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An Exegetical Examination of the Infinitive Tense in 1 Corinthians 15:25
This exegetical study of An Exegetical Examination of the Infinitive Tense in 1 Corinthians 15:25 is based on a b-greek discussion from May 24, 1999. The initial inquiry focused on understanding the significance of the present tense of the infinitive in the phrase “δεῖ γὰρ αὐτὸν βασιλεύειν” as found in 1 Corinthians 15:25. The core question was whether this present infinitive, following the impersonal verb δεῖ, provides any specific temporal indication concerning the duration or commencement of Christ’s reign relative to the time of Paul’s authorship.
The main exegetical issue under consideration is the nuanced grammatical function of the Greek present infinitive, particularly when it is dependent upon a verb of necessity such as δεῖ. In koine Greek, the tense of an infinitive often primarily conveys aspect—the inherent quality or kind of action (e.g., continuous, punctiliar, completed)—rather than strictly defining absolute time (i.e., past, present, or future). Consequently, the critical task is to ascertain whether βασιλεύειν (to reign) signifies an ongoing, continuous state of Christ’s kingship, an ingressive act of becoming king, or if it carries a precise temporal force, especially within the broader eschatological context of Christ’s necessary reign until the ultimate subjugation of all adversaries.
δεῖ γὰρ αὐτὸν βασιλεύειν ἄχρι οὗ ἂν θῇ πάντας τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ.
(Nestle 1904)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- For 1 Corinthians 15:25, the Greek text presented in the Nestle 1904 edition is identical to that found in the SBLGNT (2010). Both critical editions read: δεῖ γὰρ αὐτὸν βασιλεύειν ἄχρι οὗ ἂν θῇ πάντας τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ.
Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes
The textual tradition for 1 Corinthians 15:25 demonstrates remarkable stability. The Novum Testamentum Graece, 28th Edition (NA28), presents a text consistent with both Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT (2010). There are no significant textual variants affecting the grammatical analysis of the verbs δεῖ or βασιλεύειν that would alter the interpretive considerations of this verse.
Lexical Notes:
- δεῖ (dei): This is an impersonal verb meaning “it is necessary,” or “it must be.” According to BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature), δεῖ expresses a necessity stemming from divine purpose, moral obligation, or an unavoidable fate. Its presence in the present tense here indicates a necessity or obligation that is both current and ongoing. KITTEL (Kittel, Friedrich, Bromiley, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament) further elucidates its role in conveying divine imperatives and the certainty of God’s sovereign plan.
- βασιλεύειν (basileuein): This word is the present active infinitive form of βασιλεύω (basileuō), which signifies “to reign,” “to be king,” or “to rule.” BDAG defines it as “to exercise sovereignty, be a monarch, rule as a king.” The present infinitive, in most grammatical contexts, primarily emphasizes the *aspect* of the action—its continuous, durative, or habitual nature—rather than its precise temporal placement. It thus conveys the idea of “to keep on reigning” or “to be in a continuous state of reigning.” KITTEL highlights that Christ’s βασιλεία (reign/kingdom) is understood as a present reality that concurrently anticipates a future consummation.
Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The central exegetical challenge of 1 Corinthians 15:25 lies in accurately interpreting the grammatical implications of the present infinitive βασιλεύειν when it is governed by the present indicative verb δεῖ. Established principles of Hellenistic Greek grammar indicate that the tense of an infinitive primarily expresses aspect rather than absolute time, particularly outside of indirect discourse constructions with an accusative subject. Therefore, βασιλεύειν is most appropriately understood as conveying a continuous or durative action—the ongoing state of Christ’s reign.
The governing verb δεῖ, appearing in the present tense, establishes a present and enduring divine necessity or imperative. When this present necessity is combined with the aspectually continuous present infinitive, the phrase signifies that “it is necessary for him to keep on reigning” or “it is necessary for him to be continuously reigning.” This interpretation supports the view that Christ’s reign is not merely a future event yet to be initiated, but rather an ongoing reality and an established component of God’s overarching plan, which continues until its ultimate eschatological fulfillment.
While βασιλεύειν expresses continuous aspect, the broader temporal context for this reign is unequivocally eschatological. This is clearly indicated by the surrounding argument of 1 Corinthians 15, especially verse 22, which explicitly speaks of future resurrection: “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive (ζωοποιηθήσονται).” Consequently, the present tense of δεῖ does not restrict the entirety of the reign to the precise moment of Paul’s writing. Instead, it asserts a present, divinely established necessity for a reign that is ongoing within a future-oriented sequence of redemptive events, culminating in the complete subjugation of all enemies. Rhetorically, this construction emphasizes the certainty, unyielding nature, and enduring power of Christ’s sovereign rule, which is irrevocably ordained to persist until its definitive triumph.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
In conclusion, the present infinitive βασιλεύειν in 1 Corinthians 15:25 primarily conveys the continuous aspect of Christ’s reign. Coupled with the present indicative δεῖ, which expresses a present and divine necessity, the phrase emphasizes that it is an ongoing, divinely mandated obligation for Christ to continue reigning until the eschatological defeat of all his enemies. The ultimate temporal setting for this continuous reign is rooted in God’s eternal plan, which unfolds decisively in the future.
- “For it is necessary for him to keep on reigning until he has put all his enemies under his feet.”
This translation effectively emphasizes both the enduring divine necessity (δεῖ) and the continuous, durative nature of Christ’s reign (βασιλεύειν).
- “For it is divinely decreed that he must be reigning until he has put all his enemies under his feet.”
This option highlights the divine imperative underpinning the necessity and underscores the established state of Christ’s kingship, conveying its present reality and ongoing nature.
- “For the obligation remains for him to continue his reign until he has put all his foes beneath his feet.”
A slightly more dynamic phrasing that captures the continuous aspect of the reign while also emphasizing the enduring and binding nature of the divine command.
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