Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

ACTS 2:35KJV
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Acts 2:35 (KJV)

What does Acts 2:35 mean?

Acts 2:35 is a quotation that describes God promising to make the enemies ("foes") of the addressed person into a "footstool," meaning they will be completely subdued or placed under his authority. The verse is about the eventual defeat and submission of these foes, showing a position of victory and honor for the one addressed.

In Acts 2, Peter is speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem after Jesus’ resurrection. He quotes this line from Psalm 110:1 to show that God promised to put the Messiah’s enemies under his feet, using the image of a "footstool" as a sign of total triumph. Peter uses this to argue that Jesus, whom the people had crucified, is the one God has made both Lord and Christ.

The Greek behind Acts 2:35

  • "foes" (ἐχθρούς, echthrous): This word means enemies or those who oppose. The Greek term emphasizes active hostility, not just passive opposition, highlighting the complete reversal of power described in the verse.
  • "footstool" (ὑποπόδιον, hupopodion): This word refers to something placed under the feet, often a literal stool. In ancient times, making someone a footstool was a vivid image of total conquest and submission, showing that the person has full authority over their enemies.

Why Acts 2:35 matters

  • Acts 2:35 clarifies that the Messiah’s victory is not just spiritual but involves the real, visible defeat of his enemies, as understood in the culture of the time.
  • The verse connects Jesus directly to Old Testament prophecy, showing continuity between what God promised in the Psalms and what Peter says is happening through Jesus.
  • Understanding the image of the "footstool" helps modern readers grasp the depth of the claim: it is not just about winning, but about complete and public vindication and authority.

Where else these words appear

“footstool” Greek G5286 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
  • Mark 12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
  • Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

“foes” 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,
  • 1 Corinthians 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

“footstool” Greek G4228 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
  • Acts 16:24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

“make” Greek G5087 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
  • Acts 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.