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.
1 Corinthians 15:27 (KJV)
Context
This verse stands within Paul’s teaching on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15. In the immediate context, Paul describes the end of all things, when Christ delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying all rule, authority, and power, with death as the last enemy (1 Corinthians 15:24-26). Verse 27 draws on Psalm 8:6, which speaks of all things being put under the feet of man and the son of man. Paul applies that language to Christ, showing that the Father has subjected all things to Him.
Meaning
The first phrase, “For he hath put all things under his feet,” emphasizes that God the Father has placed all creation under the authority and power of Jesus Christ. The expression “under his feet” is a metaphor for total dominion and supremacy.
The second phrase, “But when he saith all things are put under him,” refers to God the Father’s declaration that all things are subjected to Christ. It affirms that God has granted Christ authority and control over everything in the universe.
The final phrase, “It is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him,” clarifies an important exception. When Scripture says “all things are put under him,” the Father is excepted, because He is the one who subjected all things to the Son. This preserves the distinction between the Father and the Son in the Godhead while affirming the Son’s supreme authority over all creation. The Father remains supreme and is not included among the things subjected to Christ.
Biblical connections
This verse also anticipates verse 28, where the Son Himself will be subject to the Father, so that God may be all in all. The resurrection of Christ is the foundation for this victory, as Paul argues earlier in the chapter that Christ’s resurrection guarantees the resurrection of believers and the final defeat of death.
Application
This verse encourages believers to recognize the exalted position of Jesus Christ and His role in God’s plan of redemption. It underscores the importance of acknowledging Christ’s authority and submitting to His lordship in our lives, knowing that all things are under His feet and that He will ultimately defeat every enemy, including death.
Reflection
As we consider this passage, we are reminded of the full deity of Christ and the distinct personhood of the Father, while also seeing the economic order within the Trinity in the plan of redemption. This verse is not merely a general statement about God’s sovereignty but a specific declaration about Christ’s exalted position as the risen Lord.
