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,
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανούς
the heavens
G3772
οὐρανούς
the heavens
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
7 of 20
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτός
himself
G846
αὐτός
himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
13 of 20
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
15 of 20
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Κάθου
Sit thou
G2521
Κάθου
Sit thou
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
17 of 20
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
ἐκ
on
G1537
ἐκ
on
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
18 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Psalms 110:1The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.Hebrews 1:13But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?Ephesians 1:22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,Mark 12:36For 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.1 Corinthians 15:25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
Historical Context
Psalm 110 was unanimously recognized as messianic in Second Temple Judaism. David's authorship was undisputed. Peter's argument was devastating: if David prophesied about Messiah, and Jesus rose from death, then Jesus is Messiah and Lord. The logic was inescapable for those accepting Scripture's authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Psalm 110's divine/human dyad prove Christ's deity within monotheistic Judaism?
- What does Christ's session at God's right hand mean for believers' present security and future hope?
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter quotes Psalm 110:1 - 'The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand' - to prove Christ's deity and messianic identity. The Hebrew distinguishes Yahweh (LORD, covenant name) commanding Adonai (Lord, master) to sit enthroned. David calls his descendant 'Lord,' impossible unless this descendant is divine. Christ used this psalm to confound Pharisees (Matthew 22:41-46); Peter now wields it evangelistically.