The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
The LORD {G2962} said {G2036} unto my {G3450} Lord {G2962}, Sit thou {G2521} on {G1537} my {G3450} right hand {G1188}, till {G2193}{G302} I make {G5087} thine {G4675} enemies {G2190} thy {G4675} footstool {G5286}{G4228}?
`ADONAI said to my Lord, "Sit here at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet"'?
‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’
The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I put thine enemies underneath thy feet?
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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. -
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? -
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. -
1 Corinthians 15:25
For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. -
Hebrews 10:12
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; -
Hebrews 10:13
From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
Matthew 22:44 (KJV) records Jesus quoting an Old Testament psalm to challenge the religious leaders of His day, revealing a profound truth about His own identity as the Messiah.
Context
This verse is part of a series of intense confrontations Jesus had with the Jewish religious authorities in Jerusalem during the final week of His earthly ministry. After successfully answering challenging questions from the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians, Jesus turns the tables and poses a question to the Pharisees about the Messiah (Christ). He asks them, "What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?" When they correctly reply, "The Son of David," Jesus then quotes Psalm 110:1, asking how David could call his own descendant "Lord" if the Messiah were merely a human king. This verse (Matthew 22:44) is the direct quotation of that pivotal psalm, highlighting the Messiah's divine nature and authority that transcends mere human lineage.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The distinction between the two "Lords" in this verse is crucial for understanding its theological weight. "The LORD" (capitalized in KJV) refers to Yahweh, the personal name of God the Father in the Old Testament. "My Lord" refers to the Messiah, whom David acknowledges as his superior. In the original Hebrew of Psalm 110:1, this distinction is even clearer: YHWH (the divine name, translated "The LORD") says to Adonai (a respectful title for master or lord, but here used for the Messiah in a profound way that implies divinity). Jesus' use of this psalm highlights that the Messiah is not merely a human king but possesses a divine nature that transcends human lineage, making Him worthy of David's worship and submission.
Reflection and Application
This verse compels us to consider the full identity of Jesus Christ. He is not just a historical figure, a good teacher, or a prophet, but the eternal Son of God, the rightful Lord of all creation. His position "on the right hand" of God assures us of His ongoing reign and authority over all things, including the spiritual forces of evil and the challenges we face in life. Just as Peter declared on the day of Pentecost, God has made Jesus "both Lord and Christ." This profound truth offers immense hope and security, knowing that our Savior is sovereign and will ultimately subdue all His enemies, bringing about His perfect kingdom. Our response should be one of worship, submission, and trust in His ultimate victory.