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)
1 Corinthians 15:27
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This verse is a beautiful illustration of the Trinity, revealing Jesus's unique role. While it states that all things will be under Christ's authority, the crucial phrase "he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him" points directly to the Father. This isn't about power struggle, but a perfect, divine order where the Father ultimately reigns through the Son.
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 in the middle of a powerful argument for the resurrection of believers, addressing doubts within the Corinthian church. He's quoting Old Testament Scripture to show that Christ's victory over death and sin is not a new idea, but a promised fulfillment. This verse, in particular, is used to underscore that Christ's ultimate authority will encompass everything, except for God the Father himself, proving Christ's divine authority and the certainty of his triumph.
The Bible paints a picture of ultimate authority. But who holds it? This verse reveals a profound relationship of trust between the Father and the Son.
The Father's Supreme Authority
Paul quotes Psalm 8:6 (which is echoed in Psalm 110:1) here: "For 'God has put all things in subjection under his feet.'" This is a powerful declaration of the Father's sovereign authority over creation.
The Son's Role in God's Plan
But the context of 1 Corinthians 15 is the resurrection and the victory of Christ over sin and death. So, Paul applies this Psalm to Jesus. The Father has placed everything under Christ's authority. This isn't about a delegation of power out of necessity, but out of perfect trust and unity within the Godhead. The Father intends for the Son to reign until all enemies are defeated.
It sounds like Jesus is in charge of everything. But who is the ultimate authority behind even Christ's reign?
The Grand Exception Revealed
The crucial part of the verse is the clarification: "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."
Who is the "he" who put all things under Christ? It's God the Father. Even in Christ's supreme authority, the Father remains the ultimate source and authority. This isn't a demotion for Jesus; it's a demonstration of their perfect unity and the Father's wise and loving plan for His Son to triumph.
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Understand the original words
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 is the Old Testament passage Paul is quoting, showing the original prophetic vision of humanity's dominion under God.
Philippians 3:21This passage echoes the idea of Christ's absolute authority, where he will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body, bringing everything under his control.
Hebrews 2:8This verse directly quotes Psalm 8:6 and discusses how even though all things are currently subject to humanity (in the person of Jesus), we don't yet see that reality fully realized.
1 Corinthians 15:24-25These verses immediately preceding explain the 'subjection' as Christ's reign until he has destroyed all enemies, setting the stage for the ultimate exception of God himself.
This verse is a beautiful illustration of the Trinity, revealing Jesus's unique role. While it states that all things will be under Christ's authority, the crucial phrase "he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him" points directly to the Father. This isn't about power struggle, but a perfect, divine order where the Father ultimately reigns through the Son.
Paul is in the middle of a powerful argument for the resurrection of believers, addressing doubts within the Corinthian church. He's quoting Old Testament Scripture to show that Christ's victory over death and sin is not a new idea, but a promised fulfillment. This verse, in particular, is used to underscore that Christ's ultimate authority will encompass everything, except for God the Father himself, proving Christ's divine authority and the certainty of his triumph.
Paul is in the middle of a powerful argument for the resurrection of believers, addressing doubts within the Corinthian church. He's quoting Old Testament Scripture to show that Christ's victory over death and sin is not a new idea, but a promised fulfillment. This verse, in particular, is used to underscore that Christ's ultimate authority will encompass everything, except for God the Father himself, proving Christ's divine authority and the certainty of his triumph.
"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." — This verse is a beautiful illustration of the Trinity, revealing Jesus's unique role. While it states that all things will be under Christ's authority, the crucial phrase "he is excepted who put al…
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Last reviewed October 2026