King James Version

What Does Luke 20:44 Mean?

Luke 20:44 in the King James Version says “David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?”

Luke 20:44 · KJV

Context

42

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

43

Till I make thine enemies thy footstool .

44

David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?

45

Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,

46

Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. 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?
  2. What other biblical paradoxes about Jesus (fully God/fully human, suffering servant/conquering king) require similar both/and rather than either/or thinking?
  3. How should Christ's identity as both human descendant and divine Lord shape your worship and obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Δαβὶδ1 of 10

“David”

G1138

david, the israelite king

οὖν2 of 10

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

κύριον3 of 10

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

αὐτοῦ4 of 10

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καλεῖ5 of 10

“calleth”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

καὶ6 of 10

“then”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πῶς7 of 10

“how”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

υἱός8 of 10

“son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

αὐτοῦ9 of 10

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐστιν10 of 10

“is he”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 20:44 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 20:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 22:16Romans 9:5Matthew 1:23Isaiah 7:14Luke 2:111 Timothy 3:16

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