Paragraph 1:13–14

In this paragraph the author concluded the chapter with a final contrast between the Son and the angels. It shows again that God’s Son is far greater than the angels.

1:13

This verse contains the seventh and final quotation from the Old Testament in this section. The author quoted from Psalm 110:1. The words of Psalm 110:1 are quoted in Matthew 22:44; Mark 12:36; Luke 20:42–43; and Acts 2:34–35, and they are also referred to in other passages.

1:13a

Yet: The conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Yet introduces the final point in this chapter. Another way to introduce it in English is:

Moreover

Consider how you introduce an important point in your language. In some languages a conjunction may not be necessary.

to which of the angels did God ever say: This clause is the first part of a rhetorical question. It is almost exactly the same as 1:5a, which began this section. It emphasizes the fact that God never said to any of the angels what he said to his son in 1:13b–c. It also implies a contrast. God did say those words to his Son. You should translate 1:13a in the same way (or a very similar way) as you translated 1:5a.

angels: The word angels refers to the spirit beings that serve God. This word occurred in 1:4. You may translate it in the same way here.

1:13b–c

The quotation in 1:13b–c is from Psalm 110:1. The author referred to it in 1:3.

Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet: Here God invited his Son to sit with him on his right side while God conquered his Son’s enemies. The context implies that God’s Son will also continue to sit with him after his enemies are conquered. In some languages a word like until may imply a limited time. If that is true in your language, it is better to translate it in a different way. For example:

Sit at my right side and I will make your enemies a footstool for you.
-or-
Sit here at my right while I make your enemies your footstool.

1:13b

Sit at My right hand: The clause Sit at My right hand has the same figurative meaning as the phrase “sat down at the right hand” in 1:3e. It indicates that God told his Son to take the place of greatest honor and authority with God. You should translate the meaning in a similar way here. Some ways to translate it are:

Sit by me at my right side (New Century Version)
-or-
Come sit here with me, ⌊sharing my authority⌋
-or-
Sit in honor at my right hand (New Living Translation (2004))

1:13c

until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet: This clause refers to a custom of kings at that time. When a king defeated his enemies, he put his feet on them to show that he had complete power over them. In this context, the custom is a metaphor. It means that God will defeat his Son’s enemies, and the Son will have complete power over them. It does not indicate that the Son will literally place his feet on his enemies.

Some other ways to translate the figurative language are:

• Use the same or different figurative language. For example:

until you put your feet on the necks of your enemies
-or-
until I make your enemies kneel before you

• Use figurative language and make the meaning explicit. For example:

until I humble your enemies so that they are like a resting-place for your feet

• Translate the meaning without the figurative language. For example:

until I have subdued your enemies completely
-or-
until I make all your enemies submit to you

Translate the meaning in a natural way in your language. This metaphor is used again in 10:12–14.

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