1 Corinthians 15:25
For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
Original Language Analysis
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
1 of 15
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 15
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
οὗ
G3739
οὗ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
θῇ
G5087
θῇ
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
8 of 15
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐχθροὺς
enemies
G2190
ἐχθροὺς
enemies
Strong's:
G2190
Word #:
11 of 15
hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)
ὑπὸ
under
G5259
ὑπὸ
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
12 of 15
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 (
Cross References
Psalms 110:1The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.Matthew 22:44The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?Hebrews 1:13But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?Ephesians 1:22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,Acts 2:34For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,Mark 12:36For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Historical Context
Psalm 110:1 was understood messianically in Second Temple Judaism. Jesus cited it to prove Messiah's divinity (Matthew 22:41-45). Early Christians saw Christ's ascension as enthronement, inaugurating his conquering reign. This verse grounds Christian confidence in history's direction—Christ is subduing all opposition, and will not stop until victory is complete.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that Christ 'must' reign—how does this divine necessity give Christians confidence?
- Who or what are the 'enemies' Christ is currently subduing during his reign?
- How should Christ's active reign shape Christian engagement with culture and society?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For he must reign (δεῖ γὰρ αὐτὸν βασιλεύειν)—The verb dei (δεῖ, "it is necessary, must") indicates divine necessity, not mere possibility. Christ's reign is God's ordained plan, fulfilling Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The present infinitive basileuein (βασιλεύειν, "to reign") indicates ongoing royal authority.
Till he hath put all enemies under his feet (ἄχρι οὗ θῇ πάντας τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ)—This quotes Psalm 110:1, the Old Testament's most-cited text in the New Testament. The imagery of enemies hypo tous podas ("under the feet") depicts ancient Near Eastern victory ceremonies where conquered kings were literally placed under the victor's feet (Joshua 10:24). Christ's session at the Father's right hand (Hebrews 1:3, 10:12-13) is active reign, progressively subduing enemies until final victory.