Luke 20:44

KJV

David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?

KJV (with Strong's)

David {G1138} therefore {G3767} calleth {G2564} him {G846} Lord {G2962}, how {G4459} is he {G2076} then {G2532} his {G846} son {G5207}?

Complete Jewish Bible

David thus calls him ‘Lord.’ So how can he be David’s son?”

Berean Standard Bible

Thus David calls Him ‘Lord.’ So how can He be David’s son?”

American Standard Version

David therefore calleth him Lord, and how is he his son?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 20:44 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus's public ministry, where He masterfully turns the tables on the religious authorities by posing a profound rhetorical question concerning the identity of the Messiah. Drawing from Psalm 110:1, a widely accepted messianic prophecy attributed to King David, Jesus highlights the paradox that the Christ, though David's descendant, is also David's Lord. This question challenges the prevailing human-centric understanding of the Messiah, compelling His interrogators—and all who hear—to grapple with the Messiah's pre-existent divine nature alongside His human lineage, revealing Jesus's own claim to both divine and human identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a series of strategic interrogations initiated by the Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem, as recorded in [Luke 20](/luke/20 "Luke 20 - Jesus's Authority Challenged"). Following attempts by the chief priests, scribes, and elders to trap Jesus with questions about His authority ([Luke 20:1-8](/luke/20-1-8 "Luke 20:1-8 - Jesus's Authority Questioned")), tribute 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 shifts from defense to offense. Having silenced His opponents, who "dared not ask him any question after that" ([Luke 20:40](/luke/20-40 "Luke 20:40 - No More Questions")), Jesus then poses His own question about the Messiah's true identity, directly quoting [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - A Prophecy of the Messiah's Rule") in [Luke 20:42-43](/luke/20-42-43 "Luke 20:42-43 - Jesus Quotes Psalm 110:1") before delivering the piercing question of [Luke 20:44](/luke/20-44 "Luke 20:44 - David's Lord and Son"). This strategic move not only demonstrates Jesus's superior wisdom but also exposes the theological limitations of His adversaries.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, the expectation of the Messiah was deeply rooted in the promise that He would be a descendant of King David—the "Son of David" ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). This lineage was crucial for establishing messianic credentials. However, the concept of the Messiah also carried implications of a powerful, liberating king who would restore Israel's sovereignty. The religious leaders, while acknowledging the Davidic lineage, largely overlooked or struggled with the prophetic hints of the Messiah's divine nature and pre-existence. Jesus's question in [Luke 20:44](/luke/20-44 "Luke 20:44 - The Messiah's Paradoxical Identity") directly challenges this limited, purely human understanding, forcing them to confront the implications of David, a revered king, calling his future descendant "Lord" (Adonai in Hebrew, Kyrios in Greek)—a term often reserved for God or one of supreme authority. This was a direct theological challenge to their established interpretations of messianic prophecy.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 20:44](/luke/20-44 "Luke 20:44 - The Messiah's Divine and Human Natures") powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to Luke's Gospel and Christian theology. Foremost is the **Dual Nature of Christ**, emphasizing that the Messiah is both fully human (the "son" of David by lineage) and fully divine (David's "Lord"). This foundational truth is echoed in passages like [Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Divinity") and [John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Another theme is the **Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecy**, as Jesus uses a well-known Old Testament passage ([Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - A Key Messianic Prophecy")) to reveal His own unique identity, demonstrating that He is the promised Christ, but in a way that transcends human expectations. Finally, the verse highlights **Jesus's Authority and Wisdom**, as His unanswerable question silences His adversaries and underscores His divine insight into Scripture and His own identity, a recurring motif throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "The Gospel of Luke").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **David (Greek, _Dabíd'_):** Refers to King David, the revered ancestor of the Messiah. Jesus's argument hinges on the fact that David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recognized a figure in his lineage who was also his superior, his "Lord." This highlights the paradox of the Messiah's identity.
* **calleth (Greek, _kaléō'_):** This verb means "to call" or "to name." In this context, it signifies David's act of acknowledging or designating the Messiah as "Lord." It implies a recognition of authority and status, not merely a casual address. The choice of this word emphasizes David's deliberate and Spirit-inspired declaration.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This is a crucial term, meaning "supreme in authority," "controller," or "Master." While it can be used as a respectful title for a human, in the context of [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The LORD and My Lord"), the second "Lord" (Adonai in Hebrew) carries a weight that transcends mere human respect, pointing towards divine sovereignty. Jesus's use of this term here forces the religious leaders to confront the implications of David's recognition of the Messiah as a divine figure.
* **son (Greek, _huiós'_):** This term denotes a descendant or offspring. In Jewish messianic expectation, the Messiah was unequivocally understood as the "Son of David," a direct lineal descendant. Jesus's question juxtaposes this clear understanding of human lineage with the divine appellation "Lord," creating the central tension of the passage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"David therefore calleth him Lord":** This clause establishes the premise of Jesus's argument, drawing directly from [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah's Divine Status"). Jesus points out that David, the revered patriarch and king, under divine inspiration, referred to the coming Messiah as "my Lord." This is a profound statement, as it implies a relationship of subordination on David's part to his own future descendant, suggesting a status for the Messiah far beyond that of a mere human king.
* **"how is he then his son?":** This is the rhetorical question that exposes the theological dilemma for Jesus's audience. If the Messiah is merely a human descendant ("son") of David, how could David, the great king, call him "Lord"—a title implying superior authority, even divine status? The question highlights the apparent contradiction between the Messiah's human lineage and the divine honor ascribed to Him by David himself. It forces a consideration of the Messiah's pre-existence and divine nature, which transcends simple human genealogy.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in [Luke 20:44](/luke/20-44 "Luke 20:44 - Jesus's Rhetorical Question"). The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "how is he then his son?" This question is not posed to elicit an answer from His adversaries, but to expose the inadequacy of their understanding of the Messiah and to highlight a profound theological truth. It functions as a challenge to their limited, human-centric view. Closely related is **Paradox**, as Jesus presents the seemingly contradictory truth that the Messiah is both David's human descendant ("son") and David's divine sovereign ("Lord"). This paradox encapsulates the mystery of Christ's hypostatic union—His dual nature as fully God and fully man. Furthermore, Jesus utilizes **Intertextuality** by quoting and interpreting [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - David's Prophecy of the Messiah"), a sacred text familiar to His audience. By re-contextualizing this well-known prophecy, Jesus reveals its deeper, Christological meaning, demonstrating His mastery of the Scriptures and His own fulfillment of them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:44 serves as a foundational text for understanding the person of Jesus Christ, particularly His divine and human natures. It challenges any simplistic view of the Messiah as merely a human king or a political liberator, compelling us to grapple with the profound mystery of His pre-existence and deity. Jesus, the Son of David according to the flesh, is simultaneously the eternal Son of God, to whom David himself paid homage. This paradox is essential for comprehending the efficacy of His atoning work, as only one who is both truly God and truly man could bridge the infinite gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. It underscores that salvation is not merely a political or earthly deliverance, but a spiritual redemption wrought by a divine-human Savior.

* [Matthew 22:41-46](/matthew/22-41-46 "Jesus Questions the Pharisees about the Christ")
* [Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3-4 "Christ's Dual Nature")
* [John 8:58](/john/8-58 "Jesus's Claim to Pre-existence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 20:44 invites us to move beyond superficial understandings of faith and to delve into the profound depths of who Jesus truly is. It challenges us to examine our own preconceptions about Christ, ensuring that our view encompasses both His full humanity and His full deity. For believers, this verse reinforces the bedrock truth of Christology, reminding us that the one who walked among us, ate with sinners, and died on a cross is also the eternal God, worthy of all worship and obedience. This understanding deepens our appreciation for His sacrifice and His sovereignty. It also serves as a model for engaging with Scripture: to seek not just the obvious meaning, but the Spirit-inspired, Christ-revealing truths that may challenge our comfortable assumptions. True spiritual insight often comes when we allow God's Word to expose our limitations and expand our understanding of His infinite wisdom and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus as both "Son of David" and "David's Lord" deepen your worship and appreciation for Him?**
* **In what ways might our modern understanding of Jesus be too limited or human-centric, similar to the religious leaders of Jesus's day?**
* **What assumptions or comfortable interpretations of Scripture might God be challenging in your own life today?**
* **How does the paradox of Christ's dual nature inform your understanding of His saving work on the cross?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus ask this question about the Messiah?**

Answer: Jesus asked this question to expose the theological limitations and spiritual blindness of the religious leaders who sought to trap Him. They understood the Messiah as a human descendant of David, a political king. By quoting [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - A Prophecy of the Messiah's Divine Rule"), where David calls his descendant "Lord," Jesus forced them to confront the paradox of a Messiah who was simultaneously David's son (human lineage) and David's Lord (divine authority and pre-existence). His aim was not to get an answer, but to silence their challenges and reveal His own unique, divine identity, which transcended their earthly expectations. As [Luke 20:40](/luke/20-40 "Luke 20:40 - No More Questions") notes, "they dared not ask him any question after that."

**What does "David therefore calleth him Lord" imply about the Messiah?**

Answer: This phrase, taken from [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed"), implies that the Messiah possessed a status far greater than that of a mere human king or descendant. For David, a great king and ancestor, to call his own future descendant "Lord" (Hebrew: Adonai; Greek: Kyrios) signifies a recognition of supreme authority, even divine authority. It points to the Messiah's pre-existence and His identity as God, not just a human figure. David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, foresaw a Messiah who would not only be his physical heir but also his divine sovereign. This underpins the Christian doctrine of Christ's deity.

**How does this verse relate to the Christian understanding of Jesus?**

Answer: [Luke 20:44](/luke/20-44 "Luke 20:44 - The Messiah's Dual Nature") is a cornerstone for the Christian understanding of Jesus's dual nature: He is both fully God and fully man. As the "Son of David," Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah's human lineage ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Jesus's Genealogy")). As "David's Lord," He is the pre-existent, divine Son of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). This theological truth, known as the hypostatic union, is crucial for understanding His redemptive work. Only a God-man could perfectly obey God's law and offer a sufficient sacrifice for the sins of humanity, bridging the gap between God and man ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:44 is a profound Christological statement, revealing Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the paradoxical identity of the Messiah—both human descendant and divine sovereign. Jesus is indeed the "Son of David" according to His human lineage, fulfilling the ancient promises made to David that his throne would be established forever ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Yet, as "David's Lord," He transcends mere humanity, embodying the divine nature that existed "in the beginning with God" ([John 1:1-2](/john/1-1-2 "John 1:1-2 - The Word Was God")). The very one whom David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, called "Lord" in [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Messiah's Exaltation") is Jesus Christ, who, after His resurrection, ascended to sit at the right hand of God, just as the Psalm prophesied ([Acts 2:34-36](/acts/2-34-36 "Acts 2:34-36 - Peter's Sermon on David and Christ")). He is the unique God-man, the only mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")), whose dual nature makes Him perfectly qualified to be our Savior and King, fully understanding our human condition while possessing the divine power to redeem us from sin and death ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")).

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

Revelation 22:16

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.

Romans 9:5

Whose [are] the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ [came], who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

1 Timothy 3:16

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Luke 2:11

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.