ὑποπόδιον (hupopodion)
hupopodion
footstool
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hupopodion literally means "footstool," derived from words for "under" and "foot." In Scripture, it functions as a metaphor for total subjection. This imagery draws on the ancient practice of conquerors placing their feet on the necks or heads of defeated enemies to demonstrate absolute dominance. By calling something a footstool, the text signifies that it is entirely under the control and authority of another.
This term appears in several key passages where Jesus or the authors apply Psalm 110:1 to Himself. In Matthew 5:35, He describes Jerusalem as God’s "footstool," indicating the city’s place under divine sovereignty. Later, in Acts 2:35 and Hebrews 1:13, the word illustrates how Christ’s enemies are placed beneath His feet. The usage is not merely about location but about power; the footstool represents the complete submission of all opposition to the ruler.
Translators typically render hupopodion as "footstool" to preserve this vivid physical image. The word emphasizes that no enemy can stand against the one who sits on high. It serves as a powerful declaration of victory, showing that ultimate authority rests with God and His Anointed One, while all resistance is reduced to nothing beneath them.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hupopodion paints a vivid picture of total authority. In ancient times, placing someone’s feet on a conquered enemy’s neck showed absolute victory. When Scripture calls something a footstool, it means that thing is entirely under the control of the one who sits above it. This imagery reminds us that God holds all power and history in His hands.
For your faith, this is a source of deep comfort. No matter how strong opposition seems, Christ’s authority is supreme. Whether referring to Jerusalem as God’s footstool or enemies beneath Jesus’ feet, the text assures us that divine sovereignty never wavers. You can rest knowing that ultimate control belongs to God alone.
This truth invites trust rather than fear. When life feels chaotic, remember that the King sits on high while all else rests beneath Him. Your security lies not in your own strength but in the One who rules over all things with perfect justice and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [as] a footstool3×
- a footstool2×
- footstool1×
- [the] footstool1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑποπόδιον5×
- ὑποπόδιόν2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:35
nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
Jesus uses this term to show that even Jerusalem, His holy city, remains under God’s ultimate authority.
-
Hebrews 10:13
from that time waiting until his enemies are made the footstool of his feet.
The author highlights Christ’s ongoing reign by noting He waits until every enemy is placed beneath Him.
-
Acts 7:49
‘heaven is my throne, and the earth a footstool for my feet. What kind of house will you build me?’ says the Lord. ‘Or what is the place of my rest?
Stephen quotes Isaiah to prove that the earth itself is merely a footstool for God’s heavenly throne.