1 Corinthians 15:25-27
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This verse isn't just about Jesus' future victory, but the ongoing reign He's exercising now until that final consummation. It emphasizes that His current, active rule is a necessary step towards the complete subjugation of all opposition.
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is passionately defending the resurrection of Jesus, refuting the idea that it's impossible or that there's no afterlife. He's arguing that Christ's resurrection is the foundation of our faith, proving his victory over death and setting the stage for his future reign where he will ultimately defeat all opposition. This assurance of Christ's coming triumph is the powerful assurance that fuels the hope of believers.
Ever wonder if Jesus' rule is truly in charge right now? This verse makes it crystal clear. It's not a future possibility, but a present, unstoppable reality.
Paul here uses the word 'must' to emphasize the divine necessity of Christ's reign. This isn't about optional leadership; it's about God's sovereign plan unfolding. Jesus, as the resurrected King, is actively reigning. His authority is absolute, and His kingdom is advancing, even when we don't see all the effects yet. This reign is a guaranteed conquest.
What does it mean for Christ to 'put all his enemies under his feet'? It's a powerful image of complete victory, not just a truce.
The imagery of putting enemies under one's feet is a common Old Testament metaphor for total subjugation and triumph. Christ's reign has a specific purpose: the eradication of all opposition to God's rule. This includes sin, death, and any spiritual forces that rebel against Him. His reign is not passive; it is an active, victorious process of disarming and defeating every enemy.
Understand the original words
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basileuō · Greek Verb
To hold royal power or authority; in the context of Christ, it describes His active and present lordship over all creation while He brings all things into subjection to the Father.
echthros · Greek Noun
In this context, anything or anyone opposed to the will and rule of God. Ultimately, these are brought into full submission under Christ at His return.
echthros · Greek Noun
An adversary or opponent. In Scripture, it represents the force or being that opposes God's purposes, with death being the ultimate physical enemy resulting from sin.
thanatos · Greek Noun
The cessation of life; the consequence of sin that separates the soul from the body and, without Christ, humanity from God. It is viewed as an intruder in God's creation that Christ definitively defeated through His resurrection.
hypotassō · Greek Verb
To be placed under the authority, control, or dominion of another. It implies a voluntary or forced recognition of a higher power's sovereignty.
This Old Testament Psalm is a direct prophecy about the Messiah's future reign, echoing the idea of subjugation of enemies before it's stated in 1 Corinthians.
Acts 2:34-35Peter quotes Psalm 110:1 here, explicitly linking Jesus' ascension to His enthronement and reign until His enemies are defeated.
Hebrews 1:13This passage references Jesus' current heavenly reign and quotes Psalm 110:1 again, highlighting the ongoing process of His rule over all things until the final victory.
1 Corinthians 15:24This verse immediately precedes the one you provided, setting the stage by explaining that Christ's reign follows His resurrection and precedes the final end.
Revelation 20:10-14This passage describes the ultimate defeat of Satan and all enemies in the final judgment, showing the completion of the reign mentioned in 1 Corinthians.
This verse isn't just about Jesus' future victory, but the ongoing reign He's exercising now until that final consummation. It emphasizes that His current, active rule is a necessary step towards the complete subjugation of all opposition.
Paul is passionately defending the resurrection of Jesus, refuting the idea that it's impossible or that there's no afterlife. He's arguing that Christ's resurrection is the foundation of our faith, proving his victory over death and setting the stage for his future reign where he will ultimately defeat all opposition. This assurance of Christ's coming triumph is the powerful assurance that fuels the hope of believers.
Paul is passionately defending the resurrection of Jesus, refuting the idea that it's impossible or that there's no afterlife. He's arguing that Christ's resurrection is the foundation of our faith, proving his victory over death and setting the stage for his future reign where he will ultimately defeat all opposition. This assurance of Christ's coming triumph is the powerful assurance that fuels the hope of believers.
"For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that h…" — This verse isn't just about Jesus' future victory, but the ongoing reign He's exercising now until that final consummation. It emphasizes that His current, active rule is a necessary step towards…
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Last reviewed October 2026
