Luke 20:42 (KJV)

What does Luke 20:42 mean?

Luke 20:42 records Jesus quoting King David from the book of Psalms, where David says, "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand." This verse points to a conversation between two figures called "Lord," highlighting a distinction between God and the one David calls "my Lord."

In this setting, Jesus is speaking to religious leaders in Jerusalem, challenging their understanding of the Messiah. By quoting David, Jesus shows that even David recognized someone greater than himself, whom he calls "my Lord." The verse refers to Psalm 110:1 and raises the question of how the Messiah can be both David’s descendant and his Lord.

The Greek behind Luke 20:42

• κύριος (kurios, "LORD" and "Lord"): The same Greek word is used for both "LORD" (referring to God) and "my Lord" (referring to someone David honors), but the context distinguishes the two. This double use highlights the special status of the second "Lord."
• ψαλμοίς (psalmois, "Psalms"): This word points out that Jesus is quoting from the book of Psalms, grounding His argument in Scripture that the religious leaders respected.
• δεξιᾷ (dexia, "right hand"): The phrase "sit on my right hand" is a position of highest honor and authority, showing the special role given to the one David calls "my Lord."

Why Luke 20:42 matters

• Luke 20:42 clarifies that the Messiah is not just a political descendant of David but holds a higher, even divine, status.
• The verse challenges the common expectation that the Messiah would simply be another earthly king like David, instead suggesting a much greater identity.
• By using Scripture familiar to His audience, Jesus invites the religious leaders to reconsider their assumptions about who the Messiah is and how He relates to God.