1Cor 15:23-28 | RWP | e4.org | Order ( ταγματ ). Old military term from τασσω , to arrange, here only in N.T. Each in his own division, troop, rank. At his coming ( εν τη παρουσια ). The word παρουσια was the technical word "for the arrival or visit of the king or emperor" and can be traced from the Ptolemaic period into the second century A.D. (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East , p. 368). "Advent-coins were struck after a parousia of the emperor." Paul is only discussing "those that are Christ's" ( ; ) and so says nothing about judgment (cf. ; ; ; ).

‏ 1 Corinthians 15:23-28

Order ( ταγματ ). Old military term from τασσω, to arrange, here only in N.T. Each in his own division, troop, rank.

At his coming ( εν τη παρουσια ). The word παρουσια was the technical word "for the arrival or visit of the king or emperor" and can be traced from the Ptolemaic period into the second century A.D. (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 368). "Advent-coins were struck after a parousia of the emperor." Paul is only discussing "those that are Christ's" (3:23; Ga 5:24) and so says nothing about judgment (cf. 1Th 2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23).

Then cometh the end ( ειτα το τελος ). No verb γινετα in the Greek. Supply "at his coming," the end or consummation of the age or world (Mt 13:39, 49; 1Pe 4:7),

When he shall deliver up ( οταν παραδιδω ). Present active subjunctive (not optative) of παραδιδωμ with οταν, whenever, and so quite indefinite and uncertain as to time. Present subjunctive rather than aorist παραδω because it pictures a future proceeding.

To God, even the Father ( τω θεω κα πατρ ). Better, "to the God and Father" or to "His God and Father." The Kingdom belongs to the Father.

When he shall have abolished ( οταν καταργηση ). First aorist active subjunctive with οταν, indefinite future time. Simply, "whenever he shall abolish," no use in making it future perfect, merely aorist subjunctive. On καταργεω see 1Co 6:13; 13:8, 10, 11.

Rule ( αρχην ),

authority ( εξουσιαν ),

power ( δυναμιν ). All forms of power opposing the will of God. Constative aorist tense covering the whole period of conflict with final victory as climax.

Till he hath put ( αχρ ου θη ). Second aorist active subjunctive of τιθημ, "till he put" (no sense in saying "hath put," merely effective aorist tense for climax. Αχρ (ου), μεχρ (ου), εως (ου) all are used for the same idea of indefinite future time.

The last enemy that shall be abolished is death ( εσχατος εχθρος καταργειτα ο θανατος ). A rather free translation. Literally, "death (note article, and so subject) is done away (prophetic or futuristic use of present tense of same verb as in verse 24), the last enemy" (predicate and only one "last" and so no article as in 1Jo 2:18).

He put ( υπεταξεν ). First aorist active of υποτασσω, to subject. Supply God ( θεος ) as subject (Ps 8:7). See Heb 2:5-9 for similar use. Cf. Ps 8.

But when he saith ( οταν δε ειπη ). Here Christ must be supplied as the subject if the reference is to his future and final triumph. The syntax more naturally calls for God as the subject as before. Either way makes sense. But there is no need to take ειπη (second aorist active subjunctive) as a futurum exactum, merely "whenever he shall say."

Are put in subjection ( υποτετακτα ). Perfect passive indicative, state of completion, final triumph.

It is evident that ( δηλον οτ ). Supply εστιν (is) before οτ.

He is excepted who did subject ( εκτος του υποταξαντος ). "Except the one (God) who did subject (articular aorist active participle) the all things to him (Christ)."

And when all things have been subjected ( οταν δε υποταγη τα παντα ). Second aorist passive subjunctive of υποτασσω, not perfect. Merely, "when the all things are subjected unto him." The aorist subjunctive has given translators a deal of needless trouble in this passage. It is prophecy, of course.

That God may be all in all ( ινα η ο θεος παντα εν πασιν ). The final goal of all God's redemptive plans as Paul has so well said in Ro 11:36. Precisely this language Paul will use of Christ (Col 3:11).