Luke 22:69

KJV

Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hereafter {G3568}{G575} shall {G2071} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} sit {G2521} on {G1537} the right hand {G1188} of the power {G1411} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But from now on, the Son of Man will be sitting at the right hand of HaG’vurah,”

Berean Standard Bible

But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”

American Standard Version

But from henceforth shall the Son of man be seated at the right hand of the power of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this pivotal moment before the Sanhedrin, Jesus unequivocally declares His future exaltation and divine authority, asserting that "Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God." This statement, made amidst His trial and impending suffering, is a profound claim of His messianic identity and co-equality with God, foreshadowing His post-resurrection enthronement and ultimate cosmic reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration in Luke 22:69 is the climax of Jesus' interrogation before the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin, following His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. The preceding verses detail the high priest's direct questioning about Jesus' identity as the Christ and the Son of God. While Jesus' earlier responses have been somewhat indirect or challenging, this verse marks a definitive and bold affirmation of His divine status and future role. It is a direct answer to their inquiry, setting the stage for their immediate condemnation of Him for blasphemy, as recorded in [Luke 22:70-71](/luke/22-70-71 "Luke 22:70-71 - The Sanhedrin's Condemnation"). This statement is not merely a theological assertion but a direct challenge to their earthly authority, pointing to His ultimate heavenly reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin, composed of chief priests, elders, and scribes, was the supreme Jewish judicial and religious body. Their interrogation of Jesus was a formal, albeit illegal, trial designed to find grounds for His condemnation. The charge of blasphemy, particularly claiming to be God or equal with God, was the most severe religious offense under Jewish law, punishable by death. The concept of a Messiah was deeply ingrained in Jewish expectation, but their understanding often focused on a political liberator rather than a suffering servant who would be exalted to God's right hand. Jesus' use of "Son of Man" would have immediately evoked the prophetic vision in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"), which depicted a divine, authoritative figure, thus intensifying the perceived blasphemy for those who rejected His claims.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It highlights Jesus' **Messianic Identity** and **Divine Authority**, confirming His unique relationship with God the Father. It underscores the theme of **Exaltation Through Suffering**, demonstrating that Jesus' path to ultimate glory involves profound humility and crucifixion. Furthermore, it speaks to the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, particularly the Danielic vision of the Son of Man and various Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's reign. The declaration also emphasizes the **Imminent Kingdom of God**, not just as a future event but as a present reality inaugurated by Christ's work, culminating in His heavenly enthronement. This theme is foundational to Luke's portrayal of Jesus' ministry, from His inaugural sermon in [Luke 4:16-21](/luke/4-16-21 "Luke 4:16-21 - Jesus' Sermon in Nazareth") to His post-resurrection teachings in [Luke 24:44-49](/luke/24-44-49 "Luke 24:44-49 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hereafter (Greek, _nŷn'_):** From G3568, a primary particle of present time, meaning "now" as an adverb of date, a transition, or emphasis. While often meaning "now," in this context, combined with the future tense of "shall sit," it denotes a coming time, "from now on" or "henceforth." It signifies a definitive turning point from His earthly humiliation to His heavenly exaltation.
* **sit (Greek, _káthēmai'_):** From G2521, meaning "to sit down," but figuratively "to remain, reside." In the context of "on the right hand," sitting is not merely resting but signifies an established position of authority, rule, and permanence. It implies an enthronement and the commencement of a reign.
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** From G1411, meaning "force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)." Here, it is used as a circumlocution for God Himself, emphasizing His inherent might and authority. To sit at the "right hand of the Power of God" means to sit at the right hand of God's very essence of might and authority, signifying co-equality and shared dominion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hereafter shall the Son of man sit":** This clause marks a decisive shift from Jesus' present suffering and humiliation to His future glory. "The Son of man" is Jesus' preferred self-designation, emphasizing both His true humanity and His unique, divinely appointed role as the figure prophesied in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Heavenly Authority"). The future tense "shall sit" is a prophetic declaration, not a mere hope, indicating a certain and imminent enthronement.
* **"on the right hand of the power of God.":** This phrase denotes the highest possible position of honor, authority, and shared rule. In ancient cultures, the right hand was the place of favor, strength, and executive power. By saying "the power of God," Jesus uses a reverent circumlocution for God Himself, avoiding direct utterance of the divine name, while simultaneously asserting His co-equality and intimate relationship with the Almighty. This is a claim to divine prerogative and sovereign rule.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:69 is rich with **Symbolism**. The title "Son of Man" is a profound symbol, linking Jesus' humanity with the divine, authoritative figure of [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts and the Son of Man"). The "right hand" is a universal symbol of authority, honor, and power, signifying the highest possible position of shared rule with God. The phrase "the power of God" serves as a **Circumlocution**, a respectful way of referring to God without directly naming Him, while simultaneously emphasizing His omnipotence. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophecy**, a declaration of a future event—Jesus' post-resurrection ascension and enthronement—made with absolute certainty in the face of His imminent death, thereby highlighting His divine foresight and control over His destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:69 is a foundational verse for understanding Christology and eschatology. It unequivocally asserts Jesus' divine identity and His ultimate authority, even as He stands condemned by human courts. This declaration establishes the trajectory of His post-resurrection ministry: not merely a return to life, but an ascension to the cosmic throne. It speaks to the sovereignty of God's plan, where suffering precedes glory, and humiliation gives way to exaltation. The "right hand of God" signifies not just a place, but a state of being: full participation in divine power and rule, a truth echoed throughout the New Testament as the basis for Christ's ongoing intercession and future judgment.

* [Psalm 110:1](/psalm/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed King")
* [Acts 7:55-56](/acts/7-55-56 "Acts 7:55-56 - Stephen's Vision of Jesus at God's Right Hand")
* [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Exalted Position")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:69 serves as a powerful anchor for faith, reminding believers that even in the darkest valleys of life, Christ is sovereignly enthroned. Jesus' unwavering confidence in His future exaltation, even as He faced the cross, inspires us to trust in God's ultimate plan despite present trials and apparent defeats. This verse calls us to shift our perspective from earthly circumstances to heavenly realities, recognizing that the King who suffered for us now reigns with all authority. It provides profound comfort that our Savior is not a defeated figure but the triumphant Lord, actively ruling and interceding on our behalf. His present reign assures us that all things are ultimately under His control, working towards His glorious purposes. This truth empowers us to live with hope, courage, and steadfastness, knowing that our ultimate vindication and glorification are tied to His.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' declaration of His future reign, made in the face of His immediate suffering, challenge or comfort your understanding of God's sovereignty in your own life?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that Jesus is "sitting on the right hand of the power of God" right now? How does this truth impact your prayers, your trust, and your daily walk?**
* **In what ways can you live out the reality of Christ's present reign in your sphere of influence, even when circumstances seem to contradict His authority?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jesus use the title "Son of Man" instead of "Son of God" in this declaration?**

Answer: Jesus frequently used "Son of Man" (G5207, G444) as His primary self-designation, and its use here is highly significant. While the high priest directly asked if He was the "Son of God" (Luke 22:70), Jesus' response with "Son of Man" subtly yet powerfully combines His true humanity with the profound messianic and divine authority prophesied in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds"). In Daniel's vision, the "Son of Man" comes with the clouds of heaven and is given everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will not be destroyed. By choosing this title, Jesus not only affirmed His human identification but, more importantly, asserted His divine prerogative and future cosmic reign in a way that resonated with specific prophetic expectations, making His claim even more impactful and, to His accusers, blasphemous.

**What is the significance of "sitting on the right hand of the power of God"?**

Answer: "Sitting on the right hand" (G1537, G1188) is a powerful biblical idiom signifying the highest position of honor, authority, and shared rule. In ancient cultures, the right hand was associated with strength, favor, and executive power. For Jesus to declare He would sit at the right hand of "the power of God" (G1411, G2316) means He claims co-equality and co-regency with God the Father. This is not merely a place of rest but an active posture of reigning and exercising divine authority. It signifies His enthronement as King of kings and Lord of lords, fulfilling prophecies like [Psalm 110:1](/psalm/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed King") and establishing His ongoing intercessory and judicial role, as seen in passages like [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:69 stands as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, articulating the very essence of Jesus' post-resurrection glory and ongoing reign. Despite His imminent suffering and death, Jesus confidently declares His future enthronement, a truth that becomes the bedrock of New Testament theology. His ascension to "the right hand of the power of God" (a phrase echoed in [Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Jesus Exalted to God's Right Hand") and [Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20-21 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ's Supremacy")) signifies His ultimate victory over sin and death, His completed redemptive work, and His establishment as the sovereign Head of the Church. He is the Lamb who was slain, now seated as the Lion of Judah, exercising all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). This enthronement means He is actively interceding for believers ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")), ruling over all creation ([Colossians 1:15-18](/colossians/1-15-18 "Colossians 1:15-18 - The Supremacy of Christ")), and awaiting the full consummation of His kingdom when He returns in glory, just as He prophesied here ([Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Son of Man Coming on the Clouds")). Thus, Luke 22:69 is not merely a historical statement but a living truth that defines Christ's present reality and the believer's ultimate hope.

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

Mark 16:19

¶ So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

Daniel 7:13

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

Daniel 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

Hebrews 1:3

Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

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 2:36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.