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ὑποπόδιον

hypopódion

G5286 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A device, platform, or object placed under the feet for support or rest (footstool); by extension, a symbol of subordination or submission, especially in metaphorical or figurative usage—such as a subject brought under the rule or authority of another. The term can refer both to literal physical objects (furniture) and to figurative concepts, most notably in quotations or allusions to Hebrew Scriptures (e.g., the earth as the 'footstool' of a deity).

Semantic Range

footstool; platform placed under the feet; object indicating subordination; symbol of submission; anything held under one’s control or authority

Root / Etymology

Formed from the preposition ὑπό (under) and πούς (foot), with the diminutive suffix -ιον, indicating a thing associated with or belonging under the feet; essentially, 'something-under-the-feet.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ὑποπόδιον is found as a term for a literal footstool or rest for the feet, often as part of household furniture. Within the Septuagint and New Testament, its meaning broadens, frequently appearing in contexts quoting or alluding to Hebrew Scripture (e.g., Psalm 109:1 LXX / Psalm 110:1 MT)—often denoting something under symbolic authority or power, e.g., enemies subdued by a ruler. In Mark 12:36, Acts 2:35, Hebrews 1:13, and related passages, ὑποπόδιον is used in direct allusion to this concept, emphasizing the image of submission or subjugation. Unlike English 'footstool,' in Greek the term readily shifts between physical object and symbol of power or dominion. Later Christian interpretation read it as foreshadowing universal subjection to divine rule, but in original contexts it can denote a range from practical furniture to expressions of conquered opposition. The English 'footstool' does not fully convey the metaphorical range present in Greek-Jewish and early Christian texts.

Translation Consistency

primary "footstool" 7 occurrences

'Footstool' is the natural, widely used English term that covers both the literal object (a platform placed under the feet) and the common figurative sense (symbol of subordination or what is held under one’s authority). It matches the attested P2 renderings and the typical biblical usage (including earth as God’s footstool).

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter of a compound of ὑπό and πούς; something under the feet, i.e. a foot-rest (figuratively):--footstool.

Root Family

ὑποπόδιον (hypopodion) — foot, under the foot, something placed beneath

Root ποδ- foot, under the foot, to place beneath

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5286-01 ὑποπόδιόν upopodion N NOM N SG footstool footstool footstool 7

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5286-01 Matthew 5:35 ὑποπόδιόν upopodion N NOM N SG footstool footstool footstool
G5286-01 Luke 20:43 ὑποπόδιον upopodion N ACC N SG footstool footstool footstool
G5286-01 Acts 2:35 ὑποπόδιον upopodion N ACC N SG footstool footstool footstool
G5286-01 Acts 7:49 ὑποπόδιον upopodion N NOM N SG footstool footstool footstool
G5286-01 Hebrews 1:13 ὑποπόδιον upopodion N ACC N SG footstool footstool footstool
G5286-01 Hebrews 10:13 ὑποπόδιον upopodion N ACC N SG footstool footstool footstool
G5286-01 James 2:3 ὑποπόδιόν upopodion N ACC N SG footstool footstool footstool
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