FOOTSTOOL (ὑ?ποπόδιον).—With the single exception of James 2:3 the word is used figuratively in the NT, to express the idea of ‘subjection’ or ‘complete control.’ in this sense it occurs frequently in the Gospels: e.g. Matthew 22:44, Mark 12:36, Luke 20:43, where the Synoptists record Christ’s quotation from Psalms 110—a psalm always regarded by the Jews as distinctly Messianic. In Matthew 22:44 Revised Version NT 1881, OT 1885, on the authority of some of the most ancient MS S [Note: SS Manuscripts.] and versions, accepts ὑ?ποκάτω instead of ὑ?ποπόδιον, and translates, ‘till I put thine enemies under thy feet.’ Similarly in Mark 12:36 ὑ?ποκάτω is read by many ancient authorities, and is adopted by W H [Note: H Westcott and Hort’s text.] . Here, however, Revised Version NT 1881, OT 1885 retains ὑ?ποπόδιον (with marg. note); but (as also in Luke 20:43 and Matthew 5:35) translates more correctly ‘footstool of thy (or his) feet’ instead of Authorized Version ‘thy (or his) footstool.’
In its application to Christ the word shows Him in His Kingly office triumphing over His enemies, and bringing all men into captivity to His obedience; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:25 ‘For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet.’
Dugald Clark.