הֲדֹם (ha.dom)
ha.dom
footstool
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun hadom refers to a low seat or footstool, an object designed for resting one’s feet upon. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears in six verses, primarily within poetic books like Psalms and Isaiah. This simple piece of furniture serves as a powerful metaphor for submission and dominion, illustrating the relationship between a ruler and those under their authority.
The imagery is most striking when applied to God. In Psalm 99:5 and 132:7, the ark of the covenant is described as the footstool of the Lord’s feet, emphasizing His supreme sovereignty over all the earth. Similarly, Isaiah 66:1 contrasts heaven as God’s throne with the earth as His footstool, reinforcing the vastness of His majesty compared to the created world.
Translators typically render hadom as "footstool" or simply "stool," depending on context. The word conveys a sense of humble service and total control; just as one might rest their feet on a stool while seated in authority, so too is creation subject to the divine King. This usage highlights the ancient cultural understanding of status and power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hadom, meaning footstool, paints a picture of immense contrast. In ancient culture, resting one’s feet on a stool was a sign of relaxed authority and total control. When the Bible uses this image for God, it reminds us that He is not distant or overwhelmed by our struggles. Instead, He sits in sovereign peace, with the entire earth beneath His gaze. This imagery offers comfort: the same power that holds the universe together is attentive to your life.
Scripture often links this concept to worship and presence. In the Psalms, believers are invited to worship at God’s footstool, acknowledging His holiness while standing in His presence. Even when circumstances feel chaotic, as seen in Lamentations, the memory of God’s sovereignty remains a anchor. We do not face life alone; we stand under the care of a King who is both majestic and near.
This metaphor invites us to align our hearts with His authority. It is not about fear, but about trust in a ruler who has everything under control. When you feel small or uncertain, remember that your God is seated on high, yet He cares for the details of your days. This truth grounds our faith in reality and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ [the] footstool of2×
- and/ to/ [the] footstool of1×
- a footstool1×
- [the] footstool of1×
- [is] [the] footstool of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַ/הֲדֹ֥ם2×
- הֲדֹ֣ם2×
- וְ/לַ/הֲדֹם֙1×
- הֲדֹם\־1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 110:1
A Psalm by David. Yahweh says to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet.”
This verse applies the title to the Messiah, showing that Christ’s victory over enemies is complete and absolute.
-
Isaiah 66:1
Yahweh says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build to me? Where will I rest?
Here the earth itself is called His footstool, emphasizing that no human structure can contain His majesty.
-
Psalms 99:5
Exalt Yahweh our God. Worship at his footstool. He is Holy!
The command to worship at His footstool connects our act of praise directly to His holy presence and authority.