King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:27 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:27 in the King James Version says “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 e... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

1 Corinthians 15:27 · King James Version


Context

25

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

26

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

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.

28

And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

29

Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
For he hath put all things under his feet (πάντα γὰρ ὑπέταξεν ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ)—Paul quotes Psalm 8:6, originally about humanity's dominion in creation (Genesis 1:28). The verb hypotassō (ὑποτάσσω, "to subject, subordinate") indicates God's action placing all things under Christ's authority. Hebrews 2:6-9 uses the same psalm to show Christ as true human, fulfilling Adam's failed dominion.

But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him (ὅταν δὲ εἴπῃ ὅτι πάντα ὑποτέτακται, δῆλον ὅτι ἐκτὸς τοῦ ὑποτάξαντος αὐτῷ τὰ πάντα)—Paul clarifies the obvious: when Scripture says "all things" are subjected to Christ, God the Father is excepted. This isn't Arianism (Christ's inferiority) but economic Trinity—functional subordination within ontological equality. Christ's mediatorial reign serves the Father's redemptive plan.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This clarification addresses potential misunderstanding. If "all things" subjected to Christ, is God subjected too? Paul's qualification—ektos (ἐκτός, "except, outside")—maintains the Father's ultimate authority while affirming Christ's universal reign. This balances Trinitarian theology: Christ is fully God yet functionally submits to the Father's will.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Psalm 8's original context (human dominion) connect to Christ's universal reign?
  2. What is the difference between Christ's ontological equality with the Father and his functional subordination?
  3. How does this verse help us understand the economic Trinity's roles in redemption?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
πάντα1 of 21

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γὰρ2 of 21

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὑποτάξαντος3 of 21

are put under

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

ὑπὸ4 of 21

under

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τοὺς5 of 21
G3588

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

πόδας6 of 21

feet

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

αὐτῷ7 of 21

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅταν8 of 21

when

G3752

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

δὲ9 of 21

But

G1161

but, and, etc

εἴπῃ10 of 21

he saith

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ὅτι11 of 21

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πάντα12 of 21

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑποτάξαντος13 of 21

are put under

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

δῆλον14 of 21

him it is manifest

G1212

clear

ὅτι15 of 21

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐκτὸς16 of 21

he is excepted

G1622

the exterior; figuratively (as a preposition) aside from, besides

τοῦ17 of 21
G3588

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

ὑποτάξαντος18 of 21

are put under

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

αὐτῷ19 of 21

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὰ20 of 21
G3588

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

πάντα21 of 21

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole


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 15:27 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 15:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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