1 Corinthians 15:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 15:27
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.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 15 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, righteousness, worship. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-58: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it defends the resurrection as central to Christian faith. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 15:27
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 8:6, Matthew 11:27, 28:18, John 3:35, 13:3, Ephesians 1:22