Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:24KJV
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1 Corinthians 15:24 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 15:24 mean?

1 Corinthians 15:24 describes a future moment when Jesus will hand over the kingdom to God the Father, after bringing an end to every other form of rule, authority, and power. This verse points to the final stage of God’s plan, when Christ’s work of defeating all opposing forces is complete.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining what will happen at the end of time as part of his teaching on the resurrection. The verse fits into a larger argument about the order of events: Christ’s resurrection, the resurrection of believers, and then the final handing over of all things to God. Paul emphasizes that Jesus’ authority is not permanent for its own sake, but serves God’s ultimate purpose.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 15:24

  • "End" (τέλος, telos): This word often means the goal or final outcome, not just stopping. Here, it signals the completion of God’s redemptive plan.
  • "Delivered up" (παραδίδωμι, paradidōmi): The Greek carries the sense of handing over or giving control, showing that Jesus willingly gives the kingdom back to God the Father.
  • "Put down" (καταργέω, katargeō): This verb means to abolish or bring to nothing. Paul uses it to show that every rival power will be rendered powerless or removed.
  • "Rule" (ἀρχή, archē), "authority" (ἐξουσία, exousia), "power" (δύναμις, dynamis): These words refer to different kinds of spiritual or earthly powers. Paul’s use of all three highlights the total scope of Christ’s victory.

Why 1 Corinthians 15:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus’ reign is part of a larger plan, not an end in itself; his authority is exercised on behalf of God the Father.
  • Paul’s language about abolishing all rule, authority, and power helps readers see that nothing will stand in opposition to God’s final kingdom.
  • The verse connects the resurrection to God’s ultimate victory, showing that the defeat of death and evil is not just personal but cosmic in scope.

Where else these words appear

“Then” Greek G1534 · used in 15 verses

  • Mark 4:17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
  • John 13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

“down” Greek G2673 · used in 26 verses

  • Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
  • 1 Corinthians 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
  • 2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

“end” Greek G5056 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
  • John 13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
  • Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

“rule” Greek G746 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
  • John 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
  • Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;