Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 15:25

What does 1 Corinthians 15:25 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 15:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 15:25 means

Christ must reign until every enemy is subdued under His feet. His reign is necessary and purposeful, not optional or precarious. The language evokes royal conquest: hostile powers, both seen and unseen, are being brought into submission. The verse assures believers that history’s current conflicts are not ultimate; the risen Lord is actively ruling toward a goal. This reign is not endless in its mediatorial form; it continues “till” the final subjection is complete. The resurrection that began this reign guarantees its success. Christ’s victory unfolds in time, and no enemy will escape His sovereign feet.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For his rule will go on till he has put all those who are against him under his feet.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for it behoveth him to reign till he may have put all the enemies under his feet--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For he must reign, until he hath put all his enemies under his feet.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For he must reign until he put all enemies under his feet.

Context

After describing the end when the kingdom is handed to the Father (v. 24), Paul explains the basis: Christ’s present reign moves toward total subjugation of enemies (v. 25). This sets up the specific naming of death as the last enemy (v. 26) and the clarification of what “all things” in subjection implies (vv. 27–28). The context ensures readers see resurrection within the larger drama of Christ’s kingship and cosmic restoration.

v.24Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power.

v.25This passage

v.26The last enemy that shall be abolished is death.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 110:1

    Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

  • Hebrews 10:12

    but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

  • Psalms 45:3

    Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O mighty one, Thy glory and thy majesty.

  • Psalms 2:6

    Yet I have set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion.

  • Ephesians 1:22

    and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church,

  • Acts 2:34

    For David ascended not into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

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