual afterlife but for a resurrected, glorified existence in a renewed creation where the sting of death has been forever removed. It underscores the sovereignty of God, who, through Christ, will ultimately restore all things to Himself, fulfilling His original design for life and fellowship.

* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")
* [Revelation 20:14](/revelation/20-14 "Death and Hades Thrown into the Lake of Fire")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Death, Sorrow, or Pain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This profound declaration offers immense comfort and unwavering assurance to believers facing the realities of mortality and loss. In a world where death is an inescapable certainty, 1 Corinthians 15:26 proclaims that death's reign is temporary and its ultimate end is destruction. For those who grieve, it provides the solid hope that separation is not eternal, and reunion in Christ is guaranteed. For those who fear their own mortality, it assures them that the grave is not the final destination, but a temporary passage to eternal life with a resurrected Lord. This truth should embolden believers to live with an eternal perspective, investing in what truly lasts, and to face life's challenges, including the inevitability of physical death, with courage and peace, knowing that the ultimate victory has already been secured by Christ. Our present suffering and the reality of death are temporary, overshadowed by the glorious promise of life without end.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding death as "the last enemy" change your perspective on its power and your ultimate hope?**
* **In what ways does Christ's victory over death impact your daily living and your approach to challenges?**
* **How can the truth of 1 Corinthians 15:26 bring comfort and assurance to you or others in times of grief or fear of death?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that death "shall be destroyed"?**

Answer: When Paul states that death "shall be destroyed," he uses the Greek word _katargéō_, which means to render utterly idle, abolish, bring to naught, or make void. It signifies a complete and final nullification of death's power and dominion. This is not merely a defeat or a temporary suppression, but an absolute cessation of death's existence and influence. In the new heavens and new earth, death will have no place; it will be entirely abolished, meaning no more physical death, no more sorrow, and no more pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")). This is the ultimate triumph of life over the consequences of sin.

**Why is death called "the last enemy"?**

Answer: Death is called "the last enemy" because it represents the final and most formidable consequence of sin, introduced into the world through the Fall ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Death Through Sin")). While Christ's resurrection has already conquered sin and spiritual death, physical death remains a reality for humanity until the final consummation of His kingdom. Paul explains that Christ "must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet" ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ's Reign Over Enemies")). Death is the ultimate enemy because it stands as the final barrier to eternal, embodied life in God's presence. Its destruction signifies the complete reversal of the Fall's effects and the full realization of God's redemptive plan for His creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 15:26 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who, through His death and resurrection, has already disarmed the power of death and secured its ultimate demise. Christ's resurrection from the dead is the decisive blow against this "last enemy," serving as the "firstfruits" and guarantee of the future resurrection for all who are in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). His victory over the grave means that death no longer holds believers captive; its "sting" has been removed ([1 Corinthians 15:55-57](/1_corinthians/15-55-57 "1 Corinthians 15:55-57 - O Death, Where Is Thy Sting?")). The New Testament consistently portrays Jesus as the one who has "destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" ([2 Timothy 1:10](/2_timothy/1-10 "2 Timothy 1:10 - Christ Abolishes Death")). He holds the "keys of hell and of death" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")), demonstrating His absolute authority over this final foe. Ultimately, the destruction of death at Christ's return will usher in a new creation where "there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")), a reality made possible solely through the conquering work of the resurrected Christ.

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

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.