Hebrews 1:13

KJV

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} to {G4314} which {G5101} of the angels {G32} said he {G2046} at any time {G4218}, Sit {G2521} on {G1537} my {G3450} right hand {G1188}, until {G302}{G2193} I make {G5087} thine {G4675} enemies {G2190} thy {G4675} footstool {G5286}{G4228}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, to which of the angels has he ever said,

“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?

Berean Standard Bible

Yet to which of the angels did God ever say: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet”?

American Standard Version

But of which of the angels hath he said at any time, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 1:13 presents a profound rhetorical question that climactically asserts the unparalleled supremacy of Jesus Christ over all angelic beings. By directly quoting from Psalm 110:1, the author demonstrates that no angel has ever been invited to share God's throne or granted the ultimate authority and future triumph that uniquely belong to the Son, solidifying His divine status and eternal reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Book of Hebrews opens with a majestic declaration of Jesus Christ's ultimate revelation of God, superior to all previous forms of communication ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God's Final Word in His Son")). The first chapter then systematically establishes Christ's preeminence over angels, a crucial point for an audience likely tempted to revere angels or revert to a system where angels played a significant mediatorial role. Through a series of Old Testament quotations, the author contrasts Christ's divine sonship, creative power, and eternal reign with the angels' created, ministering nature. Verses [Hebrews 1:5-12](/hebrews/1-5-12 "Hebrews 1:5-12 - Christ's Superiority to Angels") provide a litany of proofs for Christ's superiority, culminating in the rhetorical question of [Hebrews 1:13](/hebrews/1-13 "Hebrews 1:13 - Christ's Unique Enthronement"), which quotes the most significant Messianic psalm to seal the argument. The chapter concludes by explicitly stating the angels' role as "ministering spirits" sent to serve those who will inherit salvation ([Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Hebrews 1:14 - Angels as Ministering Spirits")), further emphasizing Christ's unique position as the object of worship and ultimate authority.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of the Book of Hebrews was likely Jewish Christians facing persecution or apostasy, possibly tempted to return to the perceived security and traditions of Judaism. Within Second Temple Judaism, angels held a prominent place, sometimes even being seen as mediators of the Law or objects of reverence. The author's rigorous argument for Christ's superiority over angels directly addresses this potential theological drift, asserting that Jesus, not angels, is the ultimate revelation and mediator. The imagery of "sitting at the right hand" and making "enemies a footstool" draws heavily from ancient Near Eastern royal enthronement rituals and military conquest. Placing one's foot on a vanquished foe's neck was a powerful symbol of absolute victory, domination, and subjugation, understood by the original readers as a clear sign of ultimate authority and triumph. The quotation from [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed King") was a well-known and highly revered Messianic prophecy within Jewish thought, making its application to Jesus a compelling argument for His Messiahship and divine status.

* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 1:13](/hebrews/1-13 "Hebrews 1:13 - Christ's Unique Enthronement") powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout the Book of Hebrews and broader biblical theology. Foremost is **Christ's Divine Supremacy**, establishing His unparalleled identity as God's Son, distinct from and superior to all creation, including the highest angelic beings. This verse underscores His **Exaltation and Authority**, as "sitting on my right hand" is the ultimate idiom for a position of sovereign power, honor, and co-regency with God the Father, signifying His completed redemptive work and subsequent enthronement. It also highlights the theme of **Messianic Prophecy**, directly quoting [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - A Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign"), one of the most frequently cited Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament that foretells the Messiah's kingly and priestly reign. Finally, the phrase "until I make thine enemies thy footstool" points to **Future Triumph and Consummation**, assuring believers of Christ's ultimate and complete subjugation of all opposing forces—including sin, death, and spiritual adversaries—culminating in the full establishment of His eternal kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sit (Greek, _káthēmai'_):** This verb signifies to "sit down," but in this context, it carries profound theological weight. It denotes not merely a physical posture but a settled, permanent, and authoritative position. Unlike angels who "stand" or "are sent" to minister, Christ is invited to "sit," indicating a completed work and an established reign. This is a position of rest and rule, signifying His enthronement and ongoing reign at the Father's side.
* **Right hand (Greek, _dexiós'_):** Derived from the word for "that which usually takes," "dexiós" here refers to the right side or hand. In ancient cultures, the right hand was universally understood as the place of highest honor, power, and authority. To be seated at the right hand of a king or deity meant to share in that individual's power and rule. Thus, Christ's position signifies His co-equality with God the Father and His supreme authority over all creation.
* **Footstool (Greek, _hypopódion'_):** This compound word literally means "something under the feet." It is a direct reference to the ancient Near Eastern practice where victorious kings would place their foot on the neck or back of a defeated enemy, symbolizing absolute conquest, subjugation, and complete dominion. In this verse, it vividly portrays the future and certain triumph of Christ over all His adversaries, who will ultimately be brought into complete submission under His sovereign rule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But to which of the angels said he at any time,"**: This opening clause is a powerful rhetorical question, designed to elicit a resounding "None!" from the reader. It sets up a stark contrast between the Son and angels, emphasizing the unique and unparalleled relationship between God the Father ("he") and His Son. The phrase "at any time" underscores the eternal nature of this distinction—never, in all of history or eternity, has such a declaration been made to an angel.
* **"Sit on my right hand,"**: This is the core of the divine invitation and declaration, directly quoting [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah's Enthronement"). It signifies Christ's enthronement, His supreme authority, and His shared rule with God the Father. This position is one of ultimate honor, power, and rest, indicating that Christ's redemptive work is complete and He now reigns as King and High Priest. It is a status never granted to any angel, who remain servants.
* **"until I make thine enemies thy footstool?"**: This concluding phrase, also from [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - Prophecy of Christ's Victory"), speaks to the future and complete subjugation of all opposition to Christ's reign. The imagery of a "footstool" symbolizes total victory and absolute dominion over all adversaries, including sin, death, and all spiritual forces. It points to the eschatological consummation of Christ's kingdom, where every knee will bow and every enemy will be utterly defeated, confirming His ultimate and unchallenged sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 1:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make an emphatic statement, forcing the reader to acknowledge the undeniable truth: no angel has ever been granted such a position of honor and authority. This device powerfully highlights Christ's uniqueness. Furthermore, the verse is a direct **Allusion/Quotation** of [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - A Key Messianic Prophecy"), one of the most significant Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament. By quoting this specific psalm, the author grounds his argument in the authoritative Hebrew Scriptures, demonstrating that Christ's supremacy is not a new doctrine but the fulfillment of ancient divine promises. The phrases "Sit on my right hand" and "make thine enemies thy footstool" are rich **Idiomatic Language**. "Sitting at the right hand" is an idiom for supreme authority and honor, while "making enemies a footstool" is an idiom for complete conquest and subjugation. These idioms, deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern royal and military contexts, serve as powerful **Metaphors** for Christ's ultimate triumph and sovereign reign over all creation and all opposing forces.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 1:13 stands as a cornerstone in Christian Christology, unequivocally affirming the unique, divine status of Jesus Christ as superior to all created beings, including the most exalted angels. This verse underscores the fundamental truth that Christ's enthronement at the Father's right hand is not merely a symbolic gesture but a declaration of His shared divine essence, co-regency, and ultimate authority over the cosmos. It speaks to the finished work of redemption, where Christ, having made purification for sins, has taken His rightful place of power and honor. The promise of enemies being made His footstool highlights the eschatological certainty of His final triumph, assuring believers that all opposition to God's kingdom will ultimately be subdued under Christ's sovereign rule, culminating in the full realization of His eternal dominion. This theological reality provides profound comfort and a basis for unwavering faith in His present reign and future victory.

* [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed King")
* [Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Exaltation and Authority")
* [1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies are Subdued")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 1:13 offers believers a profound source of comfort, confidence, and clarity regarding the person and work of Jesus Christ. To know that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, having completed His redemptive work and now reigning with all authority, transforms our perspective on life's challenges and the spiritual battles we face. It assures us that our Savior is not a defeated figure but the triumphant King, actively governing all things for His glory and our good. This truth calls us to place our unreserved trust in His sovereign power, knowing that He is fully capable of guiding us, protecting us, and ultimately bringing all things into submission. It also inspires us to live with confident hope, anticipating the day when every enemy, including death itself, will be utterly defeated and Christ's reign will be fully manifest. Our worship, therefore, is rightly directed to Him alone, the one uniquely exalted above all creation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Christ's supreme authority, as described in this verse, impact your daily life and your approach to challenges?**
* **In what ways does the promise of Christ's ultimate triumph over His enemies strengthen your hope for the future?**
* **How does the unique position of Christ at God's right hand inform your worship and adoration of Him?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that this verse is a rhetorical question?**

Answer: The use of a rhetorical question in [Hebrews 1:13](/hebrews/1-13 "Hebrews 1:13 - Christ's Unique Enthronement") is a powerful literary device designed not to elicit an answer, but to emphasize an undeniable truth. By asking "But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?", the author compels the reader to acknowledge that no such declaration was ever made to any angel. This stark contrast highlights the unique, unparalleled, and divine status of Jesus Christ, reinforcing His absolute superiority over all created beings, including the highest angels, and solidifying His claim as the Messiah.

**What does "sitting on my right hand" truly signify for Jesus?**

Answer: "Sitting on my right hand" is an ancient Near Eastern idiom that signifies the highest position of honor, authority, and shared rule. For Jesus, it means several profound things: His completed work of redemption (He sits because His work is done), His enthronement as King and High Priest, His co-equality and co-regency with God the Father, and His active exercise of all divine authority over the universe. It is a position of permanent, sovereign power, distinct from the temporary, ministering roles of angels, as described in [Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Hebrews 1:14 - Angels as Ministering Spirits").

**Who are Christ's "enemies" that will be made His footstool?**

Answer: Christ's "enemies" encompass all forces that oppose God's will and kingdom. This includes sin, death, Satan, demonic powers, and all human rebellion and opposition to His sovereign rule. The imagery of making them His "footstool" signifies their complete and utter subjugation, defeat, and humiliation. This is an eschatological promise, pointing to the ultimate triumph of Christ at the end of the age, when every knee will bow and every opposing force will be brought into submission under His feet, as described in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow") and [1 Corinthians 15:25-26](/1_corinthians/15-25-26 "1 Corinthians 15:25-26 - Christ's Reign Over All Enemies, Including Death").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 1:13 is a pivotal Christ-centered fulfillment, demonstrating how the Old Testament prophecies converge in the person of Jesus. By quoting [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed Messiah"), the author of Hebrews unequivocally declares Jesus to be the long-awaited Messiah, the divine Son to whom the Father addresses this unique invitation. This verse highlights Jesus's completed redemptive work on the cross and His subsequent resurrection and ascension, which culminated in His enthronement at the Father's right hand ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Jesus Exalted to God's Right Hand")). This position signifies His ultimate authority and ongoing reign, a truth affirmed throughout the New Testament, such as in [Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Authority Over All Things") where Paul states that God "seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion." The promise that His enemies will be made His footstool points to the eschatological victory that Jesus, as the conquering King, will fully accomplish, ultimately subduing all opposition, including death itself ([1 Corinthians 15:25-26](/1_corinthians/15-25-26 "1 Corinthians 15:25-26 - Christ's Final Victory Over Death")). Thus, Hebrews 1:13 powerfully portrays Jesus as the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy, the sovereign Lord, and the triumphant King who perfectly executes God's redemptive plan.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 110:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Mark 12:36

For 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.

Hebrews 10:12

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

Hebrews 10:13

From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

Matthew 22:44

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

1 Corinthians 15:25

For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

1 Corinthians 15:26

The last enemy [that] shall be destroyed [is] death.