Acts 2:35
Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
Original Language Analysis
ἕως
Until
G2193
ἕως
Until
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
1 of 10
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
θῶ
G5087
θῶ
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
3 of 10
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐχθρούς
foes
G2190
ἐχθρούς
foes
Strong's:
G2190
Word #:
5 of 10
hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)
ὑποπόδιον
G5286
ὑποπόδιον
Strong's:
G5286
Word #:
7 of 10
something under the feet, i.e., a foot-rest (figuratively)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 60:14The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.Romans 16:20And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.Isaiah 59:18According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence.Psalms 72:9They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
Historical Context
Ancient victory celebrations included the ritual humiliation of defeated kings - victors literally stepped on them. Joshua had Israel's leaders place feet on Canaanite kings' necks (Joshua 10:24). Psalm 110's imagery asserts Messiah's absolute triumph over all opposition, spiritual and political.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's present reign 'until' final victory comfort you when evil seems triumphant?
- What does the 'footstool' promise teach about the certain destiny of Christ's enemies?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The promise that Christ reigns 'until I make thy foes thy footstool' establishes inaugurated eschatology - Christ rules now though enemies remain active. The Greek 'heös an' (until) doesn't terminate His reign but marks the period of patience before final judgment. The 'footstool' image (ancient kings placing feet on conquered enemies' necks) guarantees certain victory. This sustains believers: Christ's kingship is present reality, not future hope.