Luke 20:42
And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸς
himself
G846
αὐτὸς
himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 17
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
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ψαλμῶν
of Psalms
G5568
ψαλμῶν
of Psalms
Strong's:
G5568
Word #:
7 of 17
a set piece of music, i.e., a sacred ode (accompanied with the voice, harp or other instrument; a "psalm"); collectively, the book of the psalms
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
10 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 17
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 #:
14 of 17
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 #:
15 of 17
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?1 Corinthians 15:25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.Luke 24:44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Historical Context
Psalm 110 was recognized as Messianic in Second Temple Judaism (evidenced in Dead Sea Scrolls). However, the paradox of David calling his own son 'Lord' wasn't fully resolved until Christian revelation of Jesus's deity. The New Testament uses Psalm 110:1 to affirm Christ's current heavenly session and future complete triumph (1 Corinthians 15:25, Hebrews 10:12-13).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Psalm 110:1 demonstrate the Trinity—Father addressing Son, both sharing divine identity?
- What does Christ's 'sitting' at God's right hand teach about His completed atoning work and ongoing reign?
- How should knowing Jesus currently reigns in heavenly authority affect your daily trust and obedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand (Καὶ αὐτὸς Δαυὶδ λέγει ἐν βίβλῳ ψαλμῶν, Εἶπεν κύριος τῷ κυρίῳ μου, Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, Kai autos Dauid legei en biblō psalmōn, Eipen kyrios tō kyriō mou, Kathou ek dexiōn mou)—Jesus cites Psalm 110:1, the Old Testament's most quoted verse in the New Testament. The Hebrew distinguishes YHWH (LORD, Yahweh) from Adonai (my Lord): 'YHWH said to my Adon.' David, through the Spirit, reports God the Father addressing someone David calls 'my Lord.'
Sit thou on my right hand (Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου)—the right hand is the position of highest honor and authority. Kathou (sit, be seated) in the present imperative suggests both rest from completed work and reigning authority. This prophesies Messiah's exaltation after accomplishing redemption—precisely what happened at Jesus's ascension (Acts 2:33-35, Hebrews 1:3, 13). Peter quoted this Psalm at Pentecost to prove Jesus's lordship.