And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

LUKE 20:42KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“Psalms” Greek G5568 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
  • Acts 13:33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
  • Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

“book” Greek G976 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
  • Acts 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
  • Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

“hand” Greek G1188 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

“David” Greek G1138 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
  • Mark 10:48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
  • Acts 2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: