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.

MARK 12:36KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 12:36 (KJV)

What does Mark 12:36 mean?

Mark 12:36 records Jesus quoting King David, saying that David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, spoke of the LORD telling David’s “Lord” to sit at His right hand until His enemies are defeated. This verse highlights that David recognized someone greater than himself—his “Lord”—who would be honored by God.

In this setting, Jesus is speaking to religious leaders in Jerusalem, challenging their understanding of the Messiah. By quoting David’s words from Psalm 110, Jesus points out that the Messiah is not just David’s descendant, but also his superior. This helps show that the Messiah’s role is greater than a typical earthly king, and that David, guided by the Holy Spirit, acknowledged this.

The Greek behind Mark 12:36

  • κύριος (kyrios): This word is used twice in the phrase “The LORD said to my Lord.” The first refers to God (the LORD), and the second to someone David calls “my Lord,” showing a distinction between God and the one David honors as his superior.
  • ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ (en pneumati hagiō): Translated as “by the Holy Ghost,” this phrase means David was speaking under the influence or guidance of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that these words carry divine authority.
  • δεξιᾷ (dexia): Meaning “right hand,” this refers to the place of highest honor and authority beside God, showing the exalted position given to David’s “Lord.”
  • ὑποπόδιον (hypopodion): Translated as “footstool,” this word paints a picture of complete victory over enemies, as making someone a footstool was a symbol of total defeat.

Why Mark 12:36 matters

  • Mark 12:36 clarifies that the Messiah is more than just a human descendant of David; He is someone David himself calls “Lord,” which challenges common expectations about the Messiah’s identity.
  • This verse shows that Jesus sees the Scriptures as inspired by the Holy Spirit, giving weight to David’s words as prophecy, not just poetry or history.
  • By using this verse, Jesus invites the religious leaders—and readers—to rethink who the Messiah is and what kind of authority and honor He truly holds.

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.
  • Luke 20:43 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 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

“hand” Greek G1188 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

“David” Greek G1138 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
  • Mark 10:48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
  • Acts 2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: