Hebrews 10:13 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 10:13 mean?

Hebrews 10:13 describes Jesus waiting for his enemies to be placed under his authority. The verse presents that outcome as something still ahead from the point described, even though Jesus is already seated at God’s right hand in the preceding verse.

The image of enemies becoming a “footstool” pictures a ruler’s feet resting on something beneath him. For the first hearers, the wording would echo Psalm 110:1, where God speaks to a ruler about putting his enemies under his feet.

The Greek behind Hebrews 10:13

• “expecting” — ἐκδέχομαι (ekdechomai): The Greek carries the sense of waiting for something anticipated. The word portrays Jesus as awaiting an expected outcome.
• “made” — τίθημι (tithēmi): The word can mean “placed” or “put.” Here, the enemies are pictured as being put in a position beneath Jesus.
• “footstool” — ὑποπόδιον (hypopodion): The word refers to a support placed beneath the feet. The image makes the enemies’ lower position visible.

Why Hebrews 10:13 matters

• The verse joins a present position with a future outcome. “From henceforth” begins the period of waiting, while “till” points to its expected end.
• The footstool image echoes a promise made by God in Psalm 110:1. That connection helps explain why the writer presents the enemies’ defeat as an expected outcome.
• The passage contrasts Jesus’ single offering with repeated offerings. Verse 12 says he offered one sacrifice and sat down; verse 13 continues the picture with what he awaits while seated.