Matthew 22:42
Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.
Original Language Analysis
λέγουσιν
Saying
G3004
λέγουσιν
Saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τίνος
What
G5101
τίνος
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
2 of 14
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
δοκεῖ
think
G1380
δοκεῖ
think
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
4 of 14
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τίνος
What
G5101
τίνος
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
8 of 14
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
υἱός
son
G5207
υἱός
son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
9 of 14
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
λέγουσιν
Saying
G3004
λέγουσιν
Saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 14
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
Cross References
Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.Matthew 1:1The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.Amos 9:11In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:Matthew 9:27And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.Matthew 21:9And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.Matthew 14:33Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.John 20:28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.John 1:49Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
Historical Context
Psalm 110:1 was recognized as messianic. David, writing by the Spirit, called Messiah 'my Lord'—but ancestors don't call descendants 'Lord.' This paradox reveals Messiah's dual nature—fully human (descended from David) and fully God (David's Lord). The Pharisees couldn't answer (v. 46), showing their inadequate christology.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing Jesus as both David's son and Lord shape your worship?
- Why is Jesus' dual nature (human and divine) essential to salvation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' question 'What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?' tests the Pharisees' messianic understanding. Their answer 'The son of David' (v. 42) was correct but incomplete. Jesus then asks how David could call his descendant 'Lord' (v. 43-44, quoting Psalm 110:1). The dilemma: how can Messiah be both David's son (descendant) and David's Lord (superior)? The answer: Jesus is both human (David's son) and divine (David's Lord)—the God-man.