1 Corinthians 15:24
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.
Original Language Analysis
εἶτα
Then
G1534
εἶτα
Then
Strong's:
G1534
Word #:
1 of 20
a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τέλος
cometh the end
G5056
τέλος
cometh the end
Strong's:
G5056
Word #:
3 of 20
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
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
4 of 20
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
παραδῷ
he shall have delivered up
G3860
παραδῷ
he shall have delivered up
Strong's:
G3860
Word #:
5 of 20
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
to God
G2316
θεῷ
to God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πατρί
the Father
G3962
πατρί
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
11 of 20
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
12 of 20
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
καταργήσῃ
he shall have put down
G2673
καταργήσῃ
he shall have put down
Strong's:
G2673
Word #:
13 of 20
to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively
ἀρχὴν
rule
G746
ἀρχὴν
rule
Strong's:
G746
Word #:
15 of 20
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξουσίαν
authority
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
authority
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
18 of 20
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
Cross References
Daniel 7:27And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.Daniel 7:14And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Matthew 11:27All 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.John 13:3Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;1 Timothy 6:15Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;Daniel 2:44And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.Isaiah 9:7Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.Matthew 24:13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.John 3:35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's 'delivering up the kingdom' relate to the completion of his mediatorial work?
- What hostile 'rule, authority, and power' must Christ destroy before the end comes?
- How does this verse balance Christ's deity with his functional submission to the Father's plan?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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:
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.