King James Version

What Does Luke 20:43 Mean?

Luke 20:43 in the King James Version says “Till I make thine enemies thy footstool .” — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Till I make thine enemies thy footstool .”

Luke 20:43 · KJV

Context

41

And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David's son?

42

And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

43

Till I make thine enemies thy footstool .

44

David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?

45

Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Till I make thine enemies thy footstool (ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου, heōs an thō tous echthrous sou hypopodion tōn podōn sou)—This continues quoting Psalm 110:1. Heōs an (until) introduces temporal clause: Christ sits enthroned while enemies remain unconquered, but their subjugation is certain. Hypopodion (footstool) references ancient victory customs where conquering kings placed feet on defeated enemies' necks (Joshua 10:24), symbolizing total domination.

The Father (kyrios, LORD) will make (thō, aorist subjunctive of tithēmi) Christ's enemies His footstool—not Christ earning victory through struggle, but the Father granting it as coronation gift. Paul applies this to Christ's ultimate triumph: 'For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death' (1 Corinthians 15:25-26). Currently, Christ reigns; ultimately, all opposition will be publicly, permanently crushed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Jesus's day, Rome seemed invincible—yet within decades, the gospel spread throughout the empire. Historical empires that opposed Christ (Rome, Nazi Germany, Soviet Communism) have all fallen, while His kingdom endures. The final fulfillment awaits Revelation 19-20's description of Christ's return and millennial reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Christ's patient waiting for enemies' defeat teach about God's timing and sovereignty?
  2. How should knowing all Christ's enemies (including death itself) will become His footstool affect your response to current opposition and suffering?
  3. Which enemies—personal, spiritual, or systemic—are you trusting Christ to ultimately defeat?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ἕως1 of 10

“Till”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἂν2 of 10
G302

whatsoever

θῶ3 of 10

“I make”

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

τοὺς4 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐχθρούς5 of 10

“enemies”

G2190

hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)

σου6 of 10

“thine”

G4675

of thee, thy

ὑποπόδιον7 of 10
G5286

something under the feet, i.e., a foot-rest (figuratively)

τῶν8 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ποδῶν9 of 10

“footstool”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

σου10 of 10

“thine”

G4675

of thee, thy

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 20:43 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 20:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 110:1Luke 19:27Revelation 19:14-21Psalms 110:5-6Psalms 2:1-9Psalms 72:9

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