Eternal Subordination Of The Son
The concept of the Eternal Subordination of the Son refers to the theological idea that the Son is eternally subordinate to the Father in the Trinity. This doctrine is rooted in biblical passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:28, which states, "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].
Interpretations of this passage vary across Christian traditions. Some, like Augustine, understand the subjection of the Son to the Father as referring to the human nature of Christ, not his divine nature. According to Augustine, the subjection is related to the "form of a servant" that Christ took on [3]. In contrast, others, such as Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, interpret the subjection as a voluntary act of the Son, emphasizing that it does not imply inferiority, as the Son is "co-equal with the Father" [4].
The doctrine is also linked to the understanding of the Trinity and the relationship between the Father and the Son. The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion affirm the coequality and coeternality of the Father and the Son, stating that the Son is "the very and eternal God, and of one substance with the Father" [5]. Similarly, Charles Hodge emphasizes the importance of understanding the Son's subordination in the context of his mediatorial role, rather than his essential nature [2].
The Kabbalistic tradition within Judaism offers a different perspective on subordination and divine hierarchy. While not directly addressing the Christian concept of the Trinity, Kabbalistic thought explores complex divine structures and emanations. For instance, Ramban (Nachmanides) discusses the concept of divine commandments and their eternal nature, highlighting the intricacies of divine will and action [6].
In Christian theology, the eternal subordination of the Son is often discussed in relation to the economic Trinity (God's actions in the world) and the immanent Trinity (God's nature in himself). The subordination is seen by some as part of the economic Trinity, where the Son's role is distinct from that of the Father, particularly in the context of salvation and the incarnation.
The Patristic interpretation, as seen in Augustine's work "On the Holy Trinity," provides insight into early Christian understanding. Augustine argues against interpreting the subjection of the Son as a diminishment of his divine nature, instead relating it to the completion of God's plan and the unity of the Trinity [3].
The concept is not without controversy, with different traditions weighing the implications of eternal subordination differently. While some see it as essential to understanding the Trinity and Christ's role, others are cautious of potential implications for the coequality of the divine persons.
Sources
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 15:28 (KJV) — 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.”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, section 126: substance of the Virgin Mary.” This is involved in the Scriptural statement that He was born of a woman, which can only mean that He was born in the sense in which other children of men are born of women. This is essential to his true humanity, and to that likeness to men which makes them his brethren, and which was se cured by his taking part in flesh and blood. ( Heb. ii. 14 .) The incarnation of the Son of God, his stooping to take into personal and perpetual union with Himself a nature infinitely lower than his own, was an act of uns”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 3: Augustine — On the Holy Trinity — CHAP. 8.--THE TEXTS OF SCRIPTURE EXPLAINED RESPECTING THE SUBJECTION OF THE SON TO THE FATHER, WHICH HAVE BEEN MISUNDERSTOOD. CHRIST WILL NOT SO GIVE UP THE KINGDOM TO THE FATHER, AS TO TAKE IT AWAY F (part 1): 15. As for that which the apostle says, "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:" either the text has been so turned, lest any one should think that the "fashion"(11) of Christ, which He took according to the human creature, was to be transformed herea”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 15:28: Son . . . himself . . . subject--not as the creatures are, but as a Son voluntarily subordinate to, though co-equal with, the Father. In the mediatorial kingdom, the Son had been, in a manner, distinct from the Father. Now, His kingdom shall merge in the Father's, with whom He is one; not that there is thus any derogation from His honor; for the Father Himself wills "that all should honor the Son, as they honor the Father" (Joh 5:22-23; Heb 1:6). God . . . all in all--as Christ is all in all (Col 3:11; compare Zac 14:9). Then, and not till th”
- Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican) “Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican, 1571), Section 170: The Son, which is the Word of the Father, begotten from everlasting of the Father, the very and eternal God, and of one substance with the Father, took Man's nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin, of her substance: so that two whole and perfect Natures, that is to say, the Godhead and Manhood, were joined together in one Person, never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very God, and very Man; who truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried, to reconcile his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Kabbalistic/Philosophical)) “Ramban (Nachmanides) on Leviticus 24:23: AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL DID AS THE ETERNAL COMMANDED MOSES. “This includes the leaning of hands, 540 Verse 14. casting from a height, and hanging the dead body, as well as the regulation, his body shall not remain all night upon the tree .” 541 Deuteronomy 21:23. [This is the language of the] Torath Kohanim. 542 Torath Kohanim, end of Emor . And Rabbi Abraham ibn Ezra wrote that the plain meaning thereof is that from that day onwards they acted in accordance with the law concerning one who wounds [a fellowman or causes him damage, mentioned here abov”