King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:43 Mean?

Matthew 22:43 in the King James Version says “He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,”

Matthew 22:43 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

41

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,

42

Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.

43

He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,

44

The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool ?

45

If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?

Read Matthew 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord (λέγει αὐτοῖς· Πῶς οὖν Δαυὶδ ἐν πνεύματι καλεῖ αὐτὸν κύριον/legei autois· Pōs oun Dauid en pneumati kalei auton kyrion). Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1, 'The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool' (verse 44). The phrase in spirit (ἐν πνεύματι/en pneumati) indicates David spoke by prophetic inspiration of the Holy Spirit—not merely human opinion but divine revelation. This establishes Psalm 110 as messianic prophecy requiring fulfillment.

The question poses theological puzzle: David, Israel's great king and Messiah's ancestor, calls Messiah Lord (κύριον/kyrion)—title of authority, sovereignty, deity. In Hebrew culture, fathers don't call sons 'Lord'; ancestors don't address descendants with supreme titles of respect. How can David's descendant simultaneously be David's superior and master? The only answer is incarnation—Messiah is both human (David's biological descendant through Mary, making Him David's son) and divine (eternal Son of God, making Him David's Lord). Jesus forces the Pharisees to confront the mystery they cannot solve without recognizing His deity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 110 was universally recognized as messianic in Second Temple Judaism. The Targums (Aramaic paraphrases), Dead Sea Scrolls, and rabbinic literature consistently interpreted it as prophecy about the coming Davidic king. However, Jewish interpretation focused on Messiah's earthly reign, missing the implications of David calling Him 'Lord.' Jesus's exegetical question exposes this blind spot—they accepted the psalm's messianic reference but failed to recognize its testimony to Messiah's divinity. The New Testament quotes Psalm 110 more than any other Old Testament passage (cited or alluded to over 30 times), using it to prove Jesus's deity, exaltation, priesthood, and coming judgment. The early church saw Jesus's resurrection and ascension as fulfilling 'Sit at my right hand.'

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Psalm 110:1 prove that Messiah must be both fully human (David's son) and fully divine (David's Lord)?
  2. What does Jesus's question reveal about the necessity of divine revelation in Scripture for understanding His identity?
  3. How does the New Testament's frequent use of Psalm 110 demonstrate Jesus's fulfillment of messianic prophecy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
λέγων1 of 11

“He saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτὸν2 of 11

“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

Πῶς3 of 11

“How”

G4459

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

οὖν4 of 11

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

Δαβὶδ5 of 11

“doth David”

G1138

david, the israelite king

ἐν6 of 11

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πνεύματι7 of 11

“spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

κύριον8 of 11

“Lord”

G2962

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

αὐτὸν9 of 11

“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

καλεῖ10 of 11

“call”

G2564

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

λέγων11 of 11

“He saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 22:43 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 Matthew 22:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 23:2Revelation 4:2Mark 12:36Acts 1:16Hebrews 3:7Revelation 1:10

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