The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?

MATTHEW 22:44KJV
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Matthew 22:44 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:44 mean?

Matthew 22:44 records a statement where "the LORD" says to "my Lord," inviting him to sit at His right hand until his enemies are made a footstool. This verse shows a conversation between two figures called "Lord," highlighting the authority and honor given to the second "Lord" by God.

In the setting, Jesus is quoting Psalm 110:1 while speaking to religious leaders in Jerusalem. He uses this verse to challenge their understanding of the Messiah, showing that the Messiah is more than just a descendant of David—he is someone whom even David calls "Lord." The verse points to the Messiah's exalted status and God's promise to give him victory over his enemies.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:44

  • κύριος (kyrios, G2962): This word is used for both "the LORD" and "my Lord" in the verse. In Greek, it means "lord" or "master," but the context shows that the first refers to God and the second to someone honored by God, which is key to Jesus' argument.
  • δεξιός (dexios, G1188): Translated "right hand," this phrase often means a place of highest honor and authority. Sitting at God's right hand signals sharing in God's rule and power.
  • ἐχθρός (echthros, G2190): This word means "enemies." The promise is that these enemies will be completely subdued, pictured as being made a "footstool"—a symbol of total defeat.

Why Matthew 22:44 matters

  • Matthew 22:44 clarifies that the Messiah is not just a human king from David's line but is given a unique, exalted position by God Himself.
  • The verse challenges common expectations about the Messiah in Jesus' time, showing that the Messiah is someone greater than David, not just his descendant.
  • This verse connects to the larger conversation in Matthew 22, where Jesus is revealing his true identity and authority to the religious leaders, using their own Scriptures to make his point.

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,

“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.