King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:24 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:24 in the King James Version says “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down al...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.”

1 Corinthians 15:24 · KJV

Salvation

Context

22

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

23

But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

24

Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

25

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

26

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

Read 1 Corinthians 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then cometh the end (εἶτα τὸ τέλος)—The word telos (τέλος) means "end, goal, completion, consummation." This is the eschaton, the end of the current age and the inauguration of the eternal state. The sequence is: (1) Christ's resurrection, (2) believers' resurrection at the parousia, (3) the end/consummation.

When he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father (ὅταν παραδιδῷ τὴν βασιλείαν τῷ θεῷ καὶ πατρί)—The verb paradidō (παραδιδῷ, "hands over, delivers up") indicates transferring authority. Christ's mediatorial kingdom, exercised during the millennium or intermediate state, is delivered to the Father when redemption is complete. This doesn't mean Christ ceases to reign but that the economic Trinity's redemptive mission is accomplished—no more enemies to conquer.

When he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power (ὅταν καταργήσῃ πᾶσαν ἀρχὴν καὶ πᾶσαν ἐξουσίαν καὶ δύναμιν)—The verb katargeō (καταργέω) means "abolish, nullify, render powerless." Christ systematically dismantles every hostile cosmic power—Satan, demons, death, and human rebellion—before handing the perfected kingdom to the Father.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse sparked theological debates about Christ's eternal kingship. Orthodox theology affirms Christ reigns eternally with the Father; the 'delivering up' refers to the completion of redemptive mission, not abdication. Arians misused this verse to argue Christ's inferiority; Paul actually affirms functional subordination within ontological equality.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's 'delivering up the kingdom' relate to the completion of his mediatorial work?
  2. What hostile 'rule, authority, and power' must Christ destroy before the end comes?
  3. How does this verse balance Christ's deity with his functional submission to the Father's plan?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
εἶτα1 of 20

“Then”

G1534

a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover

τὸ2 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τέλος3 of 20

“cometh the end”

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

ὅταν4 of 20

“when”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

παραδῷ5 of 20

“he shall have delivered up”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

τὴν6 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλείαν7 of 20

“the kingdom”

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τῷ8 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεῷ9 of 20

“to God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ10 of 20

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πατρί11 of 20

“the Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ὅταν12 of 20

“when”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

καταργήσῃ13 of 20

“he shall have put down”

G2673

to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively

πᾶσαν14 of 20

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀρχὴν15 of 20

“rule”

G746

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

καὶ16 of 20

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πᾶσαν17 of 20

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐξουσίαν18 of 20

“authority”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

καὶ19 of 20

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δύναμιν20 of 20

“power”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 15:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 15:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 7:27Daniel 7:14Matthew 28:18Matthew 11:27Isaiah 9:7Daniel 2:44

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