Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

LUKE 20:43KJV
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Luke 20:43 (KJV)

What does Luke 20:43 mean?

Luke 20:43 describes a promise that enemies will be completely subdued, pictured as being made into a “footstool” under someone’s feet. This is a way of saying that all opposition will be brought low and placed under the authority of the one being addressed.

In this scene, Jesus is quoting from Psalm 110 while speaking to religious leaders in Jerusalem. He is discussing the identity of the Messiah, showing that the Messiah is greater than David. The verse uses a vivid image from ancient times, where conquering kings would place their feet on the necks of their defeated enemies, symbolizing total victory and authority.

The Greek behind Luke 20:43

  • “Footstool” (ὑποπόδιον, hupopodion): This word means something to rest your feet on, and in ancient culture, it was a strong symbol of conquest and submission. The image is not just about rest, but about having power over someone who has been defeated.
  • “Enemies” (ἐχθρούς, echthrous): This word refers to hostile opponents. In the context of this verse, it points to those who oppose God’s chosen one, making the promise of their defeat even more significant.

Why Luke 20:43 matters

  • Luke 20:43 helps clarify that the Messiah’s victory is not just spiritual but is pictured in terms of real, visible authority over all opposition.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ identity to Old Testament prophecy, showing that he is the one to whom God gives ultimate authority.
  • This statement challenges the religious leaders’ understanding of the Messiah, prompting them to reconsider their expectations and who Jesus claims to be.

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?

“enemies” 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 24:40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
  • 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 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
  • 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.