1 Corinthians 15:27
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.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὑπὸ
under
G5259
ὑπὸ
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
4 of 21
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 (
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 21
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
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
8 of 21
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
15 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐκτὸς
he is excepted
G1622
ἐκτὸς
he is excepted
Strong's:
G1622
Word #:
16 of 21
the exterior; figuratively (as a preposition) aside from, besides
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 21
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
Cross References
Psalms 8:6Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Hebrews 2:8Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.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.Ephesians 1:22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,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;John 3:35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.1 Peter 3:22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.Revelation 1:18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.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?
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Psalm 8's original context (human dominion) connect to Christ's universal reign?
- What is the difference between Christ's ontological equality with the Father and his functional subordination?
- How does this verse help us understand the economic Trinity's roles in redemption?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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.