And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just stating that Jesus is superior to angels; it's highlighting an action God has never taken with any angel. He's never issued an "oracle" or divine decree saying an angel should sit at His right hand, a position of ultimate authority and power, until all opposition is crushed.
And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author of Hebrews continues to build the case for Jesus' supreme authority by contrasting his divine status with that of angels. Having already established Jesus as the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the text now quotes Psalm 110:1, highlighting that God the Father never promised such an exalted position to any angel. This powerful question emphasizes that the honor of reigning at God's right hand until all enemies are subdued belongs uniquely to the Son.
What does it mean for Jesus to be 'seated at God's right hand'? This wasn't just a promotion; it was a divine decree establishing His supreme authority.
The author of Hebrews poses a rhetorical question: has God ever said to an angel, 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool'? The answer is a resounding 'no.' This isn't an angelic privilege; it's a unique designation for the Son.
The Father's Decree
This statement, drawn from Psalm 110:1, is presented as an 'oracle' from God the Father to the Son. It signifies not just a position of honor, but supreme authority and power. It's a coronation, placing Christ in the Father's own royal seat, making Him God's vicegerent and chief minister in exercising universal dominion.
Royal Dignity and Association
Being 'at the right hand' means being associated with royal dignity and power. It's a place of highest honor, power, and authority, from which Christ now reigns. This is a role exclusively given to the Son, distinguishing Him fundamentally from all angels.
The 'sitting' isn't about retirement; it's about reigning until a specific mission is accomplished. What is this mission, and why does it involve enemies?
The phrase 'until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet' is crucial. It doesn't imply that Christ's reign will end, but rather that His current session of authority is dedicated to the complete subjugation of all opposition.
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Complete Subjugation
Making enemies a 'footstool' is a powerful image drawn from ancient customs. It represents total and utter defeat – enemies reduced to the lowest possible state, utterly prostrate and underfoot. This isn't just about a temporary win; it's about absolute, final victory over all forces that oppose God's sovereign rule and kingdom.
An Ongoing Reign
While the enemies of Christ are many and powerful, this verse assures believers that their eventual and complete defeat is guaranteed. Christ's reign from the Father's right hand is precisely the means by which this victory is achieved. This reign will continue until every opposing force – spiritual and human – is brought into complete submission.
Understand the original words
angelos · Greek Noun
The distinct, heavenly beings created by God who serve as messengers and agents of His will. They are spirit-beings without physical bodies.
dexios · Greek Noun/Adjective
A position of highest authority, honor, and power beside the throne of God. It signifies the enthronement of the Messiah and His exaltation above all creation.
echthros · Greek Noun
Those who oppose God and His kingdom; in this context, it refers to the spiritual and physical forces subject to the ultimate authority and victory of the Messiah.
hypopodion · Greek Noun
A footstool was a low stool for the feet of one sitting on a throne, symbolizing total submission and subjugation of an enemy under the conqueror's feet.
This verse uses a foundational Messianic Psalm, penned by King David, to argue that Jesus isn't just a powerful messenger, but the divine King Himself, enthroned above all angelic beings.
c. 1000 BC
David Writes Psalm 110
King David, under divine inspiration, writes Psalm 110. This royal psalm speaks of a king, called 'my Lord' by David, who is enthroned at God's right hand and overcomes his enemies.
c. 6th century BC
Exile and Return of Judah
The Babylonian exile profoundly shaped Jewish identity, and the return to Jerusalem under Persian rule brought a renewed focus on God's promises and the coming of a Messiah.
c. 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry and Teachings
Jesus himself quotes Psalm 110:1 in his debate with the Pharisees, applying it to himself and challenging their understanding of the Messiah. This event is recorded in the Gospels.
c. AD 30-33
Pentecost and Peter's Sermon
Following Jesus' ascension, Peter quotes Psalm 110:1 in his sermon at Pentecost, explaining that Jesus is the one enthroned at God's right hand, now reigning and exalted above all.
c. AD 48-50
Paul's Missionary Journeys Begin
The apostle Paul begins his extensive missionary journeys, spreading the Christian message throughout the Roman Empire and establishing churches. This context helps understand the audience for Hebrews.
c. AD 60s— this verse
Authorship of Hebrews
The Epistle to the Hebrews is written, likely to Jewish Christians facing persecution or spiritual apathy. The author uses Old Testament Scripture, including Psalm 110, to demonstrate Christ's superiority over angels.
This is the direct Old Testament passage being quoted in Hebrews, establishing Jesus' superior authority over angels by God's own decree.
Matthew 22:44Jesus himself uses this very Psalm to demonstrate that the Messiah is superior to David and, by implication, to angels, confirming the Son's unique position.
1 Corinthians 15:25-27This passage speaks about Christ's reign and the eventual subjection of all enemies, echoing the 'footstool' imagery and showing the scope of his authority.
Philippians 2:9-11This passage describes the exaltation of Christ to the highest place, where every knee will bow to him, reinforcing the concept of His supreme authority and reign.
1 Peter 3:22Peter also refers to Christ's ascension and session at God's right hand, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him, mirroring the theme of Christ's supremacy.
pooleHebrews 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?"
But to which of the angels said he at any time? This introduceth the last demonstration of the gospel Minister’s pre-eminency for state, office, and name, above angels. The form is thus; He that is God’s fellow, and right-hand man, is more excellent, and hath a better name, than those who are only ministers to his saints. This is to be the state of Christ he proves her…
vincentHebrews 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?"
Seventh quotation, Psalm 109. No one of the angels was ever enthroned at God's right hand.Sit (κάθου)Or be sitting, as distinguished from ἐκάθισεν, Hebrews 1:3, which marked the act of assuming the place.On my right hand (ἐκ δεξιῶν μοῦ)Lit. "from my right hand." The usual formula is ἐν δεξίᾳ. The genitive indicates moving from the right hand and taking the sea…
The verse isn't just stating that Jesus is superior to angels; it's highlighting an action God has never taken with any angel. He's never issued an "oracle" or divine decree saying an angel should sit at His right hand, a position of ultimate authority and power, until all opposition is crushed.
The author of Hebrews continues to build the case for Jesus' supreme authority by contrasting his divine status with that of angels. Having already established Jesus as the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the text now quotes Psalm 110:1, highlighting that God the Father never promised such an exalted position to any angel. This powerful question emphasizes that the honor of reigning at God's right hand until all enemies are subdued belongs uniquely to the Son.
The author of Hebrews continues to build the case for Jesus' supreme authority by contrasting his divine status with that of angels. Having already established Jesus as the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the text now quotes Psalm 110:1, highlighting that God the Father never promised such an exalted position to any angel. This powerful question emphasizes that the honor of reigning at God's right hand until all enemies are subdued belongs uniquely to the Son.
"And to which of the angels has he ever said,
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?" — The verse isn't just stating that Jesus is superior to angels; it's highlighting an *action* God has *never* taken with any angel. He's never issued an "oracle" or divine decree saying an angel shoul…
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Last reviewed October 2026