Devine Scripture

Hebrews 1:13

What does Hebrews 1:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 1:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 1:13 means

The rhetorical question sharpens the point: “But of which of the angels hath he said at any time, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet?” None. The right hand is the place of supreme honor and authority. The promise of subdued enemies indicates an ongoing reign moving toward complete triumph. The Son is not waiting to become King; He is enthroned, awaiting the final display of His victory. No angel receives such an invitation or promise. This verse ties together the themes of exaltation, rule, and final judgment, distinguishing the Son’s position as utterly unique.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But of which of the angels hath he said at any time, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But of which of the angels hath he said at any time, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But of which of the angels has he said at any time, Take your seat at my right hand till I put all those who are against you under your feet?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And unto which of the messengers said He ever, `Sit at My right hand, till I may make thine enemies thy footstool?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But to which of the angels said he at any time: Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But as to which of the angels said he ever, Sit at my right hand until I put thine enemies [as] footstool of thy feet?

Context

Verse 13 returns to the motif introduced in verse 3 (the Son seated at God’s right hand) and contrasts it explicitly with angels. After expounding His deity and eternity (vv. 8–12), the author restates the enthronement claim as the capstone. The next and final verse (v. 14) will define the proper role of angels—as ministering spirits—thereby concluding the comparison and solidifying the chapter’s thesis: angels serve; the Son reigns.

v.12And as a mantle shalt thou roll them up, As a garment, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, And thy years shall not fail.

v.13This passage

v.14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 21:8

    Thy hand will find out all thine enemies; Thy right hand will find out those that hate thee.

  • Acts 2:34

    For David ascended not into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

  • Hebrews 10:12

    but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

  • Psalms 110:1

    Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

  • Luke 20:42

    For David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

  • Matthew 22:44

    The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I put thine enemies underneath thy feet?

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