King James Version

What Does Luke 22:69 Mean?

Luke 22:69 in the King James Version says “Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. — study this verse from Luke chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.

Luke 22:69 · KJV


Context

67

Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

68

And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.

69

Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.

70

Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.

71

And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Jesus now answers their question (v. 67) with prophetic declaration: apo tou nyn estai ho huios tou anthrōpou kathēmenos ek dexiōn tēs dynameōs tou theou (ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν ἔσται ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου καθήμενος ἐκ δεξιῶν τῆς δυνάμεως τοῦ θεοῦ, 'from now the Son of man will be sitting at right hand of the power of God'). The phrase apo tou nyn (ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν, 'from now on, henceforth') is emphatic—Jesus predicts immediate exaltation despite imminent crucifixion. The title ho huios tou anthrōpou (ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, 'the Son of man') references Daniel 7:13-14, the messianic figure receiving eternal dominion.

The phrase kathēmenos ek dexiōn (καθήμενος ἐκ δεξιῶν, 'sitting at right hand') quotes Psalm 110:1: 'The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.' This position signifies authority, honor, and divine co-rulership. Jesus claims equality with God—tēs dynameōs tou theou (τῆς δυνάμεως τοῦ θεοῦ, 'of the power of God') is circumlocution for God Himself (Jews avoided speaking the divine name). Jesus declares that the bound prisoner they're condemning will judge them from God's throne. The irony is cosmic: they judge Him temporally; He'll judge them eternally.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus' claim combined Daniel 7:13-14 (Son of man coming with clouds) and Psalm 110:1 (sitting at God's right hand)—both messianic texts the Sanhedrin recognized. By applying them to Himself, Jesus claimed divine authority. Stephen's vision before martyrdom confirmed this claim: 'I see... the Son of man standing on the right hand of God' (Acts 7:56). Peter's Pentecost sermon cited Psalm 110:1 as proof of Jesus' resurrection and exaltation (Acts 2:34-36). Paul affirmed Christ 'sat down on the right hand of God' (Colossians 3:1).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' prophecy of exaltation while on trial demonstrate faith versus circumstances?
  2. What does 'sitting at God's right hand' reveal about Christ's authority and deity?
  3. How does Jesus' future judgment of His judges invert earthly power structures?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἀπὸ1 of 15

Hereafter

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ2 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νῦν3 of 15
G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

ἔσται4 of 15

shall

G2071

will be

5 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱὸς6 of 15

the Son

G5207

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

τοῦ7 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπου8 of 15

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

καθήμενος9 of 15

sit

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ἐκ10 of 15

on

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

δεξιῶν11 of 15

the right hand

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

τῆς12 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δυνάμεως13 of 15

of the power

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

τοῦ14 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ15 of 15

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


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 22:69 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 22:69 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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