1 Corinthians 15:27

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 Corinthians 15:27 is part of Paul's profound discourse on the resurrection of Christ and its implications for believers. This verse specifically addresses the ultimate authority and dominion granted to Jesus Christ, while carefully maintaining the supreme sovereignty of God the Father.

Context

Chapter 15 of 1 Corinthians is a cornerstone of Christian theology, focusing on the historical reality of Christ's resurrection and its vital importance for the Christian faith. Paul is refuting some in the Corinthian church who denied the resurrection of the dead. He argues that if Christ was not raised, then the faith is futile. Verses 20-28 describe Christ's role as the "firstfruits" of the resurrection, leading to the ultimate subjection of all things under His authority, culminating in the defeat of death itself. Verse 27 clarifies that this subjection of "all things" to Christ inherently excludes God the Father, who is the one doing the subjecting, thereby affirming the Father's ultimate position.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Christ's Universal Dominion: The phrase "he hath put all things under his feet" signifies Christ's absolute authority and ultimate triumph over every power, principality, and enemy. This authority is a direct consequence of His resurrection and exaltation. It echoes prophecies of the Messiah's reign, such as Psalm 8:6, which is applied to Christ in the New Testament.
  • God the Father's Supreme Sovereignty: The crucial clarification, "it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him," emphasizes that God the Father remains the ultimate authority. While the Father grants immense authority to the Son, He does not subject Himself to the Son. This distinction upholds the unique roles within the Trinity, where the Father is the ultimate source of authority, even as He empowers the Son.
  • Victory Over All Enemies: The "all things" subjected to Christ encompass all opposing forces, including sin, evil, and especially death. Paul explicitly states in the preceding verse that the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. This verse reinforces the comprehensive nature of Christ's victory.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "put under his feet" translates the Greek verb hypotassō (ὑποτάσσω), which means "to subject," "to subordinate," or "to place in order under." It's a military term indicating complete conquest and control. In this context, it symbolizes Christ's complete and total dominion over all creation and all opposing forces, not merely a physical act but a declaration of His sovereign rule. The exception clause ensures that the divine order of authority is preserved, with the Father as the ultimate source of power and authority, even as He delegates authority to the Son.

Practical Application

For believers, 1 Corinthians 15:27 offers profound comfort and assurance. Knowing that Christ holds ultimate dominion over "all things" means that no power, no difficulty, and no enemy, not even death itself, can ultimately thwart God's purposes or overcome those who are in Christ. This truth strengthens our faith in God's sovereign plan and gives us hope for the future resurrection. It also reminds us that while Christ is exalted, His ultimate aim is to fulfill the Father's will, leading to the glorious conclusion described in 1 Corinthians 15:28, where the Son Himself will be subject to the Father, that God may be all in all.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 8:6 (19 votes)

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

  • Matthew 28:18 (14 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 2:8 (11 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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

  • John 13:3 (7 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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