Luke 20:43

Luke 20:43, in plain English

The psalm continues: 'until I put Your enemies under Your feet.' The Messiah won't just sit on the throne — He'll triumph over everything and everyone that opposes Him.

Why it's here

For Jesus to quote this while His enemies are plotting against Him is breathtaking. They think they're winning; this psalm says they're already defeated.

Who's speaking

Jesus quotes the second half of the psalm, declaring ultimate victory for the Messiah.

Where it sits in the story

While the leaders plot Jesus' death, He quotes a psalm that promises their defeat. The irony is staggering: they're trying to destroy the One who will ultimately triumph over all opposition.

The scholarly reading

The psalm continues: 'until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.' This promises the Messiah's ultimate triumph over all opposition, a theme of eschatological victory.

Language and setting

The footstool imagery comes from ancient Near Eastern practice of victorious kings placing their feet on conquered enemies. Applied to the Messiah, it promises complete eschatological victory.

Voice

Jesus continues quoting Psalm 110:1, emphasizing the Messiah's ultimate victory over His enemies.

Significance

The psalm doesn't just enthrone the Messiah — it promises complete victory. Every enemy will be placed under His feet. The one the leaders are trying to destroy will ultimately triumph over all.

41Then Jesus declared, “How can it be said that the Christ is the Son of David?

42For David himself says in the book of Psalms: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand

43until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’

44Thus David calls Him ‘Lord.’ So how can He be David’s son?”

45In the hearing of all the people, Jesus said to His disciples,

Read all of Luke 20 — The religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority. He answers with a parable about murderous tenants that leaves them furious and afraid.