Psalms 110:1

Authorized King James Version

The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נְאֻ֤ם
said
an oracle
#2
יְהוָ֨ה׀
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
לַֽאדֹנִ֗י
unto my Lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#4
שֵׁ֥ב
Sit
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#5
לִֽימִינִ֑י
thou at my right hand
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#6
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#7
אָשִׁ֥ית
until I make
to place (in a very wide application)
#8
אֹ֝יְבֶ֗יךָ
thine enemies
hating; an adversary
#9
הֲדֹ֣ם
thy footstool
a footstool
#10
לְרַגְלֶֽיךָ׃
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

Cross References

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Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection