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?
Original Language Analysis
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
1 of 21
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τίνα
which
G5101
τίνα
which
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
2 of 21
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγγέλων
of the angels
G32
ἀγγέλων
of the angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
5 of 21
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
εἴρηκέν
said he
G2046
εἴρηκέν
said he
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
6 of 21
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
Κάθου
Sit
G2521
Κάθου
Sit
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
8 of 21
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
ἐκ
on
G1537
ἐκ
on
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
δεξιῶν
right hand
G1188
δεξιῶν
right hand
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
10 of 21
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
ἕως
G2193
ἕως
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
12 of 21
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
θῶ
I make
G5087
θῶ
I make
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
14 of 21
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 #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐχθρούς
enemies
G2190
ἐχθρούς
enemies
Strong's:
G2190
Word #:
16 of 21
hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)
ὑποπόδιον
footstool
G5286
ὑποπόδιον
footstool
Strong's:
G5286
Word #:
18 of 21
something under the feet, i.e., a foot-rest (figuratively)
Cross References
Psalms 110:1The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.Mark 12:36For 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.Matthew 22:44The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?Hebrews 1:3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;Psalms 132:18His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.Acts 7:55But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,Luke 20:42And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Historical Context
Psalm 110 was recognized as messianic in Second Temple Judaism. Jesus Himself used it to confound the Pharisees (Matthew 22:44). The author applies it to show Christ's superiority over angels, who are never invited to sit at God's right hand.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Christ's current reign mean for how you engage with cultural and political powers?
- How should the certainty of Christ's ultimate victory over all enemies shape your daily conflicts with sin?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Quoting Psalm 110:1, the most cited OT text in the NT, this verse presents Christ's enthronement at God's right hand. The Greek 'dexiōn' (right hand) signifies the place of honor and power. The subjugation of enemies refers to Christ's ongoing reign until the final consummation. Reformed theology emphasizes Christ's present reign - He is not waiting to become king but reigns now, progressively subduing all opposition to His kingdom.