Luke 20:44
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:44
44 David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, creation, redemption. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-47: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 20:44
44 David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?
Analysis
David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son? (Δαυὶδ οὖν κύριον αὐτὸν καλεῖ, καὶ πῶς αὐτοῦ υἱός ἐστιν; Dauid oun kyrion auton kalei, kai pōs autou huios estin?)—Oun (therefore) draws the logical conclusion. Kalei (calls, names) in present tense emphasizes ongoing testimony: David continually addresses Messiah as kyrion (Lord). Pōs (how?) presents the paradox: fathers don't call sons 'Lord'—sons honor fathers (Exodus 20:12), not vice versa.
The only solution: Messiah transcends normal human categories. He is David's son by human descent (Romans 1:3), David's Lord by divine nature (Romans 1:4). The incarnation resolves the riddle: eternal Son of God assumes human nature through Davidic line. This question exposed inadequate Jewish Christology and anticipated early church's confession: 'Jesus Christ... was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power' (Romans 1:3-4). The scribes couldn't answer because their framework excluded divine Messiah.
Historical Context
No record exists of the scribes answering Jesus's question. Mark 12:37 notes 'the common people heard him gladly,' suggesting His argument resonated with ordinary listeners even if experts remained silent. This question became foundational for Christian theology: Christ's deity wasn't invented by later councils but was implicit in Jesus's own teaching and Old Testament prophecy.
Reflection
- How does the mystery of Christ being both David's son and David's Lord require faith to accept what logic alone can't fully explain?
- What other biblical paradoxes about Jesus (fully God/fully human, suffering servant/conquering king) require similar both/and rather than either/or thinking?
- How should Christ's identity as both human descendant and divine Lord shape your worship and obedience?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References David: Revelation 22:16