Dictionaries :: Footstool

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Footstool:

connected with a throne (2Ch 9:18). Jehovah symbolically dwelt in the holy place between the cherubim above the ark of the covenant. The ark was his footstool (1Ch 28:2; Psa 99:5; 132:7). And as heaven is God's throne, so the earth is his footstool (Psa 110:1; Isa 66:1; Mat 5:35).

International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia

Footstool:

foot'-stool (kebhes; hupopodion, "trodden on"): The 15 Scripture references to this term may be classified as literal or figurative. Of the former are the two passages: 2Ch 9:18 and Jas 2:3. In these the footstool was a sort of step or support for the feet placed before the throne or any pretentious seat.

Of figurative uses, there are the following groups:

(1) Of the earth: Isa 66:1; Mt 5:35; Ac 7:49.

(2) Of the ark: 1Ch 28:2.

(3) Of the Temple: Ps 99:5; 132:7; La 2:1; compare Isa 60:13.

(4) Of heathen enemies subdued by the Messianic King: Ps 110:1; Mt 22:44 the King James Version; Mr 12:36; Lu 20:43; Ac 2:35; Heb 1:13; 10:13.

Thus the uses of this term are mainly metaphorical and symbolic of subjection, either to God as universal Lord or to God's Son as King by redemptive right. Compare 1Co 15:25-27, in which all things, including death, are represented as subject to Christ and placed beneath His feet.

Written by Leonard W. Doolan

Nave's Topical Bible

Footstool: Figurative

The earth is God's,

Isa 60:13; 66:1; Lam 2:1; Act 7:49.

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

Footstool:

from hupo, "under," and pous, "a foot," is used

(a) literally in Jam 2:3,

(b) metaphorically, of the earth as God's "footstool," Mat 5:35; of the foes of the Lord, Mat 22:44 (in some mss.); Mar 12:36, "underneath" (in some mss.); Luk 20:43; Act 2:35; 7:49; Hbr 1:13; 10:13. The RV, adhering to the literal rendering, translates the phrase "the footstool of My (Thy, His) feet," for the AV, "My (etc.) footstool," but in Mat 22:44, "(till I put Thine enemies) underneath thy feet."