King James Version

What Does Psalms 110:1 Mean?

Psalms 110:1 in the King James Version says “A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool .” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 110 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool .”

Psalms 110:1 · KJV

Context

1

A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool .

2

The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

3

Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. from: or, more than the womb of the morning: thou shalt have, etc

Read Psalms 110 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This opening verse contains one of the most profound Christological declarations in the Old Testament. 'The LORD said unto my Lord' presents a dialogue within the Godhead - the first 'LORD' (YHWH in Hebrew) addresses the second 'my Lord' (Hebrew 'adonai'), establishing a relationship between the eternal God and the Messianic figure. The command 'Sit thou at my right hand' signifies supreme authority, power, and honor in ancient Near Eastern kingship protocol. The right hand position denotes the seat of highest privilege and authority in the heavenly court. 'Until I make thine enemies thy footstool' employs the imagery of conquest - enemies become a platform under the Messiah's feet, representing complete subjugation and vindication. The word 'until' does not suggest temporary rule but rather completion of the conquest; all opposition will be definitively overcome. This verse establishes the Messiah's exaltation, vindication, and ultimate dominion over all opposition. The Hebrew parallelism between 'my Lord' sitting in supreme position and enemies becoming His footstool creates a powerful theological statement about the reversal of fortunes for the Messiah who appears defeated but is ultimately triumphant.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 110 is attributed to David and was likely composed during the Davidic monarchy, though some scholars propose a post-exilic origin. The psalm celebrates the King's establishment and divine appointment, reflecting ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology where kings were viewed as representatives of deity. However, the Messianic language exceeds normal royal psaltery, pointing beyond David to an ultimate anointed one. First-century Jewish interpreters recognized the Messianic implications of Psalm 110:1, as evidenced by Jesus Himself quoting it to challenge the Pharisees' understanding of the Messiah (Matthew 22:41-46). The early church cited this verse more frequently than any other Old Testament passage - appearing in Matthew 22:44, Mark 12:36, Luke 20:42-43, Acts 2:34-35, 1 Corinthians 15:25, Ephesians 1:20, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 1:13, and 1 Peter 3:22. This extraordinary attestation indicates the verse's centrality to Christian understanding of Christ's resurrection, ascension, and continued intercession at God's right hand. The apostolic church viewed this prophecy as fulfilled in Jesus' exaltation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the significance of the Messiah sitting 'at the right hand' of God, and how does this position relate to His authority and intercessory work?
  2. How does the phrase 'my Lord' acknowledge the Messiah's deity and distinct personhood while maintaining monotheism?
  3. What does it mean that enemies become a 'footstool,' and how does this relate to Christ's final victory over all opposition?
  4. Why did first-century Jewish leaders struggle to reconcile Psalm 110 with their expectations of a conquering Messiah?
  5. How does the New Testament's application of Psalm 110:1 to Jesus' ascension change our understanding of His earthly ministry and rejection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
נְאֻ֤ם1 of 10

“said”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֨ה׀2 of 10

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לַֽאדֹנִ֗י3 of 10

“unto my Lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

שֵׁ֥ב4 of 10

“Sit”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

לִֽימִינִ֑י5 of 10

“thou at my right hand”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

עַד6 of 10
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אָשִׁ֥ית7 of 10

“until I make”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

אֹ֝יְבֶ֗יךָ8 of 10

“thine enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

הֲדֹ֣ם9 of 10

“thy footstool”

H1916

a footstool

לְרַגְלֶֽיךָ׃10 of 10
H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Psalms 110:1 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 Psalms 110:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 10:12-131 Corinthians 15:25Luke 20:42-43Hebrews 1:13Mark 12:35-37Hebrews 1:3

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