What does Luke 20:43 mean?
What is the meaning of Luke 20:43?

until

Jesus cites Psalm 110:1, saying, “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet” (Luke 20:42–43).

• “Until” signals a definite, God-appointed period. The risen Son is presently seated at the Father’s right hand (Acts 2:33–35), and this seat is occupied until the Father’s purpose is fulfilled.

• The word carries both patience and certainty. Christ’s current heavenly rule (Colossians 3:1) unfolds over time, but its conclusion is guaranteed (Hebrews 10:12–13).

• Believers live in this “until” era, confident that the next stage—the final subjugation of evil—will arrive right on schedule (2 Peter 3:9–10).


I make

The initiative is entirely God’s.

• The Father promises to act: “I will put My Spirit upon Him… He will proclaim justice” (Matthew 12:18).

• This divine resolve assures victory. Jesus’ followers rest in God’s power, not human schemes (Zechariah 4:6).

• Scripture repeatedly highlights the Father exalting the Son (Philippians 2:9–11; Revelation 5:6–10). The same God who raised Jesus will complete His plan.


Your enemies

The foes in view are real, personal, and hostile to Christ’s reign.

• They include Satan and demonic forces (Ephesians 6:12).

• They encompass rebellious nations and leaders (Revelation 19:19).

• They also represent human sin and death itself (1 Corinthians 15:25–26).

The passage assures that every enemy—spiritual or earthly—will be compelled to bow (Psalm 2:1–12; Isaiah 45:23).


a footstool

Ancient kings placed conquered foes under their feet as a sign of total dominance (Joshua 10:24).

• God pledges this exact outcome for His Messiah. The enemies will not merely be restrained; they will be utterly subjected (Romans 16:20).

• The image communicates finality. Once underfoot, opposition can never rise again (Malachi 4:3).

• It also highlights triumph shared with believers: “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with Me on My throne” (Revelation 3:21).


for Your feet

The Father honors the Son personally.

• The victory is tailored “for” Jesus, spotlighting His unique authority (Hebrews 1:13).

• Christ’s feet once pierced (Luke 24:39–40) will rest upon everything that resisted Him.

• Because believers are united with Christ (Ephesians 2:6), His victory secures their future inheritance (Romans 8:17).


summary

Luke 20:43 guarantees that the ascended Jesus will reign “until” the Father completes the decisive act of making every enemy His “footstool.” The promise underscores God’s initiative, the certainty of Christ’s triumph, the total defeat of evil powers, and the shared victory awaiting all who belong to Him.

What is the significance of the phrase 'The Lord said to my Lord' in Luke 20:42?
Top of Page
Top of Page