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Acts 7:49

Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

Acts 7:49 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, the Lord is expressing the vastness of his being and his presence that extends beyond any physical structure that humans may try to build in his honor. By describing heaven as his throne and earth as his footstool, it conveys the idea that God is far greater than any human construction or dwelling place. The question posed by the Lord challenges human understanding of his divine nature and emphasizes that no physical house can contain or confine him. Instead, the focus is on the recognition of God's omnipresence and the acknowledgment that he cannot be contained within the limits of a building or a specific location. This verse serves as a reminder of the greatness and majesty of God, encouraging believers to have a deeper reverence and awe for his presence that transcends any earthly structure.

Theological Overview

When looking at the theological interpretation of the verse, "Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?" we see a powerful statement of God's omnipotence and sovereignty. Here, God declares that the entire cosmos is under His control, with heaven as His throne and earth as His footstool. This imagery emphasizes the greatness and majesty of God, highlighting His supremacy over all creation. The question posed by the Lord challenges the idea of building a physical house or structure for Him, as if He could be contained or confined by human efforts. Instead, God is reminding us that He is beyond our comprehension and cannot be limited by anything we could construct. The verse invites us to recognize the infinite nature of God and to approach Him with humility and reverence, acknowledging His transcendence and glory.

Acts 7:49 in other translations

American Standard Version

The heaven is my throne, And the earth the footstool of my feet: What manner of house will ye build Me? saith the Lord: Or what is the place of my rest?

World English Bible

‘heaven is my throne, and the earth a footstool for my feet. What kind of house will you build me?’ says the Lord; ‘or what is the place of my rest?

Douay-Rheims

Heaven is my throne and the earth my footstool. What house will you build me (saith the Lord)? Or what is the place of my resting?

Geneva Bible (1599)

Heauen is my throne, and earth is my footestoole: what house wil ye build for me, saith the Lord? or what place is it that I should rest in?