The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:26KJV
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1 Corinthians 15:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 15:26 mean?

1 Corinthians 15:26 says that death is the final enemy that will be defeated. This verse promises that, in the end, death itself will be destroyed and will no longer have any power.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining the hope of resurrection through Jesus Christ. In this chapter, Paul is arguing that Christ’s resurrection guarantees that all who belong to him will also be raised. By calling death “the last enemy,” Paul highlights that death is not just a natural part of life, but something hostile that God will ultimately overcome.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 15:26

  • "Last" (ἔσχατος, eschatos): This word means "final" or "furthest." Paul is stressing that death is the ultimate opponent, the very last thing to be defeated in God’s plan.
  • "Enemy" (ἐχθρός, echthros): This word means "adversary" or "one who is hostile." Paul treats death as a personal, active force that opposes God’s purposes for humanity.
  • "Destroyed" (καταργέω, katargeō): This word can mean "to abolish," "to render powerless," or "to do away with." Paul is saying death will not just be avoided or escaped, but completely nullified.
  • "Death" (θάνατος, thanatos): The Greek word refers to physical death, but in this context, it also points to the broader idea of separation from life as God intends it.

Why 1 Corinthians 15:26 matters

  • This verse corrects the idea that death is simply a natural process; Paul frames it as an enemy that God intends to defeat.
  • By calling death the "last" enemy, Paul emphasizes the completeness of Christ’s victory—nothing hostile will remain.
  • This statement fits into Paul’s larger argument in 1 Corinthians 15 that resurrection is central to Christian hope, showing that God’s plan is not just about spiritual renewal but also about overcoming death itself.

Where else these words appear

“destroyed” 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:

“enemy” Greek G2190 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
  • Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

“last” Greek G2078 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
  • Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
  • 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

“death” Greek G2288 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Acts 28:18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
  • Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.