And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:28KJV
Know the Bible

1 Corinthians 15:28 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 15:28 mean?

1 Corinthians 15:28 says that after everything has been brought under the authority of Jesus (the Son), Jesus himself will also place himself under God’s authority, so that God will be supreme over everything and everyone. This verse describes a final order where God’s rule is complete and all-encompassing.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining what will happen at the end of all things when God’s plan is finished. He shows that even though Jesus has all authority, he willingly submits to God the Father, so that God’s purpose—to be “all in all”—is fully realized. This is part of Paul’s larger teaching about resurrection and the final victory over death.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 15:28

  • The word for “subdued” and “subject” is ὑποτάσσω (hypotassō), which means to place under authority or to submit. Paul repeats this word several times to emphasize the idea of everything, including the Son, being willingly placed under God’s rule.
  • The phrase “all in all” uses πᾶς (pas, “all”) and ἐν (en, “in”), showing the total and complete nature of God’s final authority—nothing and no one is outside of God’s reign.
  • The word for “put under” is also ὑποτάσσω (hypotassō), highlighting that this submission is not forced, but a willing and purposeful act to fulfill God’s plan.

Why 1 Corinthians 15:28 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the relationship between Jesus and God the Father, showing both the Son’s authority and his willing submission, which can clear up confusion about their roles.
  • It connects to the larger theme of resurrection and ultimate victory over death, showing that the end goal is not just defeat of enemies, but God’s complete reign.
  • The verse emphasizes that the purpose of all things being brought under Christ is so that God’s rule is fully realized, which is a key point in understanding Paul’s message about the end times.

Where else these words appear

“subdued” Greek G5293 · used in 32 verses

  • Luke 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
  • Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

“be” Greek G5600 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
  • John 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

“when” Greek G3752 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Luke 5:35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
  • 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.