Mark 12:36

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} David {G1138} himself {G846} said {G2036} by {G1722} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, The LORD {G2962} said {G2036} to my {G3450} Lord {G2962}, Sit thou {G2521} on {G1537} my {G3450} right hand {G1188}, till {G2193}{G302} I make {G5087} thine {G4675} enemies {G2190} thy {G4675} footstool {G5286}{G4228}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David himself, inspired by the Ruach HaKodesh, said, `ADONAI said to my Lord, "Sit here at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet." '

Berean Standard Bible

Speaking by the Holy Spirit, David himself declared: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’

American Standard Version

David himself said in the Holy Spirit, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 12:36, Jesus challenges the religious leaders by quoting Psalm 110:1, a pivotal messianic prophecy, to reveal a deeper truth about the Messiah's identity. He highlights that David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, referred to the Messiah not merely as his descendant ("Son of David") but as "my Lord," thereby asserting the Messiah's pre-eminence and divine nature. This verse underscores Christ's supreme authority, His exalted position at God's right hand, and the certainty of His ultimate triumph over all adversaries, culminating in their complete subjugation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 12:36 is situated within a series of intense theological confrontations between Jesus and various Jewish religious factions—the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees—in the days leading up to His crucifixion. Having skillfully navigated their attempts to trap Him with questions about tribute to Caesar, the resurrection, and the greatest commandment, Jesus seizes the initiative. He turns the tables by posing a question of His own regarding the Messiah's identity, specifically challenging their understanding of the "Son of David" title. This strategic move silences His interrogators, demonstrating His superior wisdom and authority, and sets the stage for His subsequent denunciation of the scribes in [Mark 12:38-40](/mark/12-38-40 "Mark 12:38-40 - Jesus Denounces the Scribes"). The immediate literary context thus portrays Jesus as the ultimate teacher and authority, capable of exposing the spiritual blindness of His opponents.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jewish people of Jesus' time held a strong expectation of the Messiah, primarily viewing Him as a political deliverer who would restore Israel's sovereignty and liberate them from Roman rule. This expectation was deeply rooted in prophecies that spoke of the Messiah as a descendant of David, destined to sit on David's throne (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). The title "Son of David" was therefore a common messianic designation, emphasizing His royal lineage and human connection to Israel's greatest king. However, the prevailing understanding largely overlooked the divine nature and spiritual mission of the Messiah. Jesus' question in Mark 12:36 directly challenges this limited perspective, forcing His audience to grapple with the implications of David, a king, calling his future descendant "Lord," a title often reserved for God or a superior.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly addresses the **Messiah's dual nature**, emphasizing that Jesus is not merely the human "Son of David" but also the pre-existent, divine "Lord" whom David himself worshipped. This theme is central to understanding Jesus' identity throughout the New Testament, as seen in passages like [John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Secondly, it highlights **Christ's supreme authority and ultimate victory**. The imagery of being seated at God's right hand signifies unparalleled honor, power, and shared divine rule, while the "footstool" imagery powerfully conveys the complete subjugation of all enemies, a theme echoed in [1 Corinthians 15:25-28](/1_corinthians/15-25-28 "1 Corinthians 15:25-28 - Christ's Final Triumph"). Lastly, the phrase "by the Holy Ghost" underscores the **divine inspiration and authoritative nature of Scripture**, particularly the Old Testament prophecies, affirming their prophetic accuracy and divine origin. This emphasis on the Spirit's role in revelation is a recurring motif in the New Testament, confirming the reliability of God's Word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Holy Ghost (Greek, _pneûma hagion'_):** The term "Holy Ghost" (or Holy Spirit) refers to the third person of the Trinity, the divine Spirit of God. In this context, it signifies the divine inspiration behind David's prophetic utterance. David's words were not merely human insight but were directly breathed out by God, making them authoritative and infallible. This highlights the supernatural origin of Scripture and the Spirit's role in revealing divine truth.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This word appears twice in the verse, translating two distinct Hebrew terms in Psalm 110:1. The first "LORD" (all caps in KJV) translates the Hebrew `YHWH` (Yahweh), the personal, covenant name of God, indicating the divine speaker. The second "my Lord" translates the Hebrew `Adonai`, a title of mastership and respect. The crux of Jesus' argument lies in David, a king, referring to his own descendant as `Adonai`, signifying a relationship of worship and subservience that could only be due to someone pre-eminent and divine, thus pointing to the Messiah's deity.
* **Footstool (Greek, _hypopódion'_):** This compound word, formed from `hypó` (under) and `poús` (foot), literally means "something under the feet." Figuratively, it denotes complete subjugation, victory, and dominion. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a conquering king would often place his foot on the neck or back of a defeated enemy as a public display of absolute triumph. Here, it powerfully illustrates the Messiah's ultimate and total victory over all His adversaries, making them His subjects.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For David himself said by the Holy Ghost,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine authority and prophetic nature of the subsequent quotation. Jesus asserts that David's words were not merely his own human thoughts but were divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit. This validates the Old Testament as God's infallible Word and sets the stage for a profound theological revelation.
* **"The LORD said to my Lord,"**: This is the core of Jesus' argument, directly quoting Psalm 110:1. The distinction between the two "Lord"s is crucial. "The LORD" (Yahweh) is God the Father speaking, while "my Lord" (Adonai) is the Messiah, to whom the Father speaks. David, as king and prophet, acknowledges the Messiah as his superior, his `Adonai`, indicating a relationship of reverence and submission that transcends mere human lineage and points to the Messiah's divine nature and pre-eminence.
* **"Sit thou on my right hand,"**: This phrase signifies the Messiah's exaltation, supreme honor, and shared divine authority. To be seated at the right hand of God is the ultimate position of power and favor in the heavenly court. It implies co-regency and participation in the divine rule, confirming the Messiah's divine status and His reign alongside the Father.
* **"till I make thine enemies thy footstool."**: This clause speaks to the Messiah's ultimate triumph and complete dominion over all opposition. The imagery of enemies being made a "footstool" conveys absolute subjugation and total victory. It points to a future time when all hostile forces—sin, death, evil, and every opposing power—will be decisively defeated and brought under the Messiah's sovereign rule, culminating in His undisputed reign.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 12:36 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Allusion**, as Jesus directly quotes [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah's Enthronement"), a well-known messianic prophecy. By referencing this specific psalm, Jesus taps into a rich vein of Jewish expectation while simultaneously reinterpreting it to reveal a deeper truth about the Messiah's identity. **Imagery** is also powerfully utilized, particularly in the phrases "right hand" and "footstool." "Right hand" serves as a vivid metaphor for supreme authority, honor, and shared divine power, while "footstool" metaphorically represents complete subjugation and decisive victory over all adversaries. Furthermore, Jesus' interaction with the religious leaders is a prime example of **Rhetorical Questioning** and **Argumentation**. He uses a question not to seek information but to expose their limited understanding and to force them to confront the Messiah's divine nature, thereby dismantling their superficial interpretations of Scripture and establishing His own authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 12:36 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the person of Jesus Christ, asserting His dual nature as both fully human (the Son of David) and fully divine (David's Lord). It highlights the profound mystery that the Messiah, though a descendant of Israel's greatest king, transcends human lineage to share the very essence and authority of God. This passage is foundational to the doctrine of Christ's pre-existence, His divine sonship, and His ultimate sovereignty. It confirms that Jesus' earthly ministry was not merely that of a prophet or a king, but the incarnation of God Himself, destined to reign eternally and subdue all things under His feet. The Holy Spirit's role in inspiring David's prophecy further underscores the unity of God's redemptive plan across the Old and New Testaments, revealing a consistent divine purpose culminating in Christ.

* [Matthew 22:41-46](/matthew/22-41-46 "Matthew 22:41-46 - Jesus Questions the Pharisees About the Messiah")
* [Luke 20:41-44](/luke/20-41-44 "Luke 20:41-44 - Jesus Questions the Scribes About the Messiah")
* [Acts 2:34-35](/acts/2-34-35 "Acts 2:34-35 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost, Referencing Psalm 110:1")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 12:36 compels us to move beyond superficial or limited understandings of Jesus, urging us to embrace the profound truth of His full identity. It challenges us, just as it challenged the religious leaders of His day, to recognize that Jesus is not merely a historical figure, a good teacher, or even just a powerful prophet, but He is the pre-eminent, divine Lord to whom all authority belongs. For the believer, this truth provides immense comfort and unwavering confidence. Knowing that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God means He possesses absolute power and dominion over all things, including the challenges and adversaries we face in our lives. This assurance empowers us to trust in His sovereignty amidst trials, to find peace in His ultimate victory over sin and death, and to live with hope, knowing that His kingdom will ultimately prevail. Furthermore, the emphasis on David speaking "by the Holy Ghost" serves as a powerful reminder of the divine inspiration and authority of all Scripture, encouraging us to approach God's Word with reverence, diligence, and a humble heart, allowing it to shape our understanding of God and His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' question about David's Lordship challenge your own understanding of His identity and authority?**
* **What practical difference does it make in your daily life to know that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, with all enemies destined to be His footstool?**
* **In what ways does the concept of the Holy Spirit inspiring Scripture (as seen in David's prophecy) deepen your trust and reverence for the Bible?**

### FAQ

**Why was Jesus' question about Psalm 110:1 so challenging to the religious leaders?**

Answer: Jesus' question was challenging because it directly confronted their limited and primarily human understanding of the Messiah. While they correctly identified the Messiah as the "Son of David" (a human descendant), they struggled to reconcile this with David, Israel's greatest king, calling his future descendant "my Lord." This implied a pre-eminence and divine status for the Messiah that went beyond mere human lineage. By quoting [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah's Enthronement"), Jesus forced them to consider the Messiah's dual nature—both human and divine—and to acknowledge that the Messiah was not just David's son but David's God, thus silencing their attempts to trap Him.

**What does "Sit thou on my right hand" signify?**

Answer: "Sit thou on my right hand" is a powerful expression of supreme honor, authority, and shared divine power. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the right hand was the place of highest honor and authority. For the Messiah to be invited by God the Father to sit at His right hand signifies His exaltation to the highest position in the universe, demonstrating His co-equality with God and His participation in the divine rule. This imagery is central to understanding Christ's post-resurrection status and His ongoing reign, as further expounded in passages like [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Exaltation at God's Right Hand").

**How does the "footstool" imagery relate to Christ's victory?**

Answer: The "footstool" imagery vividly portrays Christ's complete and absolute victory over all His enemies. In the ancient world, a conquering king would often place his foot on the neck or back of a defeated foe to symbolize total subjugation and dominion. Therefore, when God promises to make the Messiah's enemies His footstool, it signifies that all opposing forces—including sin, death, Satan, and every spiritual and earthly power—will ultimately be defeated, brought under Christ's authority, and rendered powerless. This promise assures believers of Christ's ultimate triumph and the final establishment of His kingdom, as seen in [1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Reigns Until All Enemies Are Subdued").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 12:36 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth. This verse, through Jesus' own words, unequivocally declares His divine nature and pre-eminence, challenging the limited view of the Messiah as merely a human king. Jesus is indeed the "Son of David" by human lineage, fulfilling the promises made to David (as seen in [Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Concerning His Son, Descended from David")). Yet, He is infinitely more: He is David's "Lord," the eternal Son of God, co-equal with the Father. His resurrection and ascension to the Father's right hand, as powerfully articulated by Peter in [Acts 2:32-36](/acts/2-32-36 "Acts 2:32-36 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost"), are the ultimate fulfillment of Psalm 110:1. This enthronement signifies His supreme authority over all creation, His ongoing intercession for His people ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")), and the certain promise of His final triumph. All enemies—sin, death, and every opposing power—are being progressively made His footstool, a work that will culminate in His glorious return when He will fully subdue all things under His feet ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Lordship")). Thus, Mark 12:36 is not just an ancient prophecy but a living declaration of Jesus' present reign and future, undeniable victory, inviting all to acknowledge Him as Lord.

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.

Matthew 22:43

He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,

Matthew 22:45

If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?

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?

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.

1 Corinthians 15:25

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