Matthew 22:43
He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Psalm 110 was universally recognized as messianic in Second Temple Judaism. The Targums (Aramaic paraphrases), Dead Sea Scrolls, and rabbinic literature consistently interpreted it as prophecy about the coming Davidic king. However, Jewish interpretation focused on Messiah's earthly reign, missing the implications of David calling Him 'Lord.' Jesus's exegetical question exposes this blind spot—they accepted the psalm's messianic reference but failed to recognize its testimony to Messiah's divinity. The New Testament quotes Psalm 110 more than any other Old Testament passage (cited or alluded to over 30 times), using it to prove Jesus's deity, exaltation, priesthood, and coming judgment. The early church saw Jesus's resurrection and ascension as fulfilling 'Sit at my right hand.'
Questions for Reflection
- How does Psalm 110:1 prove that Messiah must be both fully human (David's son) and fully divine (David's Lord)?
- What does Jesus's question reveal about the necessity of divine revelation in Scripture for understanding His identity?
- How does the New Testament's frequent use of Psalm 110 demonstrate Jesus's fulfillment of messianic prophecy?
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Analysis & Commentary
He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord (λέγει αὐτοῖς· Πῶς οὖν Δαυὶδ ἐν πνεύματι καλεῖ αὐτὸν κύριον/legei autois· Pōs oun Dauid en pneumati kalei auton kyrion). Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1, 'The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool' (verse 44). The phrase in spirit (ἐν πνεύματι/en pneumati) indicates David spoke by prophetic inspiration of the Holy Spirit—not merely human opinion but divine revelation. This establishes Psalm 110 as messianic prophecy requiring fulfillment.
The question poses theological puzzle: David, Israel's great king and Messiah's ancestor, calls Messiah Lord (κύριον/kyrion)—title of authority, sovereignty, deity. In Hebrew culture, fathers don't call sons 'Lord'; ancestors don't address descendants with supreme titles of respect. How can David's descendant simultaneously be David's superior and master? The only answer is incarnation—Messiah is both human (David's biological descendant through Mary, making Him David's son) and divine (eternal Son of God, making Him David's Lord). Jesus forces the Pharisees to confront the mystery they cannot solve without recognizing His deity.