1 Corinthians 15:24

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἶτα

G1534

Then

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

τὸ

G3588

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

τέλος

G5056

cometh the end

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

ὅταν

G3752

when

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

παραδῷ

G3860

he shall have delivered up

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

τὴν

G3588

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

βασιλείαν

G932

the kingdom

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

τῷ

G3588

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

θεῷ

G2316

to God

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

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#11

πατρί

G3962

the Father

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

#12

ὅταν

G3752

when

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

#13

καταργήσῃ

G2673

he shall have put down

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

#14

πᾶσαν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#15

ἀρχὴν

G746

rule

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

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#17

πᾶσαν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#18

ἐξουσίαν

G1849

authority

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

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#20

δύναμιν

G1411

power

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding kingdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Corinthians chapter 15 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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