King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 15:28 Mean?

1 Corinthians 15:28 in the King James Version says “And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things u... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

1 Corinthians 15:28 · KJV


Context

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?

30

And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when all things shall be subdued unto him (ὅταν δὲ ὑποταγῇ αὐτῷ τὰ πάντα)—The aorist passive subjunctive hypotagē (ὑποταγῇ, "shall be subjected") indicates future certainty. Christ's victory over all hostile powers is guaranteed, not merely possible. The phrase ta panta ("all things") is comprehensive—nothing escapes Christ's lordship.

Then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him (τότε καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ υἱὸς ὑποταγήσεται τῷ ὑποτάξαντι αὐτῷ τὰ πάντα)—Christ's subjection to the Father is voluntary, loving submission within Trinitarian relationship. The purpose clause follows: that God may be all in all (ἵνα ᾖ ὁ θεὸς πάντα ἐν πᾶσιν)—the ultimate goal is God's glory filling all things. This is not pantheism (God is everything) but panentheism properly understood—God's presence and glory permeating redeemed creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early church debates about Christ's nature wrestled with this verse. Subordinationists used it to argue Christ's inferiority; orthodox theology responded that eternal generation and economic subordination don't contradict essential equality. The Son eternally proceeds from the Father (John 1:1-2) yet functionally submits in redemptive work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's voluntary submission to the Father model leadership and authority for believers?
  2. What does 'God all in all' mean—how will redeemed creation manifest God's glory?
  3. How does understanding economic Trinity help make sense of Christ's deity and submission?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ὅταν1 of 25

when

G3752

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

δὲ2 of 25

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑποτάξαντι3 of 25

be subject

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

αὐτῷ4 of 25

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

τὰ5 of 25
G3588

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

πᾶσιν6 of 25

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τότε7 of 25

then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

καὶ8 of 25

also

G2532

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

αὐτῷ9 of 25

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

10 of 25
G3588

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

υἱὸς11 of 25

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

ὑποτάξαντι12 of 25

be subject

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

τῷ13 of 25
G3588

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

ὑποτάξαντι14 of 25

be subject

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

αὐτῷ15 of 25

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

τὰ16 of 25
G3588

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

πᾶσιν17 of 25

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἵνα18 of 25

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

19 of 25

may be

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

20 of 25
G3588

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

θεὸς21 of 25

God

G2316

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

τὰ22 of 25
G3588

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

πᾶσιν23 of 25

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐν24 of 25

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πᾶσιν25 of 25

all

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 15:28 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 15:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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