Luke 20:42

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} David {G1138} himself {G846} saith {G3004} in {G1722} the book {G976} of Psalms {G5568}, The LORD {G2962} said {G2036} unto my {G3450} Lord {G2962}, Sit thou {G2521} on {G1537} my {G3450} right hand {G1188},

Complete Jewish Bible

For David himself says in the book of Psalms,

Berean Standard Bible

For David himself says in the book of Psalms: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Jesus challenges the prevailing understanding of the Messiah's identity by quoting [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Oracle to His King"), a pivotal Messianic prophecy. He highlights the paradox of the Messiah being both David's descendant and, more profoundly, David's divine Lord, thereby asserting His own supreme authority and divine nature over and above a merely human, earthly kingship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a crucial exchange in the Temple courts where Jesus masterfully navigates and ultimately silences the various factions of Jewish leadership – the chief priests, scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees. Having successfully parried their challenges regarding His authority ([Luke 20:1-8](/luke/20-1-8 "Luke 20:1-8 - Jesus's Authority Challenged")), the payment of taxes to Caesar ([Luke 20:20-26](/luke/20-20-26 "Luke 20:20-26 - Paying Taxes to Caesar")), and the resurrection ([Luke 20:27-40](/luke/20-27-40 "Luke 20:27-40 - The Sadducees and the Resurrection")), Jesus turns the tables. He poses His own question in [Luke 20:41](/luke/20-41 "Luke 20:41 - Jesus's Question About the Messiah"), asking how the Messiah can be David's son if David himself calls Him "Lord." This sets the stage for the direct quotation of [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - David's Prophecy of the Messiah's Lordship") in [Luke 20:42](/luke/20-42 "Luke 20:42 - Jesus's Use of Psalm 110:1"), serving as Jesus's climactic theological assertion that silences His opponents and reveals a deeper truth about His Messianic identity. Parallel accounts are found in [Matthew 22:41-46](/matthew/22-41-46 "Matthew 22:41-46 - Jesus's Question to the Pharisees") and [Mark 12:35-37](/mark/12-35-37 "Mark 12:35-37 - Jesus Questions the Scribes").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism held a strong expectation for the Messiah to be a descendant of David, fulfilling the Davidic Covenant ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). This "Son of David" was largely envisioned as a political and military leader who would liberate Israel from Roman rule and restore the Davidic kingdom. The religious leaders, particularly the scribes and Pharisees, emphasized the Messiah's human lineage and earthly reign. However, their understanding often overlooked or downplayed the prophetic texts that hinted at the Messiah's divine nature and pre-existence, such as the distinction made in [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - A Key Messianic Prophecy"). Jesus's question directly challenges this limited, human-centric view, forcing them to confront the paradox of a Messiah who is simultaneously David's son and David's Lord, a concept that points to His unique divine-human nature.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational theological themes. Primarily, it underscores the **Divinity and Lordship of Christ**, asserting that the Messiah is not merely a human king but a divine figure worthy of David's worship and submission. This theme is central to the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus, as seen in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God"). Secondly, it highlights **Messianic Prophecy and Fulfillment**, demonstrating how Old Testament scriptures, specifically the Psalms, accurately foretold the Messiah's nature and status, which Jesus perfectly embodies. Thirdly, it presents the profound **Paradox of Davidic Sonship and Lordship**, reconciling the seemingly contradictory claims of the Messiah being both a human descendant of David and David's sovereign Lord. This paradox is resolved in the person of Jesus, who is both fully human and fully divine. Finally, Jesus's reliance on [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - Jesus's Scriptural Foundation") emphasizes the **Authority and Sufficiency of Scripture** as the ultimate source of truth regarding the Messiah's identity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **David (Hebrew, _Dabíd'_):** Refers to the historical King David, the Israelite monarch from whose lineage the Messiah was prophesied to come. Jesus's argument hinges on David's own words, lending immense authority to the prophecy.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This word appears twice in the quoted phrase, "The LORD said unto my Lord." The first "LORD" (G2962) in the Greek Septuagint for Psalm 110:1 translates the Hebrew "Yahweh" (the divine name of God), referring to God the Father. The second "Lord" (G2962) translates the Hebrew "Adonai" and refers to the Messiah. The use of the same Greek word for both highlights the supreme authority of the Messiah, whom David himself acknowledges as his Master, indicating a status far beyond that of a mere human descendant.
* **Sit thou (Greek, _káthēmai'_):** This verb signifies a position of settled authority, rest, and established reign. When coupled with "on my right hand," it describes the Messiah's enthronement and co-regency with God the Father, indicating a permanent and supreme position of power and honor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David himself saith in the book of Psalms":** This opening clause establishes the divine inspiration and authority of the source. Jesus appeals to David's own testimony, recognizing him as the human author of the Psalms, yet implying divine inspiration for such a profound prophecy. The phrase "book of Psalms" underscores its canonical status and widespread recognition within Jewish tradition.
* **"The LORD said unto my Lord":** This is the core of the quotation from [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Divine Dialogue"). The first "LORD" (Hebrew: Yahweh, rendered as *Kyrios* in the Septuagint and often capitalized in English Bibles) refers to God the Father. The second "my Lord" (Hebrew: Adonai, also *Kyrios* in the Septuagint) refers to the Messiah. The crucial point is that David, Israel's greatest king, refers to his future descendant not merely as "son" but as "my Lord," signifying a relationship of profound reverence, submission, and recognition of superior, indeed divine, authority. This distinction between the two "Lords" is central to Jesus's argument for His own divine nature.
* **"Sit thou on my right hand":** This phrase describes the Messiah's exalted position. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sitting at the right hand of a monarch signified a position of supreme honor, authority, and shared rule. For the Messiah to be invited by Yahweh to sit at His own right hand implies co-regency, equality in power, and divine status. It is a prophetic declaration of the Messiah's ultimate triumph, enthronement, and eternal reign alongside God the Father.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 20:42 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Quotation/Allusion**, as Jesus directly quotes [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - A Prophetic Quotation"), a passage deeply revered within Jewish tradition. This allows Jesus to ground His argument in accepted scripture, demonstrating His mastery of the Law and Prophets while simultaneously reinterpreting its Messianic implications. The broader context involves a **Rhetorical Question** posed by Jesus in [Luke 20:41](/luke/20-41 "Luke 20:41 - Jesus's Challenging Question"), which this verse answers, forcing His opponents to confront a logical and theological dilemma. The core of Jesus's argument creates a **Paradox**: how can the Messiah be both David's son (human descendant) and David's Lord (divine sovereign)? This paradox serves to highlight the inadequacy of the scribes' limited understanding of the Messiah and to point towards Jesus's unique dual nature. Finally, the phrase "Sit thou on my right hand" is rich in **Symbolism**, representing supreme honor, authority, and shared divine power, a powerful visual metaphor for the Messiah's exaltation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:42 is a cornerstone for understanding the New Testament's Christology, particularly the dual nature of Jesus Christ as both fully human and fully divine. By quoting [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah's Divine Status"), Jesus not only asserts His pre-eminence over David but also reveals His eternal relationship with God the Father. This passage establishes the Messiah's divine Lordship as a truth rooted in the Old Testament, challenging any purely human or earthly conception of His identity. It points to the profound mystery of the Trinity, where the Father (the first "LORD") speaks to the Son (the "my Lord"), inviting Him to share His throne and authority. This divine dialogue, foreseen by David, confirms Jesus's unique status as God incarnate, the sovereign King who reigns over all creation and history.

* [Acts 2:34-36](/acts/2-34-36 "Acts 2:34-36 - Peter's Sermon on Christ's Exaltation")
* [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Supremacy and Position")
* [Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20-23 "Ephesians 1:20-23 - Christ's Authority Over All Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 20:42 compels us to move beyond a superficial understanding of Jesus to grasp the profound truth of His divine Lordship. It challenges us, just as it challenged the religious leaders, to recognize that Jesus is not merely a historical figure, a good teacher, or even just a great prophet, but the eternal Son of God, the sovereign Lord of all creation. This understanding should transform our worship, deepen our reverence, and inform our daily lives. If Jesus is truly "my Lord," then our response must be one of humble submission, joyful obedience, and unwavering trust in His authority and wisdom. It reminds us that our faith is not built on human philosophy or fleeting trends, but on the unshakeable truth of God's Word, which consistently points to the glorious and divine person of Jesus Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus as both David's son and David's Lord deepen your appreciation for His identity?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to more fully acknowledge and submit to Jesus's supreme Lordship?**
* **How does the authority of Scripture, as demonstrated by Jesus's use of Psalm 110:1, strengthen your faith?**
* **What practical implications does Jesus's current position at the right hand of God have for your hope and confidence in Him?**

### FAQ

**Why is Jesus's quotation of Psalm 110:1 so significant?**

Answer: Jesus's quotation of [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - A Pivotal Messianic Prophecy") is profoundly significant because it directly challenges the limited, human-centric understanding of the Messiah prevalent in His day. By highlighting that David himself called the Messiah "my Lord" (Adonai), Jesus demonstrates that the Messiah's identity transcends mere human lineage. This passage, therefore, serves as a crucial Old Testament witness to the Messiah's divine nature and supreme authority, establishing Him as far greater than any earthly king, even David himself. It forms a foundational argument for Jesus's own claim to divinity.

**How does "Sit thou on my right hand" relate to Jesus's resurrection and ascension?**

Answer: The phrase "Sit thou on my right hand" is a prophetic declaration of the Messiah's ultimate exaltation and enthronement. In the New Testament, this prophecy is understood to be definitively fulfilled by Jesus's resurrection from the dead and His subsequent ascension into heaven. After His victory over sin and death, Jesus was exalted to the highest place, taking His rightful seat at the right hand of God the Father. This signifies His supreme authority, His completed redemptive work, and His ongoing reign as King and High Priest. Passages like [Acts 2:33-36](/acts/2-33-36 "Acts 2:33-36 - Peter's Explanation of Christ's Exaltation") and [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand") explicitly connect [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - Fulfilled by Christ's Ascension") to Jesus's post-resurrection status.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:42, through Jesus's masterful use of [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah's Divine Sovereignty"), finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's prophetic vision of "my Lord" sitting at Yahweh's right hand is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who is indeed both the promised "Son of David" according to His humanity ([Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Jesus, Descendant of David")) and the eternal, divine "Lord" according to His divine nature ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - Jesus, the Word, Who Was God")). His incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension are the historical acts that confirm this ancient prophecy. Having accomplished redemption on the cross, Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of God ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead")) and ascended to heaven, where He now reigns supreme at the Father's right hand ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20-22 "Christ Enthroned Above All Authority")). This position signifies His completed work, His ongoing intercession for believers ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Ongoing Intercession")), and His absolute authority over all things, awaiting the day when all His enemies will be made His footstool ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign")). Thus, Jesus is the only one who can truly be David's Son and David's Lord, the divine Messiah who perfectly fulfills the prophetic word.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 110:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Acts 2:34

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

Acts 2:35

Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

Hebrews 1:13

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

Mark 12:36

For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Mark 12:37

David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he [then] his son? And the common people heard him gladly.

Matthew 22:43

He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,