1 Corinthians 15:27

KJV

For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under [him, it is] manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} he hath put {G5293} all things {G3956} under {G5259} his {G846} feet {G4228}. But {G1161} when {G3752} he saith {G2036}{G3754} all things {G3956} are put under {G5293} him, it is manifest {G1212} that {G3754} he is excepted {G1622}, which did put {G5293} all things {G3956} under {G5293} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for “He put everything in subjection under his feet.” But when it says that “everything” has been subjected, obviously the word does not include God, who is himself the one subjecting everything to the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

For “God has put everything under His feet.” Now when it says that everything has been put under Him, this clearly does not include the One who put everything under Him.

American Standard Version

For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 15:27 functions as a crucial theological clarification within Paul's comprehensive argument for the resurrection. It asserts the universal dominion granted to Jesus Christ, declaring that "all things" have been subjected to His authority. However, it immediately qualifies this assertion by explicitly stating that God the Father, who is the one doing the subjecting, is inherently excepted from this subjugation, thereby safeguarding the Father's ultimate and supreme sovereignty within the divine economy. This verse underscores both Christ's exalted position as victor over all creation and the ongoing, ultimate authority of God the Father.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within 1 Corinthians 15, which stands as the most extensive and systematic treatment of the resurrection in the New Testament. Paul is addressing a significant theological issue in the Corinthian church: the denial of the resurrection of the dead by some members. He meticulously builds his argument, moving from the historical fact of Christ's resurrection (verses 1-11) to its implications for believers' own resurrection (verses 12-19). Verses 20-28 then describe the cosmic scope of Christ's resurrection, portraying Him as the "firstfruits" and outlining the sequence of events leading to the final defeat of death and the ultimate subjection of all things to Christ. Verse 27 specifically clarifies the nature of this "subjection," ensuring that the Father's ultimate authority is preserved, setting the stage for the climactic declaration in [1 Corinthians 15:28](/1_corinthians/15-28 "1 Corinthians 15:28 - The Son's Subjection to the Father").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a diverse community grappling with various philosophical and cultural influences, including Greek thought that often viewed the body and material world as inferior, making the concept of bodily resurrection problematic. Paul's emphasis on the physical resurrection of Christ directly challenges such dualistic perspectives. Furthermore, the concept of "putting all things under one's feet" was a common ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman idiom signifying complete conquest, dominion, and authority. Rulers would literally place their feet on the necks of defeated enemies. Paul draws on this powerful imagery to convey Christ's total victory, while simultaneously navigating the theological complexities of divine authority within the early Christian understanding of God.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection Chapter") is rich with theological themes that converge in verse 27. **Christ's Universal Dominion** is a central theme, asserting His absolute authority over all creation and all opposing forces, including sin and death. This dominion is a direct result of His resurrection and exaltation. Another critical theme is the **Sovereignty of God the Father**, which is carefully maintained even as immense authority is delegated to the Son. The verse underscores the distinct yet harmonious roles within the Godhead. Finally, the theme of **Victory Over Death** is paramount; as Paul states in [1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - Death, the Last Enemy"), death is the last enemy to be destroyed, and Christ's dominion ensures its ultimate defeat.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **put (Greek, _hypotássō'_):** G5293. This verb means "to subordinate," "to subject," or "to place in order under." It is a military term implying complete conquest and control, signifying a hierarchical arrangement where one entity is placed under the authority or power of another. In this context, it describes God the Father's sovereign act of placing all things under the authority of Christ.
* **all things (Greek, _pâs'_):** G3956. This word signifies "all," "every," or "the whole." Its use here emphasizes the comprehensive and universal scope of Christ's dominion. It leaves no entity, power, or authority outside of His ultimate reign, except for the one explicitly stated in the subsequent clause.
* **excepted (Greek, _ektós'_):** G1622. Derived from a word meaning "the exterior" or "outside," this term functions as a preposition meaning "aside from," "besides," or "unless." Its inclusion in this verse is crucial for theological precision, serving as a vital qualifier that explicitly excludes God the Father from the "all things" subjected to Christ, thereby preserving the Father's unique and ultimate position as the source of all authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he hath put all things under his feet."**: This opening clause establishes the universal dominion of Christ. The phrase "under his feet" is an idiom signifying complete conquest, authority, and subjugation. It declares that God the Father has actively and completely placed every aspect of creation, every power, and every authority under the ultimate control and rule of Jesus Christ. This is a statement of Christ's exalted status and comprehensive victory, particularly in light of His resurrection.
* **"But when he saith all things are put under [him, it is] manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him."**: This second clause introduces a critical theological clarification. The conjunction "But" signals a necessary distinction. Paul anticipates a potential misunderstanding: if "all things" are subjected to Christ, does that include God the Father? The answer is a resounding no. It is "manifest" (clear, evident) that the one who performs the act of subjection—God the Father—is logically and necessarily "excepted" from being subjected Himself. This preserves the Father's ultimate, unchallengeable sovereignty and affirms the internal divine order of the Trinity, where the Father remains the ultimate source of authority.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **Literary Devices** in this verse. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the idiom "put all things under his feet." This vivid imagery, drawn from ancient military and royal practices of placing a foot on a conquered enemy, powerfully conveys absolute dominion, triumph, and complete subjugation. It's a visual shorthand for total victory. Secondly, there is a clear use of **Clarification** or **Qualification**. Paul's immediate follow-up, "But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him," demonstrates his precise theological thinking. He introduces a necessary logical exception to prevent any misinterpretation of Christ's authority diminishing the Father's ultimate sovereignty. This serves as a crucial **Distinction**, carefully delineating the roles within the Godhead while affirming Christ's exalted status.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 15:27 is a pivotal verse for understanding the cosmic scope of Christ's redemptive work and the intricate dynamics of the Trinity. It affirms Christ's absolute authority over all creation, a dominion granted by the Father as a consequence of His obedient life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. This authority is not self-derived but is bestowed by the Father, highlighting the Father's ultimate sovereignty as the source of all power and authority. The necessary exception of the Father from being subjected to the Son is crucial for maintaining orthodox Trinitarian theology, preventing any notion of the Son's authority superseding or encompassing the Father's. This verse thus beautifully balances the exaltation of Christ with the supreme, originating authority of God the Father, setting the stage for the eschatological reality where all things are ultimately reconciled to God.

* [Psalm 8:6](/psalm/8-6 "Psalm 8:6 - Man's Dominion")
* [Hebrews 2:8](/hebrews/2-8 "Hebrews 2:8 - All Things Subjected to Christ")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Lordship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The truth of 1 Corinthians 15:27 offers profound comfort and unwavering assurance to believers. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and the apparent triumph of evil, this verse declares that ultimate control rests not with human powers, societal trends, or even the formidable reality of death, but with the resurrected Christ. Knowing that "all things" are under His feet means that no circumstance, no enemy, and no spiritual force can ultimately thwart God's sovereign plan or overcome those who are united with Christ. This truth should inspire courageous living, steadfast faith in the face of adversity, and a confident hope in the ultimate victory of God's kingdom. It also reminds us that while Christ is exalted, His ultimate purpose is to fulfill the Father's will, leading to the glorious consummation where God will be "all in all." Our lives, therefore, should be lived in humble submission to Christ's Lordship, trusting in His comprehensive dominion over every aspect of existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of Christ's universal dominion impact your perspective on current world events or personal challenges?**
* **In what ways does the explicit exception of God the Father from Christ's subjection deepen your understanding of the Trinity?**
* **If "all things" are truly under Christ's feet, how should this truth shape your prayers, your fears, and your hopes for the future?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse imply that Jesus is somehow less than God, since the Father is "excepted" from being subjected to Him?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that Jesus is less than God. Instead, it carefully clarifies the distinct roles and relationships within the Godhead, particularly concerning ultimate authority and origin. The Father is the one who "put all things under" the Son, indicating that the Father is the ultimate source of this delegated authority. The exception clause ("he is excepted, which did put all things under him") maintains the Father's unique position as the unoriginated, supreme sovereign. It's about divine order and relationship, not inferiority. Christ's full deity is affirmed throughout Scripture (e.g., [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")), and His subjection to the Father in [1 Corinthians 15:28](/1_corinthians/15-28 "1 Corinthians 15:28 - The Son's Ultimate Subjection") is an act of voluntary, loving obedience within the Trinity, not a sign of lesser divinity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 15:27 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate authority and cosmic reign of Jesus Christ, established through His resurrection and ascension. This verse echoes prophecies of a coming Messiah who would rule with absolute dominion, such as [Psalm 110:1](/psalm/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Dominion"), which is frequently applied to Christ in the New Testament. Christ's victory over sin, death, and all spiritual powers (as detailed in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")) culminates in His exaltation to the right hand of God, where He exercises universal Lordship. This is the very essence of the gospel: the crucified and resurrected Jesus is now Lord of "all things," a truth proclaimed in passages like [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Lordship"), where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship. The exception of the Father from this subjection highlights that Christ's reign is not independent but is the Father's sovereign plan, executed through the Son, leading to the ultimate glory of God, where He will be "all in all" ([1 Corinthians 15:28](/1_corinthians/15-28 "1 Corinthians 15:28 - The Son's Ultimate Subjection")). Thus, this verse points to Christ as the divinely appointed King, whose dominion guarantees the final victory of God's kingdom and the ultimate restoration of all creation.

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

Psalms 8:6

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all [things] under his feet:

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Hebrews 2:8

Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing [that is] not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

Matthew 11:27

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him].

Ephesians 1:22

And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church,

John 13:3

Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

John 3:35

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.