1 Corinthians 15:28
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
1 of 25
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 25
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
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
7 of 25
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 25
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
11 of 25
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 25
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
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ᾖ
may be
G5600
ᾖ
may be
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
19 of 25
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
21 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.1 Corinthians 3:23And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.Ephesians 1:23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.1 Corinthians 11:3But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.Philippians 3:21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.1 Corinthians 12:6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.John 14:28Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's voluntary submission to the Father model leadership and authority for believers?
- What does 'God all in all' mean—how will redeemed creation manifest God's glory?
- How does understanding economic Trinity help make sense of Christ's deity and submission?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.